FAQs

 

Why change things?

In the words of Franklin D Roosevelt, “we have every reason to be proud ... we have no reason to be complacent.” As a result, the University continues to strive to give you - our future graduates - the best possible preparation for modern life. We regularly look at our curriculum to make sure it reflects the demands of contemporary society and meets the needs of students from many countries with widely varying expectations and needs.

Is anyone else doing it?

Other leading universities including Harvard, Yale, Melbourne and Hong Kong have recently reformed their curricula, and we visited them during our own review. We’re the first university in the UK to consider such far-reaching changes. Other UK institutions are now starting to follow suit.

Do I have free choice of Enhanced Study options?

For virtually all Single Honours degrees, you are entitled to a free choice among the Enhanced Study options. You will have the opportunity to choose from one of the new Sixth Century Courses or Sustained Study Programmes, or choose from just about any existing course. Normally, a student should study at least one Sixth Century Course at some point during their degree studies. However, those taking a Joint degree or Major-Minor programme will not be required, though may choose, to take Enhanced Study.

Will it mean more work?

No. We’re restructuring the degree programmes so that the Enhanced Study courses won’t mean an increased workload. You may take more courses than you would currently, but the overall workload across all courses will remain the same.

Will I be more employable?

Yes. By learning to become better informed, more rounded and more intellectually flexible, you’ll develop the qualities employers have told us they want, and so increase your employability. You’ll also be better prepared for the challenges of a fast-changing workplace, and the likelihood of several careers during your working life.

What extra skills will I learn?

The new curriculum will provide enhanced flexible opportunities for you to develop the attributes of a successful modern graduate — academically excellent, a critical thinker and effective communicator, open to learning and personal development and an active citizen. There are also more opportunities for you to take part in activities alongside your studies which will further develop your skills and employability.

Will I still come out with an MA/BSc?

Yes. The traditional MA/BSc degrees are still at the heart of everything we do. Though if you leave a programme before the end of it, we’ll now give you a qualification that recognises the study you have so far completed. These are qualifications that are recognised by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework.

Will my degree still take four years?

Essentially, yes. If you start one of our MA or BSc programmes it will normally take four years to complete other than for our Integrated Masters degrees which will still take five years. But now we’re making it easier for you to fit your studies in with the other demands life may make on you, so you can also enter, leave and re-enter a degree programme at different stages. If you choose to do this we’ll provide you with exit qualifications to recognise the levels of study you’ve completed.

Also, if you have good entry qualifications, it may be possible for you to gain advanced entry into your chosen degree programme and thereby complete your degree in a shorter time period.

Will I still be able to study abroad?

Yes. In fact, as part of the changes, we’re making it easier for people who want to study part of their degree programme overseas, and we’re offering more support to those who do. We’re also working to make sure that your degree will be recognised for graduate training or further study outside the UK.

What about professional accreditation?

The changes won’t affect the professional accreditation of your course. We’re in constant contact with employers and professional bodies to make sure that our courses exceed their requirements.

Will any of this affect my tuition fees?

No, your tuition fees won’t change. But with more flexibility over when you start and finish your degree programme, you may be able to manage the costs of your study more easily.

What evidence will I have of the extra courses I’ve taken?

In addition to your degree certificate, you will receive a transcript which will detail the courses you have taken and the marks you have achieved. We also plan to include the Enhanced Study options you have taken and highlight the co-curricular activities you have undertaken which have been acknowledged by the University.