The Extended Degree programme was introduced to widen participation and to encourage more people into Higher Education. The programme starts with a Foundation Year from which successful students may progress to one of several degree programmes. Graduates gain the same qualifications as those obtaining direct entry to the respective programmes, but take one year longer to complete their studies.

Progression is offered to a number of degree programmes in the following Schools:

Health & Bioscience

Acupuncture (B393), Applied Biology (C110), Biochemistry (C700), Biomedical Sciences (B940), Fitness & Health (B992), Forensic Science (F410), Health Promotion (B990), Health Services Management (B9NF), Herbal Medicine (B342), Medical Biotechnology (B800), Medical Physiology (B120), Pharmacology (B210), Podiatric Medicine (B330)*, Public Health (B910), Sport & Exercise Science (C600), Sports Coaching (C602), Sports Development (B993), Toxicology (B220).

Combined Honours

Various programmes (for further information on programmes, please contact the Combined Honours Office at combined.honours@uel.ac.uk), or follow the link http://www.uel.ac.uk/hsb/undergraduate/combined/

Psychology

Psychology (CFG0)

The programme attracts a wide diversity of students from many different backgrounds, including a large number of overseas students and a high proportion of mature students. This mixture enables the student body to share their wealth of experience with one another, providing a unique education experience.

The Foundation Year is a full-time course, comprising six modular programme modules. There are three compulsory key skills modules: Skills, Information and Communications Technology (I.C.T.) and Maths, plus three modules depending on which named programme is selected. The recommended modules for each degree programme are shown in the grid below:

Module & Programme Schedule

C = Core module (required)

O = Optional module

na = not available

• Each module occupies one day per week, with lectures and practicals running on the same day, with the exception of Psychology and Perspectives in Health where lectures run on the same day as another module, but at different hours.
• The modules are studied over two semesters with the compulsory modules for all programmes taking place in semester A, and the rest in semester B.  Each semester lasts for 12 weeks, followed by a few weeks for revision and then examination procedures.  
• When successfully completed, students move on to the main programme structure for their chosen Degree Programme. This varies with each degree, but is a further 3 or 4 years of study, depending on whether a one year sandwich placement option is taken.

• Each Foundation Year module has about 4 contact hours per week and may need up to 6 hours of further individual study per week on each module.
• The modules are taught in many different ways including lectures, seminars, practicals, workshops and web-based learning.
• Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor with whom regular meetings are held throughout the programme.
• The first semester has a Skills module. This helps you make the major shift to independent learning needed at university, compared to schools and FE colleges.

• Assessment consists of a mixture of coursework, presentations, class tests and written exams.
• The Skills module is assessed entirely by coursework, which includes developing a personal development plan and delivering a group presentation on a topical issue.
• The I.C.T. module is based on ECDL (European Computer Driving License), and leads to an internationally recognised Certificate.  The module is delivered online and supported by constructed tutorial sessions.

To pass the Foundation Year and progress on to your chosen degree programme, at least five modules must be passed and you must get over the 30% threshold in the sixth. To pass a module, you must get an overall mark of at least 40%, and achieve a threshold mark of at least 30% in every assessment component.

Some programmes have additional requirements shown below:

• Students wishing to progress on to Applied Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Herbal Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, Medical Physiology, Pharmacology or Toxicology degree must pass with a minimum of 40% the Maths, Chemistry and Biology modules.

There is no work experience during the Foundation Year, but after successful completion, students may opt to enter sandwich degree programmes. These have one year work experience placements that are competitive as places are limited.

• Students are encouraged to participate in group work both in tutorials and group presentations within the Foundation Year modules. The presentations cover current research topics in relevant areas, such as healthy diet and exercise, MRSA, genetically modified food, and climate change.
• Individual project work is an essential component of all degree programmes and occurs in the final year of the chosen degree programme.

• Students who choose to enter a Foundation Year in a University develop the independent learning skills expected in a university student. This prepares them more appropriately for success in Year 1 of degree programmes, compared to students entering direct from school or FE colleges.
• Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor and sessions are programmed into the timetable.
• The programme also has close links with English language support, careers advice and support for students with any learning difficulties like dyslexia.
• We provide tutorials and workshops with tutors and programme leaders from several programmes to help you decide what programme you would like to study at the end of the Foundation Year.

• developing your key skills in order to study for a degree
• gaining a grounding in subjects specific to your degree choice
• how I.C.T. is used for study and beyond
• science and nature programmes
• surfing the internet
• the discovery of medical breakthroughs
• the media of public communication
• conservation of the environment in which we live
• aspects of the mind and human behaviour

• The challenge of increasing not just your knowledge of facts, but also your understanding of how science and computing contributes to the search for new solutions to problems.
• Doing scientific procedures and experiments in laboratories and IT labs with precision.
• Communicating with a wide range of people.
• Working in groups, using standard and new techniques to solve problems.
• Being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions.
• Reading or discussing developments in science and technology (do you already enjoy TV documentaries like Discovery, radio science programmes, New Scientist articles?)

• a stepping stone onto a degree this is the programme for you.
• to keep your options wide open until after the Foundation Year on choice of the subject for further degree study (from Forensic Science to Medical Physiology).

Succeeding on a Foundation Year lets you progress towards a degree and all the benefits that a good degree can give for greater success in whatever career you choose.

The School of Health, Sport & Bioscience provides immediate contact with the University support systems.

• In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
• Module leaders and Degree programme leaders also give support on academic matters and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
• The School office has a Help Desk to advise how to get the right help.
• The programme is supported by UELPLus (an online course delivery platform). This system supplies module content, quizzes, assessments, discussion boards and much more.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.

Support for students at a University-wide level includes:

• Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
• Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
• Careers advice and information · Counselling and Advice for practical problems
• Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
• Language tuition
• Dyslexia support
• Accommodation

• A School of Health, Sport and Bioscience with staff and facilities match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
• The largest shopping centre in Europe (Westfield Stratford City) with multiplex cinema, theatre, restaurants, cafes, and pubs, and supermarkets and high street shops.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London.