Guide to part-time Study at Kent

Guide to Part-time Study at Kent From Day Schools to PhDs

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Guide to part-time study

Studying part-time at Kent you can be sure that whether you attend a day school, take a short course or work towards a degree, whether you are learning for leisure or studying to gain a qualification, you will find quality teaching, a friendly atmosphere and lots of support.

Contents Why do you want to study?

4

Where are you now?

5

The nine ways you can study

6

Locations

10

Student support and facilities

13

Fees and funding

14

What next?

17

FAQs

18

Glossary

19

3

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Why do you want to study?

There are lots of ways you can study at Kent, and what you choose will depend on why you want to study. We have given three of the most popular reasons below along with some of our suggestions about what you might like to consider.

Purely for pleasure and interest • Attend one of the regular open lectures, college events or exhibitions • Day Schools are a great opportunity to indulge your interest in a subject in the company of a specialist lecturer and other enthusiasts • Open Studies short courses for interest or as a taster for further study

Canterbury, Medway and Tonbridge • There are over 100 part-time postgraduate programmes ranging from Anthropology to War, Media and Modernity

For personal development – enjoy learning while gaining credits

For career development

• The Access to Higher Education Diploma offers an A level equivalent pathway into degreelevel study • The Certificate in Combined Studies is offered as standalone modules you can use to work towards a qualification equivalent to the first year of a degree • Certificates, diplomas and degrees are available in a wide range of subjects at

• The Kent Business School offers business and management programmes including the prestigious Kent MBA • There is an extensive range of degrees and short courses available in the health and social care fields including Professional Practice, Clinical Practice, Dentistry, Mental Health, Learning Disability, Community Care, and Substance Misuse.

4

“I’ve always liked history, but I left school after my O levels and I didn’t think I could do it. But the tutors help you with essay writing and you soon learn to be organised.

“The best bit for me is when you’ve finished an essay and you think to yourself, ‘I wrote that!’ ” Lynne Sowa Certificate in Local History

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Did you know?

Where are you now?

guide Advice is available to skill of el lev the ut you abo rses, needed for all our cou including open-entr y.

272 Please call 01227 827

The table below will help you understand the value of any qualifications you already have.

• • • •

In general you will need Level 3 qualifications to apply for university-level credit-bearing study; however there are some exceptions which do not require any prior academic qualifications, including:

In addition, for students who are returning to learning, we may be able to consider previous experience including work-related skills, alternative qualifications and other information instead of traditional entrance requirements.

Level 8

Level 7

Day Schools Open Studies Access to Higher Education (HE) The Certificate in Combined Studies.

Please note: if you have studied at university level before you may be required to pay Equivalent or Lower Level Qualification (ELQ) fees.

For more information on ELQ fees please see p14.

Qualifications are: Doctorate (PhD) To apply for a Level 8 qualification, you need: Level 6-7 qualification Qualifications are: MA ie, Master’s Degree in Arts MSc ie, Master’s Degree in Science or equivalent To apply for a Level 7 qualification, you need: Level 5-6 qualification

Level 6

Qualifications are: BA (Hons) ie, Bachelor of Arts Degree BSc (Hons) ie, Bachelor of Science Degree To apply for a Level 6 qualification, you need: Level 3-5 qualification

Level 5

Qualifications are: NVQ 5, Diploma of Higher Education (= second year at university), Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma To apply for a Level 5 qualification, you need: Level 3-4 qualification

Level 4

Qualifications are: NVQ 4, Certificate of Higher Education (= first year at university) To apply for a Level 4 qualification, you need: Level 3 qualification Qualifications are: NVQ 3, A levels, International Baccalaureate, BTEC National Certificate/ Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Advanced Apprenticeship, Access to HE course (adults)

Level 3

To apply for a Level 3 qualification, you usually need: 4-5 GCSEs at grade A*-C It is possible to apply with Level 2 qualifications such as: GNVQ Intermediate (Merit) or BTEC First Diploma (Merit).

Not sure of your qualifications or experience?

Level ?

If you are unsure where you fit into the levels shown above then please contact the Information and Guidance Unit for assistance on 01227 827272.

5

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

The nine ways you can study 1 Open Lectures and College Events The University has a wellestablished series of Open Lectures that has been running for over 40 years. They are hugely popular, cover a wide range of topics and are delivered by respected academics, politicians and other professionals. Lectures are free, open to all and no booking is required.

The Colleges run an exciting programme of events including: • • • •

Art exhibitions Grass roots lectures Musical recitals Poetry readings.

Further information Request the Open Lectures and College Events booklet or visit www.kent.ac.uk/openlectures

Further information Request the Regional Day Schools programme or visit www.kent.ac.uk/dayschools

2 Day Schools Day Schools are held on Saturdays and allow you to spend time exploring a subject purely for the pleasure of learning, in the company of other people who share your interests and are similarly motivated.

Subjects covered include: • • • • • • • • 6

Architecture Creative Writing Ecology History – ancient and modern History of Art Law Literature Music.

3 Open Studies short courses If you want to extend your knowledge of a particular subject, or are simply curious to know more, then Open Studies is a good choice for you. Short courses are of variable lengths and allow you to spend time over a few days or weeks exploring a subject. They are also an ideal starting point before making the decision to study for a creditbearing certificate or degree.

The courses are available at several locations across Kent during the day and evening.

Subjects vary but may include:

• • • • • • • • • •

Archaeology Classics Creative Writing Ecology History History & Philosophy of Art Literature Modern Languages Philosophy Science.

Further information Request the Open Studies programme or visit www.kent.ac.uk/openstudies

4 Certificate in Combined Studies (CCS) Taking a Combined Studies module is an excellent way to try out a new subject and gain

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

higher education credits at certificate level. The CCS programme consists of individual modules in a variety of subjects and locations, which are announced each summer for the start of that academic year. Each module involves weekly class meetings and home study for either 10 or 20 weeks across one or two terms. We advise new students to start with one module, but you can study one or two modules (usually 30 or 60 credits per year) as a part-time student. Assessment is by coursework so you will develop academic and study skills but will not need to sit formal examinations.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Drama Ecology History History & Philosophy of Art Modern Languages Law Philosophy Politics Psychology Science Social Sciences Theology and Religious Studies.

Further information Request the Certificate in Combined Studies brochure or visit www.kent.ac.uk/ccs

5 Access to HE diploma You do not need to have gained any specific qualifications to apply for this programme; however you will need to demonstrate a good level of English, and some additional study and IT skills are necessary in order to complete the required assessment. If you are returning to study or concerned about the level of work required, we can help you to incorporate these skills into your learning. Find out more on p13.

You could study modules in any of these subject areas: • • • • •

Anthropology Archaeology Classics Comparative Literature Creative Writing

The Access to Higher Education programme offers an A level equivalent pathway into degreelevel study. It is designed for students with relevant life and work experience who need an academic qualification to enter higher education, and may also fulfil the needs of those looking for personal or career development.

Kent offers pathways in: • • • • •

History/American Studies Literature Politics/Law Social Psychology Sociology/Social Policy.

Further information Request the Access to HE information pack or visit www.kent.ac.uk/accesstohe

6 Centre for Professional Practice The Centre for Professional Practice offers a range of parttime and modular programmes for those who wish to develop their professional practice and want the flexibility of being able to learn while working. You can study undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as Continuing Professional Development and short courses in a range of professional areas.

There are several divisions which offer study in: • • • • • • •

Counselling Mental Health Primary Dental Care Professional Practice Psychotherapy Supportive and Palliative Care Surgical Practice.

Applied Professional Practice (APP) allows you to create your own programme of study using modules from across the University which relate to your workplace. It encourages you to recognise, use and build on your current knowledge, skills and experience while studying academic subjects.

Entry requirements for these programmes are flexible and can include your previous qualifications, as well as informal learning gained through personal development and in a professional capacity.

Continued overleaf 7

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

The nine ways you can study (cont) Further information Request the Centre for Professional Practice brochure or visit www.kent.ac.uk/cpp

• Mental Health • Person-Centred Support • Positive Behaviour Support.

Further information 7 Tizard Centre The Tizard Centre offers a range of programmes in Intellectual Disability, Autism and Community Care for individuals who would like to develop their professional practice and want to learn while working. You can study a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through work-based learning and workshops, short courses and distance learning.

The Centre has excellent links with Social Services departments and Health Authorities, particularly with service users, families and service providers in the South East of England.

Courses on offer include the opportunity to study areas such as: • Analysis and Intervention in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities • Applied Behaviour Analysis • Applied Psychology • Autism • Clinical Psychology of Learning Disability • Community Care • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities • Learning Disability

Request the Undergraduate or Postgraduate prospectus or visit www.kent.ac.uk/tizard

8 Undergraduate – certificates, diplomas and degrees Kent offers three levels of undergraduate study – the certificate, diploma and degree. The first two levels can be taken either as stand-alone programmes or as stepping stones to a full degree.

There are over 200 areas of study based at Canterbury, Medway, Brussels and Paris which give you the opportunity to find a part-time programme to suit both your current lifestyle and future ambitions.

There is a huge range of traditional degree programmes which lead to BA or BSc (Hons) awards. Some courses in Kent’s undergraduate prospectus can be studied part-time and some subjects such as History and Social Sciences have developed a distinct programme of study for part-time students. In addition, our partner colleges offer Foundation Degrees and HNDs on a part-time basis in subjects including business, construction and retail management.

Humanities • American Studies • Architecture • Classical & Archaeological Studies • Comparative Literature • Drama, Film and Visual Arts • English • European Languages: French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies • History • Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Further information Request the Undergraduate Prospectus and Part-time Programmes brochure or visit www.kent.ac.uk/part-time

9 Postgraduate If you already have a first degree or equivalent then postgraduate study offers the opportunity to

8

further your studies in that area, or perhaps change direction for either personal or career development. Kent delivers both taught and research postgraduate qualifications from MA/MSc to PhD level as well as being a highly regarded provider of executive education, including the MBA.

Sciences • Actuarial Science • Biosciences • Chemistry • Computing and IT • Electronics • Applied Mathematics • Pure Mathematics

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Student view

• • • •

Medical and Health Sciences Pharmacy Physics Statistics

Social Sciences • Anthropology • Biodiversity Management • Economics • Law • Management • Music Technology • Operational Research • Philosophy • Politics and International Relations • Psychology • Social Policy • Sociology • Sports Studies • Theology and Religious Studies

Further information Request the Graduate Prospectus or visit www.kent.ac.uk/pg

“Studying part-time has been a fun and rewarding journey. There’s been a nice group of people taking the course from the very beginning which has generated a level of enthusiasm that keeps you going.”

Roland Marshall BA (Hons) English Literature

Drummond Watson – Diploma in History & Philosophy of Art Why did you choose to study part-time at Kent?

I had started a part-time History of Art course at the University of Sussex but the classes for the second year were at unsuitable times in the evening. Kent offered a part-time course during the day that suited me better.

How is the course going?

I am retired, but spent my professional life in Finance and although this course is in a totally different area, I have found that there are cross-discipline skills, such as report- and essaywriting.

I am pleased with my progress.

History & Philosophy of Art is a broad subject and the topics studied on a modular basis have been sufficiently varied to reflect that breadth and maintain student interest. I was particularly surprised that I so enjoyed studying Byzantine Art. The course has opened up a completely new world, a world in which I had a passing interest, but no real knowledge. I feel that I am now starting to look at art in a new and more informed light.

What do you think of your lecturers and fellow students?

In my three years at Tonbridge I have experienced three different lecturers, each knowledgeable in their own fields and each with

different styles of lecturing, but all three have been very supportive and approachable.

My fellow part-time students are friendly and although the parttime factor can limit the level of contact, the group visits to galleries and museums each term help to cement the friendship.

What about the facilities at Kent for part-time students?

I regularly use the library at Tonbridge, where staff are extremely helpful, and occasionally the coffee shop – very friendly staff and a good supply of cakes to keep up the energy levels!

Would you recommend the course to others?

I would have no hesitation in doing so. And am planning to continue from diploma to degree stage myself.

9

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Locations

Canterbury campus The Canterbury campus, Kent’s original site, was founded in 1965.

It is built on 300 acres of parkland overlooking Canterbury and is still growing and evolving. Modern buildings are surrounded by open green spaces, courtyards, gardens, ponds and woodland.

Campus life centres round the Templeman Library, the Students’ Centre, purpose-built science laboratories and teaching buildings. There are also plenty of places to eat on campus, including a traditional dining hall, bistros, cafés and sandwich bars which serve all types of food at good prices.

The campus is a 20-minute walk from the city centre and is easily reached by car or by public transport. For those travelling by car, there are car parks on campus; however parking restrictions do apply, please see www.kent.ac.uk/estates/parking for the latest information. If you are travelling by public transport, the city centre (with its two main railway stations) has a UNIBUS service up to campus.

Medway campus Medway offers a multi-millionpound campus, with state-of-theart buildings and facilities including the Drill Hall Library.

You can expect high-quality teaching and an exceptional level of personal support. The University has invested millions of pounds in new, purpose-built 10

facilities. These include lecture theatres, teaching and seminar rooms equipped with the latest technology. There is a wide range of cafés and bars for anything from a coffee to a full meal.

The Medway campus can be easily reached by car. Free parking is available close to the main campus, at the Historic Dockyard. There are also car parks on campus; however parking restrictions do apply, please see www.kent.ac.uk/ estates/parking for the latest information. If you are travelling by public transport, there are bus services running from the centre of Chatham and from local towns such as Rochester, Strood, Gillingham and Gravesend.

Tonbridge Centre Most of our part-time courses in West Kent are taught at the Tonbridge Centre, which is a small, friendly campus dedicated to part-time study. Facilities at the Tonbridge Centre are open to all Kent students and our seminar rooms are equipped to the same high standard as on our Canterbury and Medway campuses. Of course you have full access to all the resources available at our other campuses.

The Tonbridge Centre is ideally situated in the heart of Tonbridge, just off the High Street (in Avebury Avenue), a five-minute walk from the railway station and close to numerous car parks.

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Other Locations Even if you are unable to come to one of our three main sites, you can still study with the University of Kent. Some Certificate in Combined Studies modules and Open Studies courses are taught in many locations across the county including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ashford Broadstairs Canterbury Deal Dover Folkestone Gillingham Gravesend Maidstone Margate Rainham Rochester Sittingbourne Tonbridge Tunbridge Wells Whitstable.

Did you know? , the Where there is demand ng rni Lea le xib Fle for e ntr Ce e into can take a CCS modul . ent ym plo em of ce the pla

Associate and Partner Colleges The University of Kent validates programmes taught at the following Further and Higher Education colleges: • Canterbury College • MidKent College – Medway and Sittingbourne • South Kent College – Ashford and Folkestone • West Kent College – Tonbridge.

“The facilities at the Tonbridge Centre are excellent, the librarians are both knowledgeable and helpful, and there are also very good University online services that have helped me with my research.”

Rochelle White English Literature and Creative Writing

Please contact us for more information on 01227 827647.

11

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Student view

How do you think your course is going?

The course has gone well. It is a good forum for open discussion and debate. The highlight for me, so far, has been the counselling module which has given me practical skills and tips to use at work with clients.

What do you think of your lecturers?

There has been a lot of support on hand if it is needed and the convenor, Andy Ashenhurst, is only ever a phone call or email away. The lectures have all been of a high standard and informative. We also have lectures from different agencies and professionals and I have found those very useful – you get a good mix of fact and practical skills.

Stacey Bartlett – Certificate in Substance Misuse Management Why did you choose to study Substance Misuse Management at Kent?

It was an ideal course for me as it directly links to the work I do in the drug misuse field. I’d heard through the different agencies that I work with that the course was very useful and informative so its good reputation also helped. My employer wanted all front-line staff to be DANOS accredited and the Certificate in Substance Misuse Management was a pathway to get it. The course is held near where I live so that was also a factor.

12

How has it helped you in your professional career?

My course has helped greatly in my work as it has enabled me to get a qualification in my chosen field. It has given me a greater understanding of all the different aspects of substance misuse and also given me tools to use in my everyday work with my clients.

I have notably bettered my counselling skills and knowledge of the funding process.

And fellow students?

Generally the students have been very supportive and I feel comfortable in their company.

We have all got to know each other well and look forward to seeing each other. Within any group there is a mix of opinion but I feel, on the whole, it has been managed well.

Would you recommend the course to others?

Most definitely. I already have! It has been a good experience.

What do you plan to do next?

I want to continue studying at the University of Kent and move on to do the Diploma in Substance Misuse Management.

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Student support and facilities The Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) is a free and friendly resource for students from all subjects and accredited levels of study, which provides information and guidance on studying in a number of ways.

Academic guidance We offer a limited number of confidential appointments during term-time for individuals (or for small groups of students, on request). Both the workshops described below and advice appointments provide friendly, impartial advice in a relaxed environment.

Workshops and other events We run a series of workshops and other events on study techniques, including sessions on Saturdays, especially for part-time students.

They include revision and exam strategies, dissertation planning, and getting started with university study.

IT and Study Skills A certain level of study and IT skills are necessary in order to study at university level. If you are returning to study or concerned about the level of work required, we can help you to incorporate these skills into your learning. We offer introductory sessions for students who feel they need extra assistance, including information on how to find books in the library,

monitor your account, produce, save and retrieve essays, and submit them, either by emailing them to the school or via Moodle (the University’s Virtual Learning Environment). Places are limited and you should contact us as soon as possible to discuss any needs you have.

Information The Service has books, software, videos, audio tapes and leaflets on a wide range of themes related to study. Leaflets are free and you can borrow other resources. You can also get a lot of information from our website, which includes free printable downloads and links to other useful sites.

Maths and statistics SLAS provides maths support materials. The Statistics Desk, based in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, offers advice if you are doing a project involving statistics. We can help with maths queries by phone or email as well.

Referrals This ‘human signpost’ service helps if you are experiencing any kind of difficulty with your studies. If we don’t know who can help we will find out; we work closely with other support services within and outside the University.

is run as a series of Saturday workshops on effective study and takes place at varying times of the week to allow for flexible attendance.

Facilities Being a part-time student* allows you to gain access to the full range of University study resources, for instance the library collections which contain over a million books, periodicals, pamphlets, audio tapes, videos, DVDs, slides and microforms. Information Services also provides hundreds of PCs for student use on the Canterbury and Medway campuses and at the Tonbridge Centre.

If you are interested in sports or the arts, you may also want to take advantage of the University’s leisure facilities. On the Canterbury campus, these include a fullyequipped sports centre, the Gulbenkian Theatre and Gulbenkian Cinema. At Medway, students have access to the onsite sports facilities and various student societies. A state-of-the-art sports centre, Medway Park, is also available to students at discounted rates. * the level of access varies for students taking accredited or non-accredited courses.

Further information Value-Added Learning in University Education (VALUE)

See our website: www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/learning/

VALUE MaP is a free programme of study skills development for mature and part-time students. It 13

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Tuition fees The tuition fees vary according to your programme of study and the number of credits (if appropriate) you are completing each year. For up-to-date information please contact us or visit our website.

The amount you are left with will, in most cases, be the household income that your funding is assessed on. However, please bear in mind that other deductions may be possible.

Student Finance England (SFE) www.kent.ac.uk/ptfees www.kent.ac.uk/pgfees Telephone: 01227 764000

SFE may be able to contribute towards the cost of your fees and study costs. To be eligible for funding, the following must apply:

Financial support

• Your programme must last for at least one academic year • Your programme must lead to a Higher Education qualification • Your programme must not take more than twice as long as the equivalent full-time course • For maximum funding, you must be in receipt of certain benefits or have a household income no greater than £16,845*. There is a sliding scale of funding up to a household income of £28,066.

Kent’s part-time students may be eligible for funding from either Student Finance England or the University. The financial support is designed to help you with your tuition fees or with other studying costs, such as books and travel.

To qualify for any of the available sources of funding, you need to be a home fee-paying student. Please note that if you already have a Higher Education qualification you may not be eligible for funding.

(See ELQ information, right.) Before making an application for funding, you need to be accepted and registered on to a specific programme of part-time study.

Your household income Most of the funding available is dependent on your household income after certain deductions are made. As a rough guide, take the total gross income of your household, and deduct £2,000 if you have a partner. Then deduct £2,000 for your eldest dependent child and £1,000 for every other dependent child in the household.

14

University of Kent The University of Kent may also be able to contribute towards the cost of your studies. The following questions will help you to decide whether you are eligible for University funding.

• Students taking less than 60 credits a year – for example, a single Combined Studies module – are not entitled to funding from the SFE. However, if your household income after deductions is less than £20,100*, you may apply for funding for your tuition fees.

• If you are eligible to receive a SFE fees grant, but this does not cover the full cost of your tuition fees, the University of Kent may waive the remaining fees. Further support for the difference may be available from the Additional Fee Support Scheme.

• Another possible source of financial support towards your living costs is the Access to Learning Fund; if you are studying at least 60 credits a year and can demonstrate that you are in financial difficulties. * 2010/11 figures

Equivalent or Lower Level Qualifications (ELQ) The Government no longer provides funding for students who wish to study a higher education qualification that is equivalent to, or at a lower level than one they have already achieved. The University will therefore charge a different (higher) rate of tuition fees to students who already have such qualifications.

The University continues to welcome applicants who wish to return to university for a further university level qualification, either to enhance their skills or improve their employment prospects, as we believe that re-skilling is important both to individuals, as part of their personal and professional development, and to the economic growth of the country.

However, in response to the Government’s decision to change

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Student view

the funding model for higher education, the University is required to charge a higher-rate fee to all students, whether part-time or fulltime, who hold an equivalent or higher level qualification and, therefore, are not eligible for Government funding. The ELQ fee will be the same as that currently charged to students from the Channel Islands (pro-rata for parttime students).

Applicants are required to disclose details of all qualifications they hold at the point of application in order that a proper assessment of fee status can be made. The University will take action to reclaim fees retrospectively from registered students who are undercharged, if such undercharging was the result of the applicant failing to provide complete or accurate qualifications data on which their fee status was based, or as a result of a failure of the applicant to disclose their ELQ status when asked to do so.

Please visit www.kent.ac.uk/elq

Find out more University of Kent www.kent.ac.uk/ financial-aid/index.htm Email: financialaid@kent.ac.uk Telephone: 01227 823488/824876

Student Finance England For an application form, help and advice, call 0800 300 5090. The pack will also be available from: www.directgov.uk/studentfinance

Jenny Sharman – Certificate in Comparative Literature Why did you choose to study Comparative Literature?

I was going to move to Canterbury and had secured a place to study English and American Literature at Canterbury, but the move fell through. I then went to an open evening for Comparative Literature at Tonbridge and was really impressed, the course appealed to me and the fact that it was in Tonbridge, nearer to where I live, was a bonus.

What are the facilities like at the Tonbridge Centre?

The facilities are really very good. The library at the Centre is excellent, the staff are amazing, very helpful and supportive.

There is also space to relax when you need to!

How is the course going?

I am enjoying it very much, it is brilliant, a real pleasure. We have read such a wide range of books, from Europe and America. We have covered realism and naturalism, looked closely at myth and fairytale, and at how stories have travelled through the years via storytelling.

Over Christmas last year I had to read Anna Karenina and complete an essay; I managed to do both and that gave me a great sense of achievement.

The course is opening up new avenues for me and I am discovering new things all the time.

Our lecturers are very supportive, it is easy to contact them by email and they always respond. They are passionate about their subject and that influences students as well. The students I study with are a nice group, we are very comfortable with each other and our seminars are always interesting, with lots of debate and discussion around the stories.

Would you recommend the course to others?

Yes, wholeheartedly. I began studying for my own personal pleasure (pleasure not pressure!) but it has certainly helped my personal development. The course is very stimulating, but you do have to be organised to get through your reading and essays. I hope to continue my studies, I am really enjoying myself.

15

16

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

What next?

Interested and want to know more?

• We hold open days at Canterbury, Medway and Tonbridge several times a year.

These give you the opportunity to talk to both members of our guidance team and academic staff.

www.kent.ac.uk/opendays • You can make a private appointment with our information and guidance team at any time in the year.

T: 01227 827272 T: 0800 975 3777 E: information@kent.ac.uk • Have a look at all the additional information on our website

www.kent.ac.uk/part-time • Phone to speak to one of our Information and Guidance Team

T: 01227 827272 T: 0800 975 3777 Further information If you know which level of study you are interested in, then you can request what you need: • Regional Day Schools programme • Open Lectures and College Events booklet • Open Studies programme • Certificate in Combined Studies brochure

• Access to Higher Education information pack • Centre for Professional Practice brochure • Part-time Programmes at Kent catalogue • Undergraduate Prospectus • Postgraduate Prospectus • Tonbridge Centre leaflet.

Did you know? ate, If you gain a cer tific m fro ree deg or a lom dip nce Kent, you have the cha to graduate in an impressive ceremony dral at Canterbury Cathe l. or Rochester Cathedra 17

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

FAQs

How do I apply?

For part-time study you can apply direct to the University.

Either use the online application form at www.kent.ac.uk/parttime/apply or phone us for a paper application.

Where can I study?

Our main centres are in Canterbury, Medway and Tonbridge but we also run programmes at over 20 locations across Kent as well as Brussels.

How much will it cost?

The fees will vary according to the course you select.

For full information please phone us or visit the website www.kent.ac.uk/part-time

Is there any help to meet the cost of fees?

The type of help available will depend on the course you choose.

For courses such as Day Schools and Open Studies there are concessionary rates for tuition fees for those on state benefits.

Contact us ime www.kent.ac.uk/part-t T: 01227 827272 T: 0800 975 3777 .uk E: information@kent.ac

18

For courses leading to a certificate, diploma or degree qualification there is help available to meet the costs of fees and some study costs.

Further information is available on page 14 or please contact us.

I have not studied for some time – is there help if I need it?

What about advice and guidance in the academic department?

Further information is available on page 13.

I have a disability – what help is available?

We will do everything we can to make your time at the University of Kent a positive experience.

We are committed to improving access to learning for all students and provide a wide range of educational support services.

For more specific information please contact us.

T: 01227 823158 F: 01227 827330 E: accessibility@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/ddss

The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and other services in accordance with the descriptions set out in this prospectus. However the University does not provide education on a commercial basis. It is also largely dependent on charitable and public funds which the University has to manage in a way which is efficient and cost effective in the context of the provision of a wide range of courses and services to a large number of students. The University therefore reserves the right to make variations to the contents and method of delivery of courses and other services, to discontinue courses and other services and to merge or combine courses, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. If the University discontinues any course it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course.

All students will be required as a condition of enrolment to agree to abide by and to submit to the procedures of the University’s Regulations as amended from time to time.

A copy of the current Regulations is available on our website.

Data protection and consent to process For the University to operate efficiently, it needs to process information about you for administrative, academic and health and safety reasons. Any offer this institution makes to you is subject to your consent to process such information and therefore a requirement before we can register you as a student.

Guide to part-time study www.kent.ac.uk

Glossary

Associate Learner

Those who register on a course for pleasure which has no assessment demands.

Associate Student

Those who register on a course at, or linked to, an Associate College.

BA/BSc

Bachelor of Arts or Science.

Certificate

Stage 1. Equivalent to the first year of a full-time degree (120 credits).

Credits

The academic value given to a module, usually in increments of 15 credits.

One year of part-time undergraduate study is usually equivalent to 60 credits.

Degree

Stage 3. Equivalent to the third year of a full-time degree (120 credits).

Diploma

Stage 2. Equivalent to the second year of a full-time degree (120 credits).

ELQ

(Equivalent or Lower Level Qualifications.) The government no longer provides funding for students who wish to study for a qualification that is equivalent to, or at a lower level, than one that they have already achieved. Universities are now required to charge a higher rate ELQ fee to all students who hold an equivalent or higher level qualification.

First Degree

Another term for a BA or BSc (undergraduate) degree.

Foundation Degree A two-year degree programme, which can be linked (but is not limited to) the following areas: industry, commerce, health and social care, early years, learning support, performing arts, textiles and photography.

Further Education

Post-16, usually in a college or sixth-form environment.

Higher Education

University level study.

Home fee paying

Broadly speaking: • Persons who have permanent residence in the UK and have been resident in the UK for three years • EEA migrant workers and their families in the UK who have lived in the EEA for three years • EU nationals and their children who have lived in the EEA for three years • Refugees (recognised by the UK government) and their families • Persons who applied for asylum and have been granted exceptional leave to enter/remain, and their families.

HND

Higher National Diploma, equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree.

Modules

Small individual courses for credit that can be built up towards completion of a level or programme.

Pathway

A defined area of study.

Postgraduate

Advanced-level university study, usually follows an undergraduate degree.

Programme

The accumulation of a series of modules, worth 120 credits (two years of part-time study).

Registered Student Those who register and enrol on an accredited programme or course.

Undergraduate

University-level study, often referred to as a BA, BSc or Degree.

There is a more comprehensive glossary available on our website at www.kent.ac.uk/glossary 19

University of Kent

www.kent.ac.uk/part-time

Find out more about nt part-time study at Ke T: 01227 827272 T: 0800 975 3777 .uk E: information@kent.ac ime www.kent.ac.uk/part-t

The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: 01227 764000 T: 0800 975 3777 E: information@kent.ac.uk