Changing from 15 to 20 credits

We are in the process of changing the size of a standard module from 15 to 20 credits. The change will be introduced to half of our online courses in September 2012, with the remaining courses switching over in 2013.

Why are you changing the size of the modules?

There are a number of advantages in changing from 15 to 20 credit modules, including a reduced assessment load (i.e. you take fewer modules) but as the modules are now worth 20 credits, there is an opportunity for greater depth of learning.  Using 20 credit modules is also more widely known across the education sector, enabling you to accumulate credit, which can be easily transferred within and between education providers.

The following courses will be offered with 20 credit modules from September 2012:

• University Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies
• University Diploma in Counselling Studies and Skills
• PG Certificate Clinicial Supervision
• MSc Environmental Health
• MSc Environmental Management
• MSc Ergonomics
• MSc Health Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top up)
• BSc (Hons) Psychology (levels 4 and 5 only)
• MSc Psychology
• University Certificate Psychology
• MA International Hospitality Management
• MSc Information Technology
• LLM Transnational Oil, Gas and Energy Law

The remaining online courses will move to 20 credits in September 2013.

The key points concerning the move to 20 credit modules are below:

• reduced assessment load
• opportunity for greater depth of learning
• key learning outcomes have not been removed, just redesigned and enhanced
• though the credits per module is changing from 15 to 20 credits, the total number of credits per course remains the same - i.e. 120 credits for BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top up))
• the 20 credit system is a wider known system (national and international), allowing for easier transfer of credits between institutions
• where course fees appear to have increased significantly, this may be due to accreditation requirements by professional bodies, expert academic specialism, and student to staff ratio.

How does this affect the cost of the course?

Course fees have been calculated based on the price of a single credit, then multiplied by 20 to produce the cost of a 20 credit module.  In most cases, an increase has then been applied to bring prices in line with the cost of living. Fees are annually reviewed to ensure that we can offer you a competitive price and renewed investment in programme development.

Spread your payments with our new flexible payment plans

We have introduced new payment plans for all courses starting in September 2012.  Under new government legislation, online distance learning students may qualify for a part time student loan.  Further information can be found on our finance and funding pages.