How To Study At Edinburgh Napier University

Transcription

1 170 The quickest and easiest way to make an application is to apply online at Our online system allows you to upload copies of transcripts and other additional information to support your application. If you are unable to make an online application please call us on , or +44 (0) from outside the UK, or and we ll send you the application form in an alternative format.

2 171 If you are interested in studying one of the taught postgraduate courses in this prospectus and you have the relevant entry requirements, you can begin the application process now. These taught courses will lead you towards a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or a Masters award (MA, MDes, MFA, MSc or MBA). Applications can be completed online at by viewing the appropriate course and selecting Apply for this course. In order for our admissions team to process your application we will need: not your first language) and academic transcript. If you require the application form in another format, please pgadmission@napier.ac.uk Taught student We welcome applications for postgraduate courses from students with an Honours Degree in an appropriate subject, or experience which demonstrates that an applicant possesses the appropriate knowledge and skills at Honours Degree standard. Other applicants may be able to undertake a bridging course. We accept applications throughout the year for our courses, which normally begin at two points in the year October and February. We do not have specific deadline dates for applications; however we would advise that you aim to have submitted your application by the following dates, in order to ensure that there is sufficient time for your application to be processed: Applicants from the EU By the end of August for September intake and by the end of December for January intake. Applicants from the UK By the beginning of September for September intake and by the beginning of January for January intake. Applicants from Overseas By the end of July for September intake and by the end of November for January intake. Applicants to our School of Creative Industries and Screen Academy by the beginning of August. Please note that we will endeavour to consider your application, even if it is submitted after these dates. If you have selected your course and you fulfil the entry requirements outlined in this prospectus then simply apply online at Your application should expand upon your experience and qualifications and provide details of any additional academic achievements you may have, which are not stipulated for the course (eg industrial courses, professional qualifications, partially completed diplomas or degrees).

3 172 Applications If you need any advice or help choosing a course or preparing your application; or if you would like to discuss the qualifications required to meet the entry requirements, contact the Information Office on Alternatively, speak to our Postgraduate Admissions team on If you are applying for more than one course, please list your choices in order of preference. This is important as some course applications are dealt with sequentially and if you are made an unconditional offer for your first choice, your second and third choice will not be considered. Visiting student We are also happy to consider applications from visiting postgraduate students from the EU on a pay-per-module basis. We can offer you the chance to take some time away from your studies at your home university and experience life in Edinburgh while studying some of the many postgraduate modules available here at Edinburgh Napier. Eligible EU students study up to a maximum of three postgraduate modules per trimester which, upon successful completion, will give you a total of 30 ECTS credits to take back to your home university. There is also the option to study as a visiting student for a trimester, complete your dissertation at Edinburgh Napier and then have the potential to graduate with a double award from both your home university and Edinburgh Napier. For more information on eligibility, costs and the application process, please contact: studyabroad@napier.ac.uk Research student A research degree (MRes, MPhil or PhD) typically lasts longer than a taught Masters course and involves a higher level of individual study and investigation. The normal periods of study for research degrees vary depending on the award: time) These awards do not follow the same principle as taught courses. Research students are initially registered for a Research Degree Programme and commence their studies without a specified target degree. Progress depends on satisfactory performance in Transfer and Annual Progress reviews. All research students will receive some formal research methods training and a research degree may also offer the possibility of doing some part-time teaching or demonstrating. Research courses are created between the research interests of the faculty and your own so if you have seen something about research at Edinburgh Napier that interests you and is in tune with what you want to do, then please contact us to discuss the possibility of becoming a research student here. See page 140 for more information on research degrees and how to apply.

4 173 Part-time students If you are interested in part-time postgraduate study you can apply in any of the ways outlined previously. International students (Non-EU) Information for non-eu international students on applying for postgraduate courses at Edinburgh Napier University can be found on page 162. Once your application has been considered you will be advised of our decision. If you have been made an offer you need to accept or decline that offer. Any questions? Once you have applied, if you have any queries about your application then call: +44 (0) or What happens next? We cannot consider your application until we have received your completed application form. When we have your application form we will send you an acknowledgement, normally within 10 working days. You can help us to process your application quickly by ensuring you submit all the required documentation to allow us to make a decision. This normally includes: academic transcript or non-uk qualifications if English is not your first language.

5 174 We ve included here a description of how levels and credit points are allocated within Scotland, information on the corresponding European framework and details about the professional studies and qualifications available. If you re not sure what education or training is right for you, call or us or contact your local careers office or Learndirect Scotland.

6 175 Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) The SCQF is the national framework which will allow you to broadly compare and understand the many different qualifications available in Scotland. Understanding the value of your qualifications will help you to make the most of the learning that you do at college or university, at work, or in your community. The framework below describes qualifications and learning in terms of levels and credits. SCQF Level Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions SQA Qualifications 12 Doctoral degree 11 Integrated Masters degree / Masters degree Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate 10 Honours degree Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate 9 Professional Development Award Bachelors / ordinary degree Graduate Diploma Graduate Certificate 8 Higher National Diploma 7 Advanced Higher National Higher Certificate 6 Higher 5 Intermediate 2 Credit Standard Grade 4 Intermediate 1 National General Certificate Standard Grade 3 Access 3 Foundation Standard Grade 2 Access 2 1 Access 1 National Progression Award Diploma of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education This Framework diagram has been produced to show the mainstream Scottish qualifications already credit rated by SQA and Higher Education Institutions, however, there are a diverse number of learning programmes on the Framework, which, due to the limitations of this format, cannot be represented here. For more information on other credit rated provision, please visit the SCQF website at to view the interactive version of the Framework or search the database. Scottish Vocational Qualifications SVQ5 SVQ4 SVQ3 SVQ2 SVQ1

7 176 Understanding qualifications There are 12 levels in the framework, with level 11 corresponding to postgraduate and Masters qualifications. At Edinburgh Napier University all Masters level modules are at SCQF level 11. Each modular Masters course is made up of taught 20 credit modules and a larger dissertation module. In the case of the taught 20 credit modules, we expect a typical student to take 200 hours of study time to complete each module. The Masters Dissertation module will usually be either 40 or 60 credits and will therefore take longer to study. Our postgraduate awards are: credits of taught modules at SCQF level 11. credits of taught modules at SCQF level 11. comprising 180 credits at SCQF level 11. If you re not sure which postgraduate course is right for you, our easy summary (opposite) is an easy way to compare and contrast different courses and find the one that s best for you. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) The ECTS is the European framework designed to facilitate the transfer of credit between programmes or courses of study for students who choose to study at more than one European university including exchange students. The ECTS defines credit slightly differently to the SCQF system as one year of study equates to 60 ECTS credits. Edinburgh Napier will recognise and transfer ECTS credits for students entering our courses with prior qualification from European universities. Our Masters courses are ECTS Second Cycle Awards. For admission you need to have completed 240 ECTS credits and will study a further 90 ECTS credits. A standard Edinburgh Napier module is 10 ECTS credits. Further information ec.europa.eu/education

8 177 AWARD TITLE DESCRIPTION LENGTH OF STUDY Certificate of Credit Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Masters Degree (MA, MDes, or MSc) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Master of Research (MRes) Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Professional Qualifications A selection of modules that do not make up an award Three taught modules Six taught modules Six taught modules, plus a dissertation (equivalent to a further credits dependent on programme). A Business Management award requiring nine taught modules plus a work-related dissertation project. A postgraduate award in the creative arts comprised of a minimum of 240 credits and including a major project. Advanced training in research methods, often taken in conjunction with an MPhil or PhD. Research on a specific topic in your area of expertise, with one-to-one guidance from an adviser and the possibility of doing some part-time teaching. A professional doctorate designed for managers to develop applied research within their organisation. Further advanced research award. If you re studying an MPhil you have the possibility of transferring to a PhD. Including ACCA, IDM, CIBS and CIMA. Generally part-time only. These are for you if you want to achieve a postgraduate level award in the professionally recognised discipline that you already work in. Up to one year part-time. One trimester full-time, up to one year part-time. One year full-time, two years part-time. One year full-time, two years part-time (though often you can complete your dissertation part-time after your PgDip). One year intensive full-time, three or more years part-time, blended or distance learning. Minimum 18 months full-time, 36 months part-time. One year full-time, two years part-time. Two years full-time, three years part-time. Three years work-based learning with five weeks of campus-based study during the course. Three years full-time, five years part-time. One to two years part-time.

9 178 Understanding qualifications We offer a supportive, stimulating and friendly environment in which to develop professional knowledge and skills. Professional studies & qualifications In this prospectus, you will note a wide range of postgraduate degrees designed to help students face professional challenges, advance their careers and develop both professionally and personally. Many of our courses have professional accreditation and we have established strong links with employers. Our internationally renowned research centres advance industrial thinking and techniques and inform policy and practice. We recognise that, because of work and other responsibilities; you may not wish to commit to a full degree at the moment and may be considering a shorter course. We offer you the opportunity to enrol on a short course or a single module at a level that suits you. We also recognise that you may just want to update your knowledge and skills in a particular area and we can meet those needs through our range of courses.

10 179 Did you know? If your employer is interested in giving formal academic recognition to in-house staff training and development programmes, you could gain academic credits for learning carried out at work. Our Centre for Credit Rating works with employers to allow work-based learning to be quality assured to a national standard. Employees who complete credit rated in-house training schemes are awarded credit recognised by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), which can be used as a stepping stone towards further study and enhances the CV. It also greatly improves an employer s capacity and efficiency and is an ideal way to develop a workforce. Our accredited training model is recognised by the SCQF as a market leader in the field. To find out more, visit:

11 180 Funding & Fees Postgraduate fees At the time of going to press, Edinburgh Napier University was still in the process of setting postgraduate fees for 2013/14. Please refer to our website where detailed tuition fee information for 2013/14 will be made available as soon as possible. Courses at postgraduate level start from three modules for a postgraduate certificate through to nine modules for a Masters. Each module is worth 20 credits. If you wish to study the full MSc then all fees will be due and payable at the start of the course. You can initially sign up for the postgraduate diploma and then decide at a later date to continue to do the MSc. This means you will only initially need to pay for the postgraduate diploma. For further information, please refer to our website: Fees for UK & EU applicants fees@napier.ac.uk Different fees apply to taught courses and to research courses. In addition, certain taught courses carry a premium fee. For further information, please refer to our website: Full-time Masters/Postgraduate Diploma courses normally consist of a taught element lasting about nine months, which contains the majority of the teaching and instruction, followed by an element of self-directed study on a project or dissertation. This typically lasts three to six months. In order to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate, students need to successfully complete 15 weeks of study full-time. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) You may wish to enrol on one or two modules for your own personal or professional development. In this case, fees would normally be charged on a part-time rate per module, as detailed in the fee table, online at Fees for international applicants At the time of going to press, Edinburgh Napier University was still in the process of setting international postgraduate fees for 2013/14. Please refer to our website where detailed tuition fee information for 2013/14 will be made available as soon as possible. Early payment discount For international students who have fees of more than 6,500, an early payment discount of 150 is available providing full payment is received 30 days before the matriculation date in September Fee payment The University requires payment of tuition fees in full prior to or at matriculation and accepts payment by cash, cheque, direct transfer of funds, most forms of credit/debit card or online. As an alternative to payment in full, selffunding students with a credit or debit card who are studying more than 40 credits can arrange a recurring card payment of two to six instalments. If you are studying less than 40 credits you will be required to make payment in full.

12 181 Payment plans can be set up online using e-pay (see below) and allow you to pay your fees in instalments. Payment plan options include: until March; March; or September and January. Ultimately students are responsible for the payment of their fees if their sponsor (government or other) fails to make a payment. Easy paying with e-pay To make life easier for you, you can pay for a range of fees and services directly over the web. The e-pay online service allows you to pay your university accommodation rent deposit, arrears of rent, tuition fees and even graduation fees directly over the web, with your credit or debit card. You can do this 24/7. So wherever you are in the world, whenever you want, you can do this easily and securely online. We advise all prospective students to investigate their eligibility for funding at the earliest opportunity. Also, all students should be certain of how they expect to pay their fees and support themselves financially while they study before they matriculate. Graduate discount We have recently introduced a Graduate Discount Scheme on postgraduate tuition fees for alumni who have graduated with an undergraduate degree from Edinburgh Napier University and who then progress to either a full-time or part-time taught postgraduate degree course. for self-funded courses (terms and conditions apply). year students. eligible. Funding for course fees All new eligible (Scottish domiciled and EU) students can apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL) from April Full-time students can apply for a tuition fee loan of up to 3,400 per year and part-time students can apply for up to 1,700 per year. The PTFL will only be available to part-time students who are undertaking at least 50 per cent of a full-time course and they must therefore complete their qualification in no more than two years. Further information regarding PTFL applications can be found at Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) Call:

13 182 Funding & Fees How the Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan (PTFL) works The Postgraduate Student Allowance Scheme (PSAS) will cease to exist in its current form for the 2012 intake. The current system of bursary awards will be replaced by a system of repayable student loans which will be administered through the Student Loans Company. All new eligible Scottish-domiciled and EU students can apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland for a PTFL loan from April You can see the full list of eligible courses online at: funding/pages/funding.aspx Full-time students can apply for a loan of up to 3,400 and part-time students can apply for up to 1,700 per year to pay their tuition fees. Part-time students must be undertaking at least 50 per cent of a full-time course and must therefore complete their qualification in no more than two years. You must not have received support from UK public funds for a previous vocational postgraduate course or, if you are an EU national, you must not have received support from another EU country. To be eligible to apply, you must hold an unconditional offer for an eligible course and you will also need a UK National Insurance number. You can phone the National Insurance Office on for further assistance. The PTFL application form will be available to download from the SAAS website from April The closing date for applications for 2012/2013 is 31 March You will be required to send a copy of your unconditional offer to SAAS along with your application form. If you have any enquiries about the PTFL, please contact pgadmissions@napier.ac.uk Funding for research students A Research Degree can usually start at any point during the academic year and there are a variety of ways to fund your studies: and are advertised in the press and on the website as they become available (and on Standard studentships normally offer funding for three years. The school is responsible for the appropriate fees and the student is paid an annual stipend 13,590 in 2010/11. Students who are awarded a studentship may be required to carry out some teaching within the school. level of fees for an overseas student who is then responsible for paying the balance of fees themselves, or through another source of funding. available for some students. There are different research councils for different discipline areas: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC): Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC): Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC): Medical Research Council (MRC): Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC):

14 183 charity to fund postgraduate research is the Wellcome Trust. They have a limited number of research studentships for medical research: places allow students to study part-time for a research degree while employed to undertake research in an industrial setting. funded and employer-funded places on a part-time or full-time basis. Professional & Career Development Loans Call: UK students may be interested in applying for a Professional & Career Development Loan a bank loan that you pay back once you ve left your course. It s important to make sure you can afford the repayments before you apply. You can borrow between 300 and 10,000 to help you fund up to two years of training (or up to three years if the course includes work experience). The Skills Funding Agency pays the interest on your loan while you are studying and for one month afterwards. The rate of interest is fixed at the time you take out the loan and you will agree a schedule of monthly repayments with the bank. Professional & Career Development Loans are managed in partnership with a number of high street banks and can support a wide range of vocational courses. Extra financial support from Edinburgh Napier University Call: studentfunding@napier.ac.uk The Student Funding Office at Edinburgh Napier administers the Discretionary Fund (government-funded financial hardship support) which can provide a limited level of financial assistance including help with registered childcare costs, should money concerns jeopardise your ability to continue with or complete your studies. You must be a currently matriculated student of the University and meet the eligibility criteria to apply to the Discretionary Fund. Scholarships & grants defined These are usually funded by charitable donations to the University by individuals or organisations to help specific groups of people. Generally the amount of money is small and is aimed at assisting with living costs, fees, course equipment, travel etc. Amounts are not limitless and conditions will vary depending on the type of scholarship or grant. Full details of the scholarships and grants are available from our website and from the Careers Service. Student grants s.sutherland@napier.ac.uk Funded by charitable donations to the University, student grants provide financial assistance to postgraduate students progressing from an undergraduate course at Edinburgh Napier, who wish either to undertake travel or research projects that will enhance their studies, or support excellence in sport or the creative industries. Application forms are ed to students in February and October each year by the Development Office. For more information please send us an .

15 184 To find out more about how you can achieve your aspirations at Edinburgh Napier University, we hold a number of Open Sessions and web chats throughout the year. These offer great opportunities to visit the University, speak with relevant academic staff and get information and advice on our wide range of full and part-time courses at postgraduate level either taught or research. You can also find out about our support services, accommodation and students association. To find out more about these events, visit:

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17 186 Index Applications Funding & fees 180 How to apply 170 Open days 184 Campus locations 148 Courses Faculty of Engineering, Computing & Creative Industries 66 Faculty of Health, Life & Social Sciences 122 The Business School 24 Edinburgh life 146 Funding & fees Continuing Professional Development 180 e-pay 181 Funding for research students 182 Graduate Discount Scheme 181 International & Non-EU fees payment 180 Postgraduate course fees 180 Professional & Career Development Loans 183 Student grants 183 UK & EU applicants 180 How to apply International students 162 Research students 172 Taught students 171 International students Apply 162 English language requirements 162 International & Non-EU fees 163 Opportunities to improve your English 164 Pre-Masters course 165 Learning resources Computing resources 152 Language facilities 152 Library resources 151 Students with disabilities, health conditions or specific learning difficulties 152 Napier Students Association 158 Qualifications Award titles 177 Description 177 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) 176 Length of study 177 Levels & credit points 175 Professional studies & qualifications 178 Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework 175 Research 140 Research & Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Faculty of Engineering, Computing & Creative Industries 60 Faculty of Health, Life & Social Sciences 116 The Business School 18 Support information Careers 155 Chaplaincy 155 Counselling 155 Disability & Inclusion 156 Representation 159 Sport & recreation 159 Student accommodation 156 Welfare 159

18 187 To find out more about Edinburgh Napier University; for extra detail on anything covered in this prospectus or to request further information on our courses, please get in touch: Web Call or +44 (0) from outside the UK Facebook EdinburghNapierUniversity Twitter Follow us on Napier Get updates via SMS by texting follow EdinburghNapier to in the UK This publication is also available online and in alternative formats, such as audio, large print or Braille please call: or visit:

19 188 Disclaimers 1. The university endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in the University s prospectus. The University s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University, and it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. The University therefore reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, to discontinue, merge or combine courses and to introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change. 2. The University does not accept responsibility, and excludes any liability for damage to students property (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), or for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. 3. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services. Edinburgh Napier University is a registered Scottish charity. Registration number SC Designed, produced, photographed and published by International, Development & External Affairs, Edinburgh Napier University. Printed by Sterling Solutions. Our thanks to all students and graduates who agreed to appear in this prospectus. Edinburgh Napier University 2012 University rules, regulations and policies As a condition of enrolment, all students will be required to abide by and submit to the University s Rules, Regulations and Policies, including Student Conduct Regulations, Academic Regulations, Library and Computing Regulations and Health and Safety Rules. These may be viewed at or to request a copy of any of these documents, please info@napier.ac.uk Equal Opportunities Edinburgh Napier University is committed to providing learning opportunities for all and is aiming to create an environment in which students are selected solely on the basis of merit. It is committed to equality of opportunity for all and will not unlawfully discriminate on any grounds. Sustainability At Edinburgh Napier University we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our activities. With a dedicated Sustainability Office, working with all students and staff, we are striving to create an even more environmentally aware ethos. For further information, contact: sustainabilityoffice@napier.ac.uk World Land Trust FSC