Programme Specification for Extended Degree Programme in Humanities (1 year programme of study as part of 4 year Extended programme) available for following BA or BSc programmes:
|
Final award |
BA or BSc |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Undergraduate Associate Certificate, Undergraduate at Level 0. Certificate of Higher Education, Diploma of Higher Education for Levels 1-3. |
|
UCAS code |
See Table |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
NA |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2008) English (2007) History (2007) Art and Design (2008) Creative and Professional Writing (2008) |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
April 2013 |
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
As a one-year full-time or two-year part-time Level 0 (that is, pre-degree/year 0) programme the entry requirements for the Level 0 programme are naturally different to those required for immediate admission to Level 1. If you have any queriesabout your eligibility contact Admissions or the Programme Leader. Contact details are at the end of the programme specification.
All applicants will also need to demonstrate that they have the potential, commitment and motivation to complete degree level study through their personal statements.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant demonstrable life or work experience are encouraged to join the programme and are considered on an individual basis through interview.
Applicants who are school leavers should normally have 120 UCAS points. These points must be gained from BTEC National or AVCE (A-level) study or equivalent. A-Level students are normally expected to have studied to A2 level though students with AS qualifications only will also be considered and invited for an interview. Furthermore, all qualifications are considered in relation to any relevant entry requirements at Level 1. For example Computer Games Design: Story Development requires students have studied English Literature. Please consult the undergraduate specification for the Programme you wish to join at Levels 1-3 i.e., BA Advertising.
All applicants will need a good standard of English demonstrated by achieving an award in one of the following or undertake a Standard UEL English Literacy test:
- English GCSE Grade C or above
- Level 2 Key Skills in Communication
- A minimum score of 5.5 IELTS (No skill level below 5.0)
- Cambridge Proficiency Certificate (D)
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (C)
- Cambridge First Certificate (B)
- Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher Level (C)
- Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC) Vantage (B)
- Cambridge International GCSE (C)
- CELS Cambridge Certificate in English Skills (Vantage/Higher) CELS Vantage Pass
- City & Guilds/Pitman International and Spoken ESOL Communicator Level – First Class
- City & Guilds /Pitman International and Spoken ESOL Expert Level - Pass
- City & Guilds /Pitman International and Spoken ESOL Mastery Level - Pass
- Edexcel London Test of English Pass at Level 3 or above
- London Chamber of Commerce: English for Business – Pass at Level 2
- London Chamber of Commerce: English for Commerce – Pass at Level 2
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery – Above 80% in ECPE
- TEEP (U of Reading ELT) Level 5.5
- TOEFL (550 paper based test with TWE 4or 213 computer based test with TW4)
- TOEIC 600
- Trinity Integrated Skills in English – Pass at Level 3
- Trinity Skills for Life – Pass at Level 2
- WELT (U of Warwick ELT) CCC
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes. Students will be considered for AEL or ACL on an individual basis in order to establish whether their acquired experiential or certified skills and knowledge relate to specific modules on this programme. Guidance for claiming accreditation will be given during the Induction process and evidence would be required to support claim.
Overseas Qualifications
The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5.0).
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is an Extended Degree Programme?
An Extended Degree Programme has an extra year, a Level 0, so the length of studying is four years rather than the three years a traditional degree takes if undertaken full-time. This preparatory year provides a supportive environment and is an opportunity for you to devote time and resources to developing the necessary academic skills to be successful at degree level study. The programme offers a variety of modules that are interdisciplinary in design and develop in students a range of key skills and broad subject knowledge within the Humanities discipline in preparation for more specialised courses of study at Levels 1-3. The programme also introduces you to the requirements of independent study and self-directed learning at university and will help develop an understanding of the participative nature of Higher Education. During this preparatory year you will be working with students in programme clusters on interesting projects that look specifically at your chosen area of study.
Creating a good learning environment is a key feature of Extended Degree programme. The programme has been carefully developed since 2003 to provide you with a range of teaching and learning experiences, including lectures, seminars, workshops, study –support groups, personal tutorials, study / field trips and uses a virtual learning environment to support learning.
Assessment
A variety of assessments will be undertaken either individually or in groups. The most common assessment method for an individual will be essay writing or reports; group work will involve production work or group presentations. The programme has one open book exam and will use informal class and virtual learning texts or quizzes to help develop learning and understanding. Given the nature of the programme there are a range of formative assessment activities built into the programme. All formative assessments on the programme must be submitted as they have a developmental purpose that is designed to help you learn more effectively by giving you feedback on your performance and how it can be improved and/or maintained prior to a formal assessment normally at the end of the semester.
To see two short documentary videos created by Extended Degree students as part of a formal assessment in 2011-12 visit this website where a range of work by students in the School of Arts and Digital Industries is also available:
http://www.artsdigital.co.uk/film-moving-image/fish-island-live-work-create
http://www.artsdigital.co.uk/film-moving-image/journey-to-freedom-extended-degree-work
Project work
Project work is vital at University and it is where you have the opportunity to develop your own ideas and interests. Within the Level 0 programme year you will have a number of opportunities to work on individual and group small-scale projects, and some of these will form the basis of your assessment. In study groups and seminars you will be working in groups on weekly activities that you then present to fellow students and tutors. These activities are an opportunity to plan and manage your work, experience team working and enhance your inter-personal skills.
Added value
- If you do not have the necessary qualifications for direct entry to Level 1 successful completion of the programme guarantees access to degree level study at the University of East London.
- The course is not an Access course and offers you an opportunity to experience academic culture before you enter Level 1.
- It enables you to have an introduction to what your course is going to be about and the academic discipline it comes from.
- The programme provides a supportive and motivating environment for you to develop your academic skills and confidence.
- It is run by committed and experienced staff who want to help you realise your aspirations.
- It provides study skills and professional development support.
- It introduces you to expectations and demands of independent study and participative studying.
- Utilises ultra-modern facilities at the University in computing, arts, digital and analogue media technology.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
It is if you enjoy...
- a challenge
- working with others
- working creatively
- trying to find answers to challenging questions
- thinking about things in new ways
- engaging with debates and topics in the media
- reading and writing
- taking part in discussions
If you want...
- to study at university but do not have the qualifications to enter Level 1
- to develop key skills essential for successful study at university
- spend time thinking about and preparing for a degree programme while developing your key skills
- develop your understanding about the world we live in
Your future career
There are a wide range of careers open to graduates and succeeding in Level 0 is your first step to getting a degree. This preparatory year starts to develop your confidence and the key skills employers are looking for in a graduate in areas such as critical and analytical thinking, as well as good written and oral communication skills.
How we support you
There is a small dedicated team who work within the Extended Degree programme who develop good relationships with their students. You will have a personal tutor responsible for providing guidance and support in relevant areas of academic study. In addition you will also have regular access to tutors through the tutorial system on each on each of your modules. Additional support is providing by the Writing Centre, the School Student Enquiry Desk which operates a full-time drop in service for students and Student Services which hosts a range of support for students from financial matters to well-being.
Bonus factors
Engaging with this programme will extend your academic and professional qualifications and credentials.
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Develop the core academic skills necessary for the study of various disciplines associated with the Humanities in Level 1.
- Develop an understanding of independent study in preparation for level 1.
- Take part in a stimulating learning environment
- Develop your skills of expression and reflective thinking.
- Make use of constructive feedback for personal development though self, peer and group evaluation.
- To successfully transfer to a full degree course.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- The necessary personal and academic skills to be successful in Level 1 and beyond
- An understanding of the participative nature of HE
- How to manage one’s own learning and personal development
- The skill of manipulation of knowledge to make an informed judgement
- A basic awareness of key theories and debates in relation to culture, cultural expression and cultural production.
- A basic awareness of how media and cultural organisations contribute to the shaping of the modern world
- Relevant techniques of visual and sound production
- An understanding of the role of media technologies in producing and distributing cultural expression from historical texts to computer games.
Thinking skills
- How to apply what you have learnt to familiar contexts
- How to apply what you have learnt to unfamiliar contexts
- How to critically reflective on own performance
- Use a basic range of media, cultural and , historical debates, theories and concepts in order to understand contemporary issues
- How to research and present information gathered
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Skills of communication through writing
- Skills of communication through using media techmologies
- Basic competence in communicating using media technology
- Skills of understanding analysing and interpreting culture and the role of cultural forms and cultural expressions for an individual and society in relation to your chosen programme of study.
- An understanding of interdisciplinary study at university and approaches to understanding cultural forms, from advertising, through to historical texts or computer games. This will be considered in their social, historical and cultural contexts and in relation to cultural practices and cultural institutions that create them.
- Learning how to apply skills gained with some autonomy.
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- How to organise and manage workload effectively
- How to locate and select sources of information for written work/research
- How to work collaboratively
- How to express yourself in writing and in oral presentat
Programme structure
The programme delivers 120 credits at Level 0 which count towards your final degree credit total of 480 credits. The programme has 4 modules or 60 credits each semester as below:
| Semester A |
|
CC0031 Academic Skills (20 credits) |
| CC0032 Approaches to understanding communication, media and culture: Theory (40 credits) |
| Semester B |
| CC0033 Academic Skills 2 (20 credits) |
| CC0034 Approaches to understanding communication, media and culture: Practice (40 credits) |
| Levels 1-3 120 credits per year |
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and independent study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 480 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is one year when attended in full-time mode or two years in part-time mode plus Levels 1-3. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. There are two semester and 24 teaching weeks.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at Level 0, 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.
|
LEVEL |
UEL |
TITLE |
SKILLS |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
|
0 |
CC0031 |
Academic Skills 1 |
|
20 |
Core |
|
0 |
CC0032 |
Approaches to understanding Communication, Media and Culture:Theory |
|
40 |
Core |
|
0 |
CC0033 |
Academic Skills 2 |
|
20 |
Core |
|
0 |
CC0034 |
Approaches to understanding Communication, Media and Culture: Practice |
|
40 |
Core |
In order to gain anhonoursdegree you will need to obtain 480 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level 0 or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain anordinary degreeyou will need to obtain a minimum of 400 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level 0 or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain aDiploma of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain at least 360 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level 0 or higher, 120 credits and level 1 or higher, and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain aCertificate of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain 240 credits at level 0 or higher, 120 credits at Level one or higher
In order to gain an Undergraduate Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 40 credits at level 0 or higher.
In order to gain an Undergraduate Certificateyou will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level 0 or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 360 credits including:
A minimum of 120 credits at level 0 or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree)
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
x |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
x |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Foundation degree classification
Where a student is eligible for a Foundation degree, the award classification is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks obtained for modules at level 1 or higher contributing to the programme and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
Distinction |
|
55% - 69% |
Merit |
|
40% - 54% |
Pass |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Presentation of key ideas about a subject/topic in lectures
- Student centred small group discussions and study groups
- Reading of specified texts on a weekly basis to enhance knowledge
- Viewing of various media where appropriate
- Independent study and preparing for assessments
- Study field tips
- Project work
Thinking skills are developed through
- Engagement with resources (readings and various media) that are carefully chosen to stimulate thinking skills and understanding on all modules
- Individual and small group exercises in seminar sessions, workshops and study groups.
- Individual and small group presentations
- Application of what is learnt through assessments and weekly presentations
- Independent study for weekly sessions and assessments
Practical skills are developed through
- Introduction to key academic skills to be an effective student at degree level study
- Introduction to importance of self-reflection and self-development for personal and professional development
- Introduction to basic research skills
- Tutored introduction to basic media technologies, where appropriate
- Practical demonstration workshops, where appropriate
- Independent practical studies
- Project work
- Preparation for assessments
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through:
- Structured activities
- Individual and small group activities in seminars, study groups, workshops and on Field Trips.
- Tutorials both individual and group to discuss progress
- Group project work
Preparing for assessments
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by:
Thinking skills are assessed by:
- Coursework, essays, reviews, presentations, practical assessments and group work
- Class tests, open book exams and formative activities .
Practical skills are assessed by:
- Evidence of demonstrable understanding in completed project work and assignments
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by:
- Ability meet learning outcomes of a module
- Involvement in and contribution to group project work
- Ability to undertake independent study
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 / 3 times year)
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- providing details on the programme noticeboard
- sending emails or posting notices in the virtual learning environment
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The programme handbook - available in UEL Plus – UEL Virtual Learning Environment
- Module study guides - available in UEL Plus – UEL Virtual Learning Environment UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes
- Visit our gallery of student work here: http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/showcase/studentwork/
If you are interested in the programme contact:
- Admissions: Tel: 0208-223-3333 or email study@uel.ac.uk or
- Programme Leader - Jacqui Mitchell Telephone 0208-223-4248 or email: j.mitchell@uel,ac.uk or
- Programme Administrator - Cheryl Davies - Telephone 0208-223-7650. Email: C.Davies@uel.ac.uk
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
