University of Bradford
BA/BSc Combined Studies (negotiated route – HND/FD top-up)
Awarding and teaching institution:
Final award:
Programme title:
Duration:
UCAS Code:
Subject benchmark statement:
Programme accredited by:
Date produced:
University of Bradford
BA/BSc (Hons) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level H]
Combined Studies
1 year full time, or part time by negotiation
Y000 3FT Hon BSc
Y001 3FT Hon BA
Not applicable
Not applicable
July 2006
Introduction
The top-up programme in Combined Studies at the University of Bradford is designed for
Foundation Degree (FD) and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders. It offers you the
opportunity to create your own route to an Honours degree through subjects that interest
you. You can make your selection from a range of modules offered by the University’s
academic Schools, subject to prerequisite study. Students will usually join the programme at
level 3. The top-up programme uses the negotiated route in Combined Studies; this route
allows you to choose half of the modules that you will study during the top-up year. The
programme is available in full- and part-time modes of study. Students wishing to follow the
part-time route should contact the Director of Combined Studies for advice.
Aims
The Combined Studies top-up programme is managed by the office of the Director of
Combined Studies, with core modules (modules that you must study) contributed by the
School of Lifelong Education and Development. You can select your other modules from
programmes offered by all seven of the University’s Schools - Engineering, Design and
Technology; Health Studies; Informatics; Life Sciences; Lifelong Education and
Development; Management; and Social and International Studies. All teaching in Combined
Studies is informed by research and scholarly activity, and aligns with the University’s
mission, “Making Knowledge Work”. The Combined Studies BA/BSc programme aims to:
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Develop independent learning skills and skills for lifelong learning;
Offer a broad range of skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to a selected
combination of key areas of study;
Develop personal transferable skills, enabling you to pursue further programmes of study
or a wide variety of career opportunities.
Learning outcomes indicate what you should know and understand, and be able to do on
successful completion of the course. There are three broad categories of learning outcomes
at Bradford: knowledge and understanding, discipline-specific skills, and personal
transferable skills. There are two sets of learning outcomes for the negotiated route in
Combined Studies: those from the modules that you select for study, and those from the
programme’s core modules, as follows:
Knowledge & Understanding
On successful completion of the core modules students will be able to: demonstrate a
systematic understanding of the theory and practice of social research, effective research
design, and a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods; demonstrate in depth
knowledge of a selected issue, topic, or subject; critically analyse the relevance of theoretical
and academic debates.
Discipline Skills
On successful completion of the core modules students will be able to: critically evaluate
research processes; contextualise knowledge and understanding derived from a range of
primary and secondary sources; apply a range of appropriate research methods to a given
topic.
Personal Transferable Skills
On successful completion of the core modules, students will be able to: communicate original
ideas clearly, cogently and coherently through the marshalling of evidence in written format.
The learning outcomes for these awards are consistent with the Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Curriculum
The map of the core modules in your top-up year is shown on the table below. The table
includes columns which show the stage, level, and credit rating of each module. Each stage
of an Honours degree programme comprises modules totalling 120 credits. Full-time
students normally study 60 credits in each semester. Modules worth 10 credits are delivered
and assessed within one semester, whereas modules worth more than 10 credits may be
delivered in one or more semesters in that year or stage.
Module code
LED6522D
LED5014K
Module title
Research Methods and Mehodologies
Dissertation
credits
20
40
level
3
3
semester
1
1, 2
NB - You must choose additional modules amounting to 60 credits from the University’s
module catalogue, subject to prerequisite study, availability, and negotiation with the Director
of Combined Studies.
Progression Regulations: a summary
The full assessment regulations for the awards of the University are detailed and complex
and are maintained on the University web-site. What follows here is a condensed version;
To pass and proceed from one stage to another and to be eligible for a classified Honours
award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits, and 35% in the other 20 credits.
The Class and Division of the undergraduate Honours Degree that you are awarded is based
on the overall weighted marks that you achieve in Stage 2 and Stage 3. Stage 2 contributes
30%, and Stage 3 contributes 70%. The degree is awarded on the basis of the following
overall weighted average marks:
70% and above
60% and above
50% and above
otherwise
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
If you fail to meet the progression criteria for an Honours award, but have met the criteria for
an Ordinary award, you may be eligible to transfer to that award. (Details of the progression
regulations can be found at
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html#progression_between_
stages)
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies
The Combined Studies programme will provide you with a range of teaching, learning and
assessment strategies. The modules will enable you to develop a range of skills, appropriate
to your subject area or individual mode of learning, which taken together will enhance your
capability to function as a self-directed learner. Much of your learning will be in the form of
guided study, where you will make use of various learning materials and resources, including
electronic ones. Detailed and clear module documentation will enable you to prepare for
participation in discussions, and will provide you with constructive steps towards becoming
an independent learner. The Director of Combined Studies will act as your personal tutor
throughout your studies, offering general pastoral, as well as academic, support.
A special staff-student liaison meeting will take place each semester. This will provide you
with a formal opportunity to discuss any programme-related concerns with teaching staff and
the Director of Combined Studies.
Assessment is a crucial component of your learning which is necessary to monitor your
progress, motivate learning, provide feedback and grade students. Assessment methods will
reflect the diversity of provision, and will directly address desired learning outcomes. There
will be an opportunity for you to undertake assignments requiring the exercise of initiative in
their definition, design and execution e.g. a dissertation, or project work.
Admissions Policy
Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual applicant. However, you
must have successfully completed an HNC or FD amounting to 240 credits to be admitted to
the top-up programme.
Student Guidance and Progression
University and School student handbooks, the course handbook, and module descriptors will
provide you with a wealth of helpful information and guidance. The support provided by the
School is enhanced by a strong University infrastructure, including the Disability Office,
Student Counselling Service, Library, Careers Service and 24-hour access to Computer
facilities. Student support links can be found at:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/internal/student.php.
The Director of Combined Studies will advise you on appropriate choices of modules.
For further information contact:
The School of Lifelong Education and Development,
University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP.
Call: 01274-233210.
Visit: www.bradford.ac.uk/sled
Email: learning@bradford.ac.uk