Bath Spa University

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Which Course is Right For Me?

It's important that you're happy with the course you plan to study, because you're much more likely to succeed with your studies if you have a real interest in the subject and want to explore it in depth. You will see from this prospectus that there are lots of courses to choose from, and each course will have an element of flexibility within it, so that you can focus on those aspects of the subject that interest you most.

You can select to study at different levels, depending on your educational qualifications, the length of time you want to study, where you want to study, and how much work-based learning you want.

Undergraduate

Honours Degree Courses

• The majority of our students (about 82%) are following honours degree courses;
• These involve three years of fulltime study, or five to six years part-time study;
• Most of our degree courses are based at our main Newton Park or Sion Hill campuses for all three years. However we have arrangements with some FE colleges where you can study the first year of your degree course at your local college and then transfer to Newton Park for Years 2 and 3;
• Entry requirements are in the region of 220-280 UCAS tariff points, or equivalent;
• Degree courses can be in a single subject (Single or Specialised Awards) or in two subjects (Combined Awards);
• Your qualification when you graduate would be either BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons), depending on whether your course was arts-based or science-based.

Foundation Degrees (FD)

• A relatively new vocational qualification, and an area of particular growth for Bath Spa University;
• Provides a combination of academic training and work-related skills;
• Two years full-time study, although for some FDs this involves just one day of formal academic tuition per week, with the rest of the time spent studying vocationally in your workplace;
• Most FDs are taught in our partner colleges;
• Entry requirements vary: most only require an academic qualification at Level 3 (A-Level or NVQ Level 3, for example), but many also place considerable emphasis on relevant work experience (and as such, are not suitable for school leavers);
• There is potential to progress to a compatible honours degree at the end of the two years (88 % of our Foundation Degree students enrolled onto Year 3 of an honours course last year after successfully completing the FD);
• A work-based learning honours programme is planned for FD students who successfully complete their course - an exciting new development;
• That means that you can continue to study your chosen subject at honours level but do so by undertaking a work-based project (full-time or part-time);
• You'll extend your capabilities and enhance your employability skills through the workplace - and develop research and project management skills at the same time;
• Contact our School for Development and Participation on (01225) 876179 to find out more about work-based learning.

Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Courses

• Two years full-time (three to five years part-time);
• Entry requirements are lower than for honours degree courses: generally in the region of 80-120 UCAS tariff points;
• All subjects available at honours degree level, except for specialist Art and Design courses, are available at DipHE level. You would select a single award or a combined award, exactly the same as a degree student;
• The pattern of study for a DipHE is the same as for the first two years of the degree course (so you study alongside degree students for the first two years);
• You would have more support from tutors if you need it, to make sure that you are able to cope with the work;
• If you want to transfer to the degree course, you are able to do so at the end of either your first year or your second year (provided you make satisfactory progress);
• The DipHE route might suit you if you are not confident that you would meet the entry requirements for a degree course, and do not want to commit to three years of study, but with the option of transferring if your studies go well.

Postgraduate

Taught Postgraduate Degrees

• Our Postgraduate Awards have developed over the years - often with invaluable input from experts within associated industries - to provide opportunities for advanced study that are both academically challenging and vocationally relevant.
• As a postgraduate student you will derive considerable personal satisfaction from pursuing your studies to postgraduate level, and you may decide to extend your research further still and join our growing body of research students undertaking doctorate level work.
• Taught Programmes lead to the award of Master's degrees (MSc, MA, MTeach or MRes) or Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip).

Research Degrees

• The University operates within a vigorous research culture in which students undertaking MPhiI and PhD degrees excel, undertaking work at the cutting edge of their fields of study.
• Research Programmes lead to the award of MPhil or PhD.

Post Graduate Certificates in Education (PGCE)

• Bath Spa University has a long tradition of teacher training, and courses are planned and taught in close collaboration with teachers in schools.
• A high proportion of time is spent on serial and block school placements, working with pupils, teachers and university tutors in the classroom.
• All PGCE trainees are given the necessary teaching and support to meet the government's requirements for ICT standards for new teachers.
• We offer the following PGCE courses: Primary (3-11 Age Group), Middle Years (8-14 Age Group), and Secondary (11-18 Age Group).

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Continuing Professional Development Programmes provide a structured programme of training and development for teachers, lecturers in post-compulsory education, and other professions.
• Maximum flexibility is built into the delivery of these programmes.