Contents. Why study with us? 3. Student support 4. Business courses 5. Criminal justice courses 7

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1 University of Essex Online Prospectus

2 About us University of Essex Online courses are available to both UK and international students and enable students to benefit from a flexible approach to study, while maintaining the quality and support you would expect from a top UK university. University of Essex Online courses are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, an experienced online learning provider. The University of Essex and Kaplan Open Learning have developed a partnership over the last five years to offer high quality online courses. Our structured online programmes allow you to study for your degree in a unique virtual learning environment and still have access to all the support and facilities you would expect to receive on campus. Whether you re a student looking to enhance your professional career, or are a school leaver who has opted for an income and valuable work experience whilst studying for a degree, online study is a cost-effective, convenient and flexible way to do it.

3 Contents Why study with us? 3 Student support 4 Business courses 5 BA (Hons) Business and Management 6 BA (Hons) Business and Management progression route 6 FdA Business and Management 6 FdA Marketing and Sales Management 6 FdA Leadership and Management 6 Criminal justice courses 7 BA (Hons) Criminal Justice 8 BA (Hons) Criminal Justice progression route 8 FdA Criminal Justice (Police) 8 FdA Criminal Justice (Probation) 8 FdA Criminal Justice (Custodial Services) 8 FdA Criminal Justice (Youth Justice) 8 Professional qualifications 9 Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications 10 Testimonials 11 Frequently asked questions 12 Fees 13 How to apply 14

4 Studying for a degree online is more affordable than going to university and the flexibility of our courses means you can continue to work while you study. Why study with us? If you are looking to enhance your professional career, studying online is one of the most cost-effective, convenient and flexible ways to gain your degree, regardless of your geographical location, work or personal commitments. With a University of Essex Online course, you receive your degree from a top UK university and get all the support and facilities you would expect on campus. Flexibility Study at your own pace from anywhere; at work, at home or on the move. No travel Save time and money; there is no need to travel to attend face-to-face lectures or tutorials. Everything is done online. Experience Our online tutors have vast experience of delivering traditional campus and online tuition. No exams We operate an assignment-based approach for each module instead of exams. Learning and support A dedicated Student Adviser will support you from admission through to graduation. Affordability Government-backed student loans are now available to part-time students, so there is no need to pay any tuition fees up front. You only start repaying once you are earning over 21,000 and any remaining loan is written off after 30 years. Entry requirements Our entry requirements recognise previous experience. 3 University of Essex Online Prospectus

5 I would encourage anybody to study for their degree with University of Essex Online as they make it so accessible, and their help and support is invaluable. Donna Daly BA (Hons) Business and Management Student support If you study with us, you ll receive your degree from a top-ranked UK university and be able to access all the support and facilities you would expect to receive from a campus-based university. What support will I receive? We pride ourselves on student support and satisfaction. Whatever your question or problem, we will work with you to find a solution. We have a range of support facilities in place to guide you through your studies. Student Advisers You will be assigned a personal Student Adviser who will be your first point of contact throughout your studies and will serve as your mentor. The role of our Student Advisers is to support you throughout the course and provide guidance on your progress. Tutor support Your module tutor will be in regular contact with you throughout the course via our online virtual learning environment which closely replicates a traditional campus classroom. Your module tutor will lead the class by delivering seminars, posting lessons and assignments, answering questions and interacting with you on a regular basis. The virtual learning environment will also be used to mark assignments and we aim to provide feedback on any coursework submitted within seven days. Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) The Ministry of Defence s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) is an initiative to encourage lifelong learning for members of the Armed Forces. The ELC scheme provides financial support for higher level courses. We are an approved course provider for the MoD through the ELC scheme and can offer advice and help you to apply for any financial support available. Additional resources If you study with us you will have access to a number of resources to compliment your studies via our virtual learning platform such as online libraries, which will enable you to access on-line journals, databases and e-books. You can also apply to become a member of the University of Essex Student Union. Support for students with disabilities You should make us aware of any disability, long-term medical condition, mental health difficulty or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia during the application and interview process as we find that early awareness of these issues improves our level of support. We can also give advice on funding that may be available for students with disabilities. There is also the opportunity to have regular contact with your tutor by telephone and as you progress through your course and to interact with other students on the programme through online forums. Prospectus University of Essex Online 4

6 Our innovative, virtual learning environment replicates a real classroom using the latest internet software technology. Business courses 5 University of Essex Online Prospectus

7 Our business degrees give you the opportunity to improve your career prospects and earning potential with a mix of key skills that are directly transferable to the workplace; from finance, marketing and human resources to business strategy and project planning. Foundation degrees online Foundation degrees are higher education qualifications which are equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelors degree and provide a means of integrating study and work-based learning. We offer the following Foundation level degrees online in business: FdA Business and Management This course will enable you to acquire essential knowledge, vital skills and critical awareness necessary for managing teams and creating value for a business, whilst preparing you for a future management role. FdA Marketing and Sales Management This course will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to pursue career ambitions in the fields of management, marketing, sales, advertising, and market research. FdA Leadership and Management This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the theory and practice of organisations, organisational structures and behaviours, as well as cultures. Upon completion of your Foundation degree, if you decide that you would like to continue with your studies, we offer the opportunity to study towards a Bachelors degree via our BA (Hons) Business and Management progression route course. Bachelors degrees online Earning a Bachelors degree may help you achieve a higher paying career opportunity in your field of interest and bring you closer to achieving your career goals. We offer the following Bachelors level degrees in business: BA (Hons) Business and Management This degree will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the strategic and international dimensions of business and management. It will also provide you with the necessary expertise to critically evaluate business models and concepts and apply them to real-world situations. BA (Hons) Business and Management progression route If you have previously completed a business-related Foundation degree, or an equivalent level 5 qualification, this course allows you to continue your studies and gain a Bachelors degree in Business and Management. For more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.uk Prospectus University of Essex Online 6

8 Our courses are delivered entirely online and replicate a real classroom environment. Criminal justice courses 7 University of Essex Online Prospectus

9 Our criminal justice degrees give you the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of how the UK criminal justice system works, examining crime and criminal behaviour as well as policing and imprisonment. Foundation degrees online Foundation degrees are higher education qualifications which are equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelors degree and provide a means of integrating study and work-based learning. We offer the following Foundation level degrees in criminal justice: FdA Criminal Justice (Police) This course provides you with an academic understanding of policing and also serves as an introduction to a career with the police. The course emphasises the diversity of the policing role. FdA Criminal Justice (Probation) This course examines the use and purpose of custody, its impact on the lives of offenders, types of prisons and the latest developments within the probation service. FdA Criminal Justice (Custodial Services) This course gives you the opportunity to explore the use and purpose of custody, its impact on the lives of offenders, types of prisons and the latest developments within offender management. BA Bachelors degrees online Earning a Bachelors degree may help you achieve a higher paying career opportunity in your field of interest and bring you closer to achieving your career goals. We offer the following Bachelors level degrees in criminal justice: BA (Hons) Criminal Justice This degree is designed to equip you with a broad based and thorough understanding of the rapidly changing environment and operations of the current criminal justice system. BA (Hons) Criminal Justice progression route If you have previously completed a criminal justice related Foundation degree, or an equivalent level 5 qualification, this course allows you to continue your studies and gain a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. FdA Criminal Justice (Youth Justice) This course is tailored for those who have a particular interest in working with young people and are seeking to develop a career within the youth justice system. Upon completion of your Foundation degree, if you decide that you would like to continue with your studies, we offer the opportunity to study towards a Bachelors degree via our BA (Hons) Criminal Justice progression route course. For more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.uk Prospectus University of Essex Online 8

10 Earn a professional qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) while you study for your degree. Professional qualifications 9 University of Essex Online Prospectus

11 When you study for a business degree with us you can choose to simultaneously study towards a professional qualification in management from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) without taking on any additional work. How does it work? You have the option to register for a professional qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) when you enrol on to one of our Foundation or Bachelors degrees in business. Does this mean extra work? The ILM study content is already integrated into our degree programmes; this means that you gain your qualification without undertaking any additional academic work. What are the benefits? The Institute of Leadership and Management is the UK s largest awarding body for leadership and management qualifications. The benefits of studying for an ILM qualification include: earn a professional qualification without any additional academic work; earn your first ILM qualification within the first 60 credits of study; develop as an effective management practitioner; and gain ILM membership and access to online books and study guides. ILM professional qualifications Students on the following degrees with University of Essex Online are offered the opportunity to claim the ILM qualifications listed below as part of their studies, subject to an additional fee. Degree course ILM qualification Cost BA (Hons) Business and Management FdA Business and Management FdA Marketing and Sales Management FdA Leadership and Management BA (Hons) Business and Management* FdA Business and Management FdA Leadership and Management BA (Hons) Business and Management* FdA Leadership and Management L4 Award in Management L4 Diploma in Management L5 Award in Management L5 Diploma in Management L4 Award in Leadership and Management L5 Diploma in Leadership and Management * Only applicable if the Leadership and Management pathway is chosen at Level 5. Prospectus University of Essex Online 10

12 Testimonials I am immensely proud of my academic achievements over the past four years. Through sheer determination and hard work I set out to be a well-respected, learned senior/executive member of staff, and my learning has given me the knowledge and confidence to have a fantastic career. Who would have thought that with life s continuous challenges, both big and small, that I could actually achieve this ambition of mine, not to mention that I have done it with a first class degree classification. Serina Jones BA (Hons) Business and Management 11 Completing a degree had always been an ambition of mine and I was pleasantly surprised to see just how accessible and affordable gaining a degree online could be. The flexible way in which the course was broken into manageable pieces meant that I could study whilst still carrying out my full-time job and part-time evening job, sometimes studying two modules at a time. Completing this degree has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. I have shown not only others but also myself that I am capable of something really special if I set my mind to it. In addition to my academic achievement, I have also been able to contribute to some really important projects within my workplace, due to my new found knowledge of theories and practices. Donna Daly FdA Business and Management Studying online gave me the flexibility and security of studying at home, at my own pace, to obtain a degree within my comfort zone. I have had a couple of meltdowns along the way, however, my Student Adviser was there with the encouragement and support I needed to complete my degree something I never thought I would achieve. My dream was always to have that photo of myself in a cap and gown to present to my mum for all the support she has shown me over the years and the belief she had in me. Studying online allowed me to do just that, leaving me with memories of a wonderful graduation day I will always treasure. Janine Nelson FdA Business and Management Studying for my degree has opened up my eyes to a whole new world that now inspires me to learn, and be all that I can be. I have found out, that after many years away from formal education, it is never too late to develop yourself both mentally and spiritually, setting goals and reflecting upon who you are. I had to prepare myself for a new career away from the Services as I was due to retire in When starting my course I was unsure what to expect; would I be good enough, would I struggle, how would I find the time and would I be disciplined enough to see it through? I was able to reflect upon the skills I had already gained through a life of experience, using education and reflection throughout the course. Stuart Harris FdA Criminal Justice

13 Frequently asked questions How does online learning work? Do I need a computer? What is a Foundation degree? How long should it take to complete my course? How much of my time will it take to study a module? What happens if my circumstances change during my studies? Will I have to sit any exams? Am I eligible for a student loan? How do I apply and when can I start? What is Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)? Online learning is a flexible method of studying that is designed to fit around your existing work and personal commitments. You can choose how and when you study, using our innovative virtual classroom environment. You will need regular access to a computer with internet access. While it may be possible to study from a variety of venues such as at work, from a library or at a family member s house, we recommend that you use a computer based in your own home. Foundation degrees are degree level qualifications designed in conjunction with employers. They combine academic study with work-based learning to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to improve performance and productivity. They are equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelors degree. You dictate how quickly you complete your studies. A Foundation degree must be completed within six years of enrolment and a progression route course to a Bachelors degree within three years of enrolment. A full Bachelors degree must be completed within nine years of enrolment. A minimum study rate of 30 credits per year and a maximum of 90 credits per year will apply for you to be eligible for a tuition fee loan. Upon completion you will receive a degree from the University of Essex and be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus. The number of hours required each week will vary during the length of your module. For example, if you are preparing an assignment, the number of hours required in that week may be higher than other weeks where you are studying the module materials or interacting online. You should be prepared to spend a minimum of eight to ten hours per week studying. University of Essex Online courses are different from traditional degree courses. Our approach is based on choice and flexibility. If your personal situation changes during your studies, we will work with you to make the necessary adjustments to your course load. There are no exams to sit. All assessments are based on discussion contributions, written assignments and work-based learning projects. Every piece of work that you submit is uploaded via our virtual online platform and your tutor has direct access to assess it. For the first time, part-time students are now eligible for governmentbacked student loans so there is no need to pay for any tuition fees up front and the loan will pay for the full cost of your course. If you are a UK or EU citizen and live in England you may be eligible for a student loan, which will only need to be repaid once you are earning over 21,000. We also offer a range of different payment methods for students who are not eligible for student loans, such as payment per module or per level. Call us on or complete our online application form. We have monthly start dates so you can begin your studies as soon as you ve been accepted onto one of our courses and your student loan application has been received or you have paid your course tuition fee. APL is a process which enables students to gain recognition, formal credit and exemptions for certificated learning acquired prior to enrolling on a University of Essex Online course. You can gain credits for a University of Essex Online programme (resulting in exemptions) by applying for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APL). Certificated learning can be through study at another Higher Education Institution, distance learning, in-house company training or professional or vocational qualifications (NB: you cannot claim APL for training where only attendance was required). Prospectus University of Essex Online 12

14 Tuition fees and student loans Student loans For the first time, part-time students are now eligible for government tuition fee loans so there is no need to pay for any tuition fees up front and the loan will pay for the full cost of your course. If you are a UK or EU citizen and live in England you may be eligible for a tuition fee loan, which will only need to be repaid once you are earning over 21,000. We also offer a range of different payment methods for students who are not eligible for a student loan such as payment per module or per level. Call us on and our specialist student finance advisers will advise you on the student loan process and guide you through your application. How much will I have to pay back and when? Repaying your tuition fee loan is straightforward. You ll be due to start repaying your loan in the April four years after the start of your course or the April after you leave your course whichever comes first. However, you ll only start making repayments if your income is more than 21,000 a year. Your monthly repayments will be based on your income, not how much you borrowed and you ll only pay back nine per cent of any income above 21,000. So, someone earning a salary of 25,000 would only repay around 30 per month. UK, EU and international fees All of our tuition fees are the same whether you are a UK, EU or international student. Programme Textbooks Cost per module** Full course cost** Foundation degree 240 credits BA (Hons) degree 360 credits BA (Hons) progression route 120 credits Included in cost* ,760 Included in cost* ,640 Included in cost* 735 5,880 * Postage costs may apply please see the table below. ** All fees quoted are subject to change without notice. Postage costs All essential textbooks are included in the course fees. We charge a fee for postage and packaging on each occasion we post materials to an overseas address. The table below shows the postage charges payable on enrolment. Programme UK EU countries Rest of the world Per module Full course Per module Full course Foundation degree 12 textbooks BA (Hons) degree 19 textbooks BA (Hons) progression route 7 textbooks FREE FREE FREE Please note: Tuition fees for modules worth 30 credits are charged at double the price of a standard module. For a detailed breakdown of courses and modules visit online.essex.ac.uk 13 University of Essex Online Prospectus

15 Entry requirements We have flexible entry requirements that take both your academic and work-based experience into account. In order to start a degree you will need to have GCSE grade C or above, or its equivalent, in English and Mathematics. If English is not your first language, IELTS (Academic) 6.0 or equivalent is required. Academic requirements In addition to the above you must have, as a minimum, one of the following: one full A-level; an Advanced GNVQ, NVQ or other similar vocational qualification; or an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship that includes vocational qualifications similar to the above. Experience If you do not meet the minimum academic standards, you will need to demonstrate that you are currently working and have a minimum of one year of employment in an environment that relates to your chosen degree. You will also need to demonstrate that lack of prior qualifications is not a fair reflection of aptitude for higher education. We assess this by talking to you and reviewing your employment history and the quality of your application form. We may require you to complete additional basic literacy and numeracy tests prior to acceptance onto the course. Bachelors degree progression routes In order to start a Bachelors degree progression route course, you must have completed one of the following: a relevant Foundation degree from University of Essex Online or another recognised institution; two years of a relevant BA (Hons) degree from a recognised institution; or a relevant Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution. How to apply Contact one of our experienced Admissions Advisers today on It is important that you fully understand the commitment involved and choose the right programme. We will discuss your previous education, relevant work experience, time available to study and your career aspirations. Contact details T E enquiries@online.essex.ac.uk For more details on course content and specific modules visit: online.essex.ac.uk University of Essex Online courses are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning. Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained within this publication is correct. However, Kaplan Open Learning reserves the right to change or amend, at any time, any of the course details including content, dates, fees payable, terms and conditions. Kaplan Open Learning also reserves the right to close or not start any published course. 14

16 University of Essex Online West One 114 Wellington Street Leeds LS1 1BA T E enquiries@online.essex.ac.uk Keep up-to-date by following us on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/uniessexonline twitter.com/uniessexonline University of Essex 2012 Designed and printed by Print Essex at the University of Essex 50% recycled material