Jargon buster

Another word for a course. An award is the degree or qualification you have chosen to study.

Because of the time it takes to complete modules, we work in two blocks of 12 weeks. It doesn't affect vacations, so there is still time at Christmas, Easter and summer to take a break!

The B (which stands for Bachelor) shows this is what people usually refer to as a degree – basically three years of full-time study. The Hons is just a shortened version of Honours. A BEng refers to engineering-based subjects, a BSc to science-based subjects (including the likes of technology, health and computing), and a BA to arts-based courses (like humanities, art and design and business). You'll also come across Masters awards (eg MEng – Master of Engineering) which are at a higher level than a Bachelors degree. These usually take another year of full-time study after you complete the Bachelors degree.

Bridging courses are for holders of HNDs who wish to top-up their award to a full Honours degree. The course will last for two years and includes an industrial placement (usually for six months).

A project, usually taken throughout Level H, where you explore in-depth a very specific topic (that you choose with your tutor).

A higher level qualification than an ordinary degree, a pass with distinction – often requiring a disertation to convert to an honours degree.

Lets you follow a broader programme of study in two subjects. You can study the subjects equally or you can study one slightly more than the other.

Are used to teach you about key issues and to direct you to relevant resources. Lectures tend not to be interactive - there can be up to 200 students - but are a valuable tool in learning the basics of a topic.

For full-time students this is another word for an academic year. A standard three year degree is made up of Level C, Level I and Level H and it just refers to the stage you are at in your studies (part-time students may take a little longer to complete a year).

A module is an area of study within an award. A module is usually worth 15 'credits' (or points); for a degree you need 360 of these credits. Even if you do not complete your degree, you may still gain a qualification (for instance a Certificate or a Diploma) if you complete enough modules. There are two types of module - core (which are compulsory for your award) and options (which you can choose from the range of option modules that relate to your subject).

Some awards are part of programmes - awards which are grouped together as they have similar elements. You'll often find that awards within a programme have the same modules at Level C, so there is sometimes an option to change between courses during the first few months.

 A course that includes a placement in business or industry (usually a year long).

Seminars/tutorials are much smaller groups where you can discuss topics and develop and clarify, your understanding. They are often student led and are a lively and interactive way to learn – about the topic and presentation and debating skills.

Single Honours degree lets you specialise in one area of study.

A top-up award is a 12 or 18 month long course, specifically designed to convert your HND into an Honours degree.