Undergraduate Prospectus 2012-2013 - University of Essex Online

University of Essex OnlineUndergraduate Prospectus 2014

About usUniversity of EssexOnline courses areavailable to both UK andinternational students andenable you to benefit froma flexible approach tostudy, while maintainingthe quality and supportyou would expect from atop UK university.University of Essex Online courses aredelivered by Kaplan Open Learning, anexperienced online learning provider. TheUniversity of Essex and Kaplan OpenLearning have developed a partnershipover the last five years to offer high qualityonline courses.Our structured online programmes allowyou to study for your degree in a uniquevirtual learning environment and still haveaccess to all the support and facilities youwould expect to receive on campus.Whether you’re a student looking toenhance your professional career, or are aschool leaver who has opted for an incomeand valuable work experience whilststudying for a degree, online study is acost-effective, convenient and flexible wayto do it.

ContentsWhy study with us? 3Student support 4Business courses 5-6Marketing courses 7-8Criminology courses 9-10Professional qualifications 11-12Testimonials 13Frequently asked questions 14Fees 15How to apply 16

Studying for a degreeonline is more affordablethan going to university andthe flexibility of our coursesmeans you can continue towork while you study.Why study with us?If you are looking to enhance yourprofessional career, studying online isone of the most cost-effective,convenient and flexible ways to gain agraduate qualification, regardless ofyour geographical location, work orpersonal commitments.With a University of Essex Onlinecourse, you receive your degree from atop UK university and get all the supportand facilities you would expect oncampus.FlexibilityStudy at your own pace from anywhere;at work, at home or on the move.No travelSave time and money; there is no needto travel to attend face-to-face lecturesor tutorials. Everything is done online.ExperienceOur online tutors have vast experienceof delivering traditional campus andonline tuition.No examsWe operate an assignment-basedapproach for each module instead ofexams.Learning and supportA dedicated Student Adviser willsupport you from admission throughto graduation.AffordabilityGovernment-backed student loansare now available to part-time studentsliving in England, so there is no need topay tuition fees up front. You only startrepaying once you are earning over£21,000 and any remaining loan iswritten off after 30 years.Entry requirementsOur entry requirements recogniseprevious experience.3 University of Essex Online | Undergraduate prospectus

I would encourageanybody to study for theirdegree with University ofEssex Online as they makeit so accessible and theirhelp and support isinvaluable.Donna DalyBA (Hons) Business and ManagementStudent supportIf you study with us, you’ll receive yourundergraduate qualification from atop-ranked UK university and be able toaccess all the support and facilities youwould expect to receive from acampus-based university.What support will I receive?We pride ourselves on student supportand satisfaction. Whatever your questionor problem, we will work with you to finda solution.We have a range of support facilities inplace to guide you through your studies.Student AdvisersYou will be assigned a personal StudentAdviser who will be your first point ofcontact with you throughout your studiesand will serve as your mentor. The role ofour Student Advisers is to support youthroughout the course and provideguidance on your progress.Tutor supportYour module tutor will be in regularcontact with you throughout the coursevia our online virtual learning platformwhich closely replicates a traditionalcampus classroom.Your module tutor will lead the class bydelivering seminars, posting lessons andassignments, answering questions andinteracting with you on a regular basis.The virtual learning environment will alsobe used to mark assignments and we aimto provide feedback on any courseworksubmitted within seven days.There is also the opportunity to haveregular contact with your tutor bytelephone and e-mail as you progressthrough your course and to interactwith other students on the programmethrough online forums.Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)The Ministry of Defence’s EnhancedLearning Credits scheme (ELC) is aninitiative to encourage lifelong learningfor members of the Armed Forces. TheELC scheme provides financial supportfor higher level courses. We are anapproved course provider for the MoDthrough the ELC scheme and can offeradvice and help you to apply for anyfinancial support available.Additional resourcesIf you study with us you will haveaccess to a number of resources tocomplement your studies via our virtuallearning platform, such as onlinelibraries, which will enable you toaccess on-line journals, databases ande-books. You can also apply to becomea member of the University of EssexStudents’ Union.Support for students with disabilitiesYou should make us aware of anydisability, long-term medical condition,mental health difficulty or specificlearning difficulty such as dyslexiaduring the application and interviewprocess as we find that earlyawareness of these issues improvesour level of support. We can also giveadvice on funding that may be availablefor students with disabilities.Undergraduate prospectus | University of Essex Online 4

Our innovative, virtuallearning platform replicates areal classroom environmentusing the latest internetsoftware technology.Business courses5 University of Essex Online | Undergraduate prospectus

Our business degrees give you theopportunity to improve your careerwith a mix of key skills that aredirectly transferable to the workplace;from finance, marketing and humanresources to business strategy andproject planning.Undergraduate Certificates onlineOur Certificate of Continuing Educationcourses can be achieved as a standalonequalification or used as a steppingstone to Foundation and Bachelors study.Cert CE Business StudiesThis course, at first year undergraduatelevel, will introduce you to key andpractical skills that can form the basis forboth ongoing career development andfurther academic study. The coursestructure will introduce you to thebusiness environment and managementskills and provide an option to focus onfinance, marketing or human resources.Upon completion of your CertCE, weoffer the opportunity to study towardsa Foundation degree or Bachelorsdegree in Business and Management.Foundation degrees onlineFoundation degrees are higher educationqualifications which are equivalent to thefirst two years of a Bachelors degree andprovide a means of integrating study andwork-based learning. We offer thefollowing Foundation level degree onlinein business:FdA Business and ManagementThis course will enable you to acquireessential knowledge, vital skills andcritical awareness necessary formanaging teams and creating valuefor a business, whilst preparing youfor a future management role.Upon completion of your Foundationdegree, if you decide that you wouldlike to continue with your studies, weoffer the opportunity to study towardsa Bachelors degree via our BA (Hons)Business and Management progressionroute course.Bachelors degrees onlineEarning a Bachelors degree may helpyou achieve a higher paying careeropportunity in your field of interest andbring you closer to achieving yourcareer goals. We offer the followingBachelors level degrees in business:BA (Hons) Business and ManagementThis degree will enable you to developyour knowledge and understanding ofthe strategic and internationaldimensions of business andmanagement. It will also provide youwith the necessary expertise tocritically evaluate business modelsand concepts and apply them to realworldsituations.BA (Hons) Business and Managementprogression routeIf you have previously completed abusiness-related Foundation degree,or an equivalent level 5 qualification,this course allows you to continueyour studies and gain a Bachelorsdegree in Business and Management.ILM Professional QualificationsWe have partnered with the Instituteof Leadership and Management (ILM)to offer you the unique opportunity toearn a professional qualification (TheILM Award in Management) whilst youstudy for your business degree.The ILM is the UK's largest awardingbody for leadership and managementqualifications. Study content isintegrated into our degree coursesmeaning that you get yourqualification without doing anyadditional academic workFor more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.ukUndergraduate Prospectus | University of Essex Online 6

Study where and when itsuits you. Learn at home,during your lunch hour andanywhere where you haveinternet access.Marketing courses7 University of Essex Online | Undergraduate prospectus

Our marketing degrees will contributeto your career development as youexplore concepts such as consumeranalysis and the planning andimplementation of marketingprogrammes.Undergraduate Certificates onlineOur Certificate of Continuing Educationcourses can be achieved as a standalonequalification or used as a steppingstone to Diploma and Bachelors study.Cert CE Business StudiesThis course, at first year undergraduatelevel, will introduce you to key andpractical skills that can form the basis forboth ongoing career development andfurther academic study. The coursestructure will introduce you to thebusiness environment and managementskills and provide an option to focus onfinance, marketing or human resources.Upon completion of your CertCE, weoffer the opportunity to study towardsa DipHE or Bachelors degree in Businessand Marketing.Undergraduate Diplomas onlineA Diploma of Higher Education is aqualification which is usually awardedafter two years of full-time study at auniversity or other higher educationinstitution. We offer the followingDiplomas of Higher Education online inmarketing:DipHE Business and MarketingThis course will provide you with thefundamental skills and knowledge topursue career ambitions in the fieldsof management, marketing, sales,advertising, and market research.Upon completion of your DipHE, if youdecide that you would like to continuewith your undergraduate studies, we offerthe opportunity to continue towards a fullBachelors degree.Bachelors degrees onlineEarning a Bachelors degree may helpyou achieve a higher paying careeropportunity in your field of interest andbring you closer to achieving yourcareer goals. We offer the followingBachelors level degrees in marketing:BA (Hons) Business and MarketingMarketing is one of the fastestgrowingcreative industries and at thecentre of what many businesses do.This degree will contribute to yourcareer development as you exploreconcepts such as consumer analysisand the planning and implementationof marketing programmes.The business modules on the coursewill introduce you to increasinglycomplex problems and encourage youto apply your knowledge andunderstanding to develop innovativesolutions. The marketing modules willnot only further your understanding ofthe role of the marketing function inorganisations but can also allow youto study specialist topics such as e-marketing and business-to-businessmarketing.ILM Professional QualificationsWe have partnered with the Instituteof Leadership and Management (ILM)to offer you the unique opportunity toearn a professional qualification whilstyou study for your business andmarketing degree.The ILM is the UK's largest awardingbody for leadership and managementqualifications. Study content isintegrated into our degree coursesmeaning that you get yourqualification without doing anyadditional academic workThe DipHE Business and Marketing andthe BA (Hons) Business and Marketingcourses are subject to Student FinanceEngland designation.For more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.ukUndergraduate Prospectus | University of Essex Online 8

We have flexible entryrequirements that look atboth your academic andwork-based experience.Criminology courses9 University of Essex Online | Undergraduate prospectus

Our criminology and criminal justicecourses give you the opportunity to gaina thorough understanding of how theUK criminal justice system works,examining crime and criminal behaviouras well as policing and imprisonment.Undergraduate Certificates onlineOur Certificate of Continuing Educationcourses can be achieved as a standalonequalification or used as a steppingstone to Diploma and Bachelors study.Cert CE Criminal JusticeOur certificate in criminal justiceprogramme is a nationally recognisedqualification. It is the equivalent of half ofa first-year of undergraduate study (60credits) and is open to anyone with aninterest in criminal justice.The programme is broad-based andaims to equip students with anunderstanding of the rapidly changingcriminal justice environment.The course focuses on national, legaland policy issues facing the criminaljustice system and it introduces studentsto the problems facing policy-makers andpractitioners. Students explore broadcriminological issues such as theory,research, crime prevention, punishmentand rehabilitation.This course provides you with theunderpinning knowledge for a career inthe criminal justice sector and may alsoconfirm your competence if you arealready working within the sector as partof your continuing professionaldevelopment.Upon completion of your CertCE, weoffer the opportunity to study towards aBachelors degree in Criminology andCriminal Justice.Bachelors degrees onlineEarning a Bachelors degree may helpyou achieve a higher paying careeropportunity in your field of interest andbring you closer to achieving yourcareer goals. We offer the followingBachelors level degrees incriminology:BA (Hons) Criminology andCriminal JusticeThis course is a broad-basedprogramme of study that exploresboth the social and personal aspectsof crime.It examines some of the most seriousconcerns we face as a society, suchas: What causes crime and criminalbehaviour? Can crime be prevented?How and why should we punishoffenders? How does criminal justicelink to social justice?The course requires a criticalengagement with criminology theory,research methods and the history ofcrime and punishment.Gaining a bachelors degree inCriminology and Criminal Justice willprovide you with a range of skills andknowledge useful for a career withinthe criminal justice system or in otherareas such as public policy, socialwork or local government.BA (Hons) Criminal Justiceprogression routeIf you have previously completed acriminal justice related Foundationdegree, or an equivalent level 5qualification, this course allows you tocontinue your studies and gain aBachelors degree in criminal justice.For more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.ukUndergraduate Prospectus | University of Essex Online 10

Earn a professionalqualification from theInstitute of Leadershipand Management (ILM)while you study for yourdegree.Professional qualifications11 University of Essex Online | Undergraduate prospectus

When you study for a business degree How does it work?with us you can choose to simultaneously You have the option to register forstudy towards a professional qualification a professional qualification from thein management from the Institute ofLeadership and Management (ILM)without taking on any additional work.Does this mean extra work?Institute of Leadership and Management(ILM) when you enrol on to one of ourundergraduate degrees in business.The ILM study content is alreadyintegrated into our degree programmes;this means that you gain yourqualification without undertaking anyadditional academic work.What are the benefits?The Institute of Leadership andManagement is the UK’s largestawarding body for leadership andmanagement qualifications. Thebenefits of studying for an ILMqualification include:earn a professional qualificationwithout any additional academic work;earn your first ILM qualification withinthe first 60 credits of study;develop as an effective managementpractitioner; andgain ILM membership and access toonline books and study guides.ILM professional qualificationsStudents on the following degreeswith University of Essex Online areoffered the opportunity to claim the ILMqualifications listed below as part of theirstudies, subject to an additional fee.Degree course ILM qualification available CostCertCE Business StudiesFdA Business and ManagementBA (Hons) Business and ManagementCertCE Business StudiesDipHE Business and MarketingBA (Hons) Business and MarketingL4 Award in ManagementL4 Award in ManagementL5 Award in ManagementL4 Award in ManagementL4 Award in ManagementL5 Award in Management£150£150£180£150£150£180Undergraduate Prospectus | University of Essex Online 12

TestimonialsIn 2009, I had been working forthree years within the Police asa civilian Radio Dispatcher and999 Call Taker; forced to watchthe work of Constables fromthe sidelines. I had alwaysdreamed of becoming a PoliceOfficer but could nevercompete with graduates eachtime recruitment opened. I hadalways regretted missingUniversity at eighteen, and feltit was “too late” for me.I became a Police Constablein March 2014 and havescored very well in all myexams, which I credit to myeducation with the Universityof Essex Online. With theirhelp I was able to open thedoor to my future. Achieving adegree online has helped merealise a dream I had thought Ineeded to let go of.Victoria SwiftFdA Criminal Justice (Police)13I have always wanted to have aUniversity education as a resultof my childhood and growingup in Nigeria. When possible, Iwould sometimes go to schoolwalking several miles with nofood, which affected myeducation. Upon coming to theUK I tried several times to gaina University education butfailed due to my lack ofGCSEs.I graduated in 2014 andachieving a degree is a dreamcome true; my mother isextremely proud as I’m the firstmember of my family toachieve a degree. TheBusiness and Managementcourse has inspired me tobecome an entrepreneur andI’ve started developing myown products. What I’velearned ftom the course willcome in very useful whenbuilding my own company.Oluwole OkanlawonBA (Hons) Business andManagementStarting my studies was adaunting prospect but with thehelp of some veryknowledgeable tutors and kindStudent Support Advisers, Iwas navigating my way throughthe Foundation degree (FdA)and had the confidence to dotwo modules at a time. Ifinished the FdA in just overtwo years. By this time myappetite for learning andknowledge was increasing andthe University of EssexOnline made the transition fromFdA to BA so easy that I movedstraight onto the Top-upprogramme. I am now pursingan MSc in Business andManagement.Studying online is not withoutits challenges, but I would haveit no other way. I’ve learned tobe more disciplined, which in Ibelieve is the main ingredientfor success.Winsome BarrettBA (Hons) Business andManagementI completed my degree whilstworking full time and raisingthree teenagers. It ‘s amazingwhat’s achievable when youput your mind to it.The studying paid off for bothmy employer and myself whenin July 2012 I was appointedto head up the Confederationof British Metalforming (firstfemale its 110 year history). Iwas particularly pleased thatthey acknowledged how proudthey were that I hadcompleted my degree.For me personally, trying tojuggle a busy home and worklife, online learning enoughwas ideal. It fits around yourlife and enables you tomanage your studying timeeffectively. Where else couldyou attend economics lecturesitting in your pyjamas!Geraldine BoltonFdA Business andmanagement

Frequently asked questionsHow does online learningwork?Do I need a computer?How much of my time will ittake to study a module?What happens if mycircumstances change duringmy studies?Will I have to sit any exams?Am I eligible for a studentloan?How do I apply and when can Istart?Will my degree say onlinelearning?What is Accredited PriorLearning (APL)?Do I get a graduationceremony?Online learning is a flexible method of studying that is designed to fitaround your existing work and personal commitments. You can choosehow and when you study, using our innovative virtual classroomenvironment.You will need regular access to a computer with internet access. While itmay be possible to study from a variety of venues such as at work, from alibrary or at a family member's house, we recommend that you use acomputer based in your own home.The number of hours required each week will vary during the length ofyour module. For example, if you are preparing an assignment, thenumber of hours required in that week may be higher than other weekswhere you are studying the module materials or interacting online. Youshould be prepared to spend a minimum of 10 to 15 hours per weekstudying.University of Essex Online courses are different to traditional degreecourses. Our approach is based on choice and flexibility. If your personalsituation changes during your studies, we will work with you to make thenecessary adjustments to your course load.There are no exams to sit. All assessments are based on discussioncontributions, written assignments and work-based learning projects.Every piece of work that you submit is uploaded via our virtual onlineplatform and your tutor has direct access to assess it.If you are a UK or EU citizen and live in England or Wales and haven'tcompleted a degree before you may be eligible for a student loan whichwill pay for the full cost of your undergraduate studies. If you are noteligible, or you decide to fund your course yourself, we offer a simplemonthly payment plan to enable you to spread the cost of your tuitionover the duration of your studies.Call us on +44 (0) 800 0527 526 or complete our online application form.We have monthly start dates so you can begin your studies as soon asyou’ve been accepted onto one of our courses and your student loanapplication has been received or you and have paid your coursetuition fee.There is no mention of online study on the University of Essex degreecertificate. The mode of study is mentioned on the transcripts thataccompany your final grades.APL is a process which enables you to gain recognition, formal credit andexemptions for learning you have previously completed prior to enrollingon a University of Essex Online course. This certificated learning couldhave been through study at another Higher Education Institution, distancelearning, in-house company training or professional or vocationalqualifications.Yes, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the Universityof Essex campus in Colchester after the successful completion of yourdegree course.Undergraduate Prospectus | University of Essex Online 14

Tuition fees and student loansStudent loansMany UK or EU students living in England are eligible for a government-backed student loan. As one of them, you won’t have to pay anytuition fees up front as the loan will cover the full cost of your course.If you are not eligible for a tuition fee loan, or you decide to fund your course yourself, we offer a simple monthly payment plan to enableyou to spread the cost of your tuition over the duration of your studies. A 10% discount is available for full payment of undergraduate tuitionfees up front.Call us on +44 (0) 800 0527 526 and our specialist student finance advisers will advise you on the student loan process and guide youthrough your application.All of our tuition fees are the same whether you are a UK, EU or international student.Programme Credits Standard study duration Tuition fee per month Full course fee*Certificate ofContinuing Education60 8 months £375 £3,000Diploma of HigherEducation240 32 months £375 £12,000Foundation degree 240 32 months £375 £12,000BA (Hons) degree 360 48 months £375 £18,000BA (Hons)Progression Route120 16 months £375 £6,000*10 per cent discount available for full course fee payment up front. All fees are subject to change without notice.Undergraduate tuition fees and length of studyAll of our undergraduate courses cost £375 per month payable over the standard course duration. If you study faster than thestandard course duration, your tuition fees will be reduced.For example, the total tuition fees for a full Bachelors degree are £375 per month, payable for the standard course duration of 48months, up to a total of £18,000. This is equivalent to £4,500 per year, which is half of the annual tuition fee of £9,000 charged bymost UK universities.All of our courses can be completed faster than the standard course duration. For example, a full Bachelors degree can becompleted in a minimum of 36 months, saving you £4,500.If you take longer than the standard study duration to complete your course you won't be charged more than the full course fee fordoing so.15 University of Essex Online | Undergraduate Prospectus

Entry requirementsWe have flexible entry requirements that take both your academic and work-basedexperience into account. All applications will be considered on their individual meritsand assessed by the academic team, taking into account professional status and workexperience as well as prior academic achievements. If English is not your firstlanguage, then your English ability should be equivalent to IELTS 6.0.For more detailed information on the specific entry requirements for our postgraduatecourses please visit the relevant course page on our website.How to applyContact one of our experienced Admissions Advisers today on + 44 (0) 800 0527 526.It is important that you fully understand the commitment involved and choose the rightprogramme.We will discuss your previous education, relevant work experience, time available tostudy and your career aspirations.Contact detailsT +44 (0) 800 0527 526E enquiries@online.essex.ac.ukonline.essex.ac.ukFor more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.ukUniversity of Essex Online courses are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning (Essex) Limited. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is correct.However, Kaplan Open Learning (Essex) Limited reserves the right to change or amend, at any time, any of the course details including content, dates, fees payable, terms andconditions. Kaplan Open Learning (Essex) Limited also reserves the right to close or not start any published course.16

online.essex.ac.ukUniversity of Essex OnlineWest Gate6 Grace StreetLeeds LS1 2RPT +44 (0) 800 0527 526E enquiries@online.essex.ac.ukKeep up-to-date by following us on Facebook and Twitter:facebook.com/UniEssexOnlineTwitter.com/UniEssexOnline