Glossary
Whether you have been out of education for some time or are simply thinking of continuing your current studies, we have a range of qualifications available. At different entry points and levels we have a course to suit your situation. To help you choose the right level of qualification and clarify some common terms please see our Glossary shown below.
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Access to Higher Education - Access courses are designed for anyone without formal qualifications who wishes to progress to a higher level course such as an Honours degree or Foundation degree. Access courses are offered by some of our Partner Colleges.
B
Bachelors degree (BA, BSc, BEng (Hons))/first degree/Honours degree - is the most common type of Higher Education qualification. They are designed to develop an advanced knowledge of the particular subject of study. Completion of a Bachelors degree would enable you to easily progress to Masters level.
C
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) - This is a first level qualification in Higher Education and is awarded at the completion of the first year of a full-time degree. It is a recognised qualification in its own right but will also enable you to progress to higher qualifications (such as a DipHE or a degree).
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - what is defined "as the conscious updating of professional knowledge and the improvement of professional competence throughout a person's working life. It is a commitment to being professional, keeping up to date and continuously seeking to improve. It is the key to optimizing a person's career opportunities, both today and for the future" (The Chartered Institute of Professional Development (2000).
Course Intensity - This is one of the factors used to calculate your eligibility to be awarded a Course or Fee Grant (see Funding Advice). 'Intensity' means how long it will take to complete your course compared with an equivalent full-time course. For example, if it takes three years to complete a full-time course, but six years to complete the part-time equivalent then your course has an intensity of 50%.
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Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) - This can be a qualification in its own right or the equivalent of the first two years of a full-time degree.
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EU Qualification 'passport' - Describes the qualification you undertook and outlines the structure of the UK higher education system. It is a simple and comparable breakdown of your award, it acts like a 'passport' and allows you the opportunity to continue your studies within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
F
Further Education (FE) - This is the collective name for post-16 education until entry into Higher Education (HE). Our Partner Colleges offer a range of FE courses.
Foundation Degree (FdA or FdSc) - A qualification that is equivalent to the first two years of full-time study on an undergraduate course. It is a recognised qualification in its own right, but will also enable you to progress onto a degree course.
G
Graduate - Someone who has successfully completed their degree course. As a part-time/distance learning or online student you will be entitled to attend the University's Graduation Ceremony on successful completion of your course.
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Higher Education (HE) - advances knowledge and understanding through learning, research and scholarship. Qualifications in higher education will be above the standard of GCSE A-Level or National Vocational Qualification Level 3 and include degree courses and postgraduate courses. People usually enter Higher Education after they have completed their A-Levels; through further study at a FE college or where they are able to demonstrate knowledge and skills through work experience.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) - Equivalent to one year of full-time study on an undergraduate degree course. These are often studied part-time over two years by students who are working. HNC's can allow you entry onto the second year of an Honours degree.
Higher National Diploma (HND) - Equivalent to two years of full-time study on an undergraduate degree course and so would allow you entry into the second or third year on an Honours degree.
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M
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - This is a higher degree for those who have usually got a minimum of three years professional work experience often managing resources or projects. It is awarded to those who already have a first degree or sufficient related experience. The MBA is designed in conjunction with business to enhance and further the knowledge of those within the discipline and can be offered in areas such as finance, public sector, media etc.
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National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) - These are qualifications designed to develop the skills and understanding required for someone to function effectively in the workplace. They are usually completed directly in the workplace or via a Further Education college.
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Postgraduate - courses that can lead to a wide range of Masters level degrees (MA, MSc, LLM), research awards (MPhil , PhD) and professional qualifications. These usually follow an undergraduate or first degree course, although, significant work experience in a particular field will contribute to the given entry requirements. All applications for part-time postgraduate courses will be considered on an individual basis.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) - This is the first stage of a Masters course, but is also recognised as a qualification in its own right. It is assessed through taught modules and project work.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - This is the next stage up from a PGCert qualification and is also a recognised qualification in its own right. It can often be awarded to those who have completed the taught components of an MA or MSc course but without the research project/dissertation.
Professional Qualifications - a range of qualifications that are specifically linked to certain career choices, and recognised by the relevant professional bodies (such as the CMI, CIM, CIPD).
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Short Courses - these are usually delivered at the University and occasionally by distance learning. Short courses available include professionally recognised qualifications and can range from one day to several weeks in duration.
SCONUL Access - SCONUL Access is a co-operative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. It will enable you to borrow material from other libraries. See the Sconul Access web site for further details and an application form, or ask your Subject Librarian for advice on registering for the scheme.
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Tailored Training - bespoke training to businesses that can be arranged through Bournemouth University. This method of training is highly flexible with the course content, venue and date all open to negotiation. We will provide a very specific training programme to meet a businesses own requirements.
Top-up degree - The final Honours level to 'top up' a Foundation degree or HND to a full Honours degree. This can usually be studied on a full-time, basis taking one year to complete, or on a part-time basis taking 2-3 years to complete.
Tuition fee - A student's contribution to the cost of education provided by a university or other institution.
U
Undergraduate - the name given to students who enter Higher Education to obtain a degree qualification.
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) - the central application service for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK (and also for Nursing and Midwifery courses). Part-time applications are usually made directly to the University. Please see the How to Apply Section.
V
Validation - the process of approving a degree course through research, academic discussion and rigorous quality assurance procedures.