Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA

Program Overview

The Preparation for Higher Education (PHE) is a one-year part-time foundation year designed for mature students returning to education. It provides a supportive environment and equips students with the academic knowledge and study skills needed to prepare for undergraduate degrees in the social sciences, arts, or healthcare. Students can choose between human biology or the social sciences as their area of focus, and progress to a range of degree courses upon successful completion of the foundation year.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This extended course is designed for mature students who haven't previously studied at this level and are looking to return to education. It aims to prepare them for a range of undergraduate degrees (both full and part-time) in the social sciences, arts, or healthcare. The Preparation for Higher Education (PHE) is a one-year part-time foundation year that provides a supportive environment to help students prepare for the transition to undergraduate degrees and gain the academic knowledge and study skills needed to succeed.

Objectives:

• To provide a supportive environment for mature students returning to education.
• To prepare students for the transition to undergraduate degrees.
• To equip students with the academic knowledge and study skills needed to succeed.
• To introduce key subject-specific knowledge in either human biology or the social sciences, depending on the chosen progression route.

Description:

• Taught by friendly and supportive staff from the Lifelong Learning Centre, who have experience in working with adult learners.
• On successful completion of the foundation year, subject to meeting the requirements of their progression, students will advance to year one of their chosen degree.
• Recent students have progressed to a variety of full-time and part-time degrees in social sciences, humanities, and healthcare.
• The Lifelong Learning Centre provides specialist guidance, advice, and support to mature and part-time students, from pre-application through to graduation and beyond.
• Students have access to the four specialist research and student libraries on campus.
• As an LLC student, they have access to dedicated study and social spaces that are designed to be welcoming and accessible.
• Students are supported to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, reflective thinking, and writing.
• Depending on the chosen progression route, students are introduced to key subject-specific knowledge either in human biology or the social sciences.
• On successful completion of the foundation year, subject to meeting any progression requirements, students will advance to year one of their chosen degree.

Structure:

• This 60 credit course consists of three 20 credit modules.
• Students complete two 20 credit compulsory modules and one 20 credit optional module.
• If students wish to progress to a healthcare degree, they will study the Human Biology optional module.
• If they wish to progress to the arts, humanities, and social sciences, they will study the People in Society optional module.
• The academic year is divided into two semester periods.
• Students complete the Information and Data Literacy module in semester one, alongside the Academic and Personal Development module, which runs across both semesters.
• The optional module is completed in semester 2.

Course Schedule:

• The foundation year usually runs on two evenings a week and one Saturday every three weeks, allowing students to study while balancing other commitments.

Modules:

Compulsory Modules:

• Academic and Personal Development (20 credits): This module prepares students to progress onto Year 1 of degree-level study and become independent and academic learners.
It includes ensuring they have some knowledge of the social, economic, political, and ethical issues inherent in contemporary society, and in relation to professional practice and development. Students are supported to develop critical, analytical, and reflective thinking, and adopt effective strategies for learning. The module also supports the development of academic reading, writing, and research skills, and how to use online and blended learning resources effectively.

Optional Modules (dependent on degree progression pathway):

• Human Biology (20 credits): This module introduces human biology to support healthcare students in their transition into Year 1 (Level 1) of a range of healthcare degrees including: adult nursing, child nursing, midwifery, mental health nursing, and dental hygiene.
The module explores how the human body works, including different molecules, cell formation, and tissue production. It also explores how the main organs and systems of the human body function.
• People in Society (20 credits): This module introduces sociology through an examination of some of the key issues and institutions in contemporary society.
This will include using sociological theories and perspectives to identify and examine social problems and challenge fundamental assumptions around race and identity. Students will also explore the role of some social institutions, including the family, education, and the Criminal Justice System. They will be supported to develop the knowledge and skills needed to conduct research within a social sciences context and produce an independent research project.

Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of different assessment methods, which are designed to support the development of their learning, as well as offer an opportunity to practice the type of assessment which will be encountered on the degree.
• These may include: a multiple choice exam, a written examination, a group presentation, academic essays, a case study, a literature review, a reflective journal, and a research project.

Teaching:

• The course is delivered through a blended approach, which includes online delivery as well as face-to-face on campus learning.
• Students engage in a mix of lectures, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials.
• They are supported to use University resources, such as the libraries and skills workshops provided on campus, as well as online tutorials.
• This helps build the academic skills and knowledge to progress onto a degree at the University.
• Students also learn how to ‘self-assess’ as well as gain regular development and assignment feedback from tutors.
• Students are taught by expert academics, from lecturers through to professors.
• They may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting them to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Careers:

• On successful completion of the Preparation for Higher Education foundation year, students could progress onto a range of degree courses (both full and part-time) in the social sciences, arts, and healthcare.
• Recent students have progressed onto a range of degree areas including criminology, professional studies, learning and teaching, child and family studies, sociology, and social policy, nursing, and midwifery.
• The Lifelong Learning Centre has a strong commitment to enhancing opportunity with its own dedicated expert guidance team.
• Enhancing employability and opportunity are embedded into the Centre so students can get dedicated support as well as excellent wider University provision.
• The Careers Centre and staff in the faculty provide a range of help and advice to help students plan their career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after they graduate.

Other:

• The course is designed with mature students in mind.
• Students have access to dedicated study and social spaces that are designed to be welcoming and accessible.
• The areas in Beech Grove House and the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building offer computer access, reference books, and the space to socialize and work with peers.

| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | | Fees | £9,250.00 for students starting in 2024/25. | | Part-time fees | Normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. | | | | |