GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS
This glossary is designed to explain the key terms related to University study.
A
ACADEMIC YEAR
This is the University year, which usually runs from
September to July.
ACCESS COURSE
An Access Course is an alternative route into University
for students who did not gain A levels. Access courses are
for mature students (usually over 21) and can usually be
completed in 1 year of full time study.
BSc
Bachelor of Science Degree.
BLACKBOARD
This is an electronic system used by the University of
Worcester (and many other Universities) which provides
information to students regarding their modules, lectures
and notices from lecturers.
BURSARY
An award of money allocated to certain students from
Universities. Bursaries can be course related or means
ACCESS TO LEARNING FUND
tested and are designed to help assist with living costs
This is a non-repayable grant administered by the University whilst studying.
of Worcester to help eligible students who are experiencing
financial difficulties.
C
ADJUSTMENT
CAMPUS
This is a UCAS system enabling students who have
exceeded their predicted examination results to look for
alternative places without losing their conditional offer.
The buildings and grounds of a University. Some
Universities have multiple campuses.
CLEARING
ALUMNI
This is a community of former students who have
graduated and keep in touch with the University.
This is a UCAS system to enable students who have not
yet secured a place on a course to apply for any vacancies.
It is the final opportunity to gain a place for the following
academic year.
APPLY
This is the name given to the online application system for
UCAS.
B
CONDITIONAL OFFER
This is an offer of a place at University which has certain
conditions attached, for example the achievement of
specific grades.
BA
CORE TEXTS
Bachelor of Arts Degree.
These are texts which are essential for students to read
during their course. Reading lists detailing core texts are
distributed in advance of each semester.
BEng
Bachelor of Engineering Degree.
D
F
DEFERRAL
FACULTY
The process of a student agreeing with the University to
defer their entry to the course until the following year.
This is a group of academic departments within a
University, for example ‘Faculty of Education’. Sometimes
the faculties are referred to as schools, for example
‘School of Medicine’.
DISCOVERY DAYS
Discovery days are organised events by the University
of Worcester which allow younger students to visit the
University and ‘discover’ a glimpse of University life.
DISSERTATION
FE OR FURTHER EDUCATION
Further education is the term used to describe studies
carried out after the end of statutory education but
before Higher Education.
This is a long report, usually completed in the final year
FINALS
of a degree based upon research the student has carried
out independently. Not all awards require completion of a These are the final examinations taken by students at the
dissertation.
end of their Higher Education course.
DISTANCE LEARNING
FIRM OFFER
This is when students study from home using materials
supplied by an institution.
The offer of a place which the student has accepted as
their firm choice.
DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION OR DIPHE
FOUNDATION DEGREE OR FD
A qualification offered by some Universities which is
equivalent to two years study on a degree programme.
This is a vocational degree that includes an element of
work based learning. It is completed in a shorter amount
of time than a full degree and students usually have the
option of doing an extra year at the end to receive a full
honours degree.
DSA OR DISABLED STUDENTS’ ALLOWANCE
An award of money designed to help students with
disabilities meet the additional cost of studying due to
their disability.
E
EMPLOYABILITY
This term refers to the suitability of a student for
employment.
ENROLMENT
FOUNDATION YEAR
This is only available for certain subjects (mainly Science
and Art) and at certain universities. It is aimed at students
who have not met the degree entry requirements and
enables them to undertake a preparatory year of study,
which if completed, usually guarantees them a place on
the degree.
FRESHERS
The formal process of a student starting university.
This is a term used to describe the new cohort of students
who are just stating their time at University.
EXTRA
FRESHERS WEEK
This is a UCAS system which allows students who have
made their five choices but not received any offers apply
for an alternative course. UCAS Extra takes place before
clearing begins.
A week of activities usually at the very start of the first
semester for new students. Events and activities are
organised to welcome the new students, familiarise them
with the facilities and clubs on offer and to help them find
their way around.
G
I
GAP YEAR
INSURANCE
This is when a student takes a year out of study, either for The offer of a place which the student has accepted as
travelling or work experience.
their second choice.
GRADUATE
A person who has been awarded a degree from a higher
education institution.
J
JOINT HONOURS DEGREE
A degree in more than one subject.
GRADUATION
This is when a student formally collects their degree and
normally takes place at a specially organised ceremony.
You can graduate without attending the ceremony.
L
LECTURE
GRANT OR MAINTENANCE GRANT
A teaching class taught by a lecturer. The lecturer usually
talks and/or presents whilst the students take notes.
This is an allocation of money awarded to some students
from lower income families to help support them with
living costs whilst they are studying.
LOAN
H
HALLS
These are blocks of accommodation on (or very near to)
campus for students. Lots of universities give priority to
first year students for halls and some guarantee places in
halls for first year students applying for accommodation
by a certain date.
HE OR HIGHER EDUCATION
Students take out loans with SLC to help pay for tuition
fees and living costs. They are not repaid until the
student is earning over £21,000 and payments are
designed to be manageable. Payments are deducted from
salary similarly to tax and national insurance.
M
MASTERS DEGREE
This is a higher level degree which can be taken after
completion of a first degree. It can also be referred to as a
Postgraduate Qualification.
This is a term for study at degree level or higher. Higher
education normally takes place at universities, however, it
MATURE STUDENT
can take place in further education colleges.
HEFCE OR HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING COUNCIL
FOR ENGLAND
This term applies to any student over the age of 21 when
they commence their degree.
This is the funding body for all Universities in England.
MODULE
HNC/HND
A module is a unit of study on a degree. Most degrees are
broken down into a number of modules with each one
covering a different area within a subject.
Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma.
These are work related or vocational higher education
qualifications.
HONOURS DEGREE
N
NUS OR NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS
The organisation that looks after students and represents
This is a qualification awarded by a higher education
their interests. Students can register for an NUS card
institution after the satisfactory completion of three
which will also entitle them to a great selection of
years full time study on a degree course (or the equivalent
discounts from well-known retailers.
part time).
O
R
OPEN DAYS
READING WEEK
Open days are when a University organises specific days This is a period during the University semester when there
for students (and their parents) to visit and look around a are no taught sessions and students are expected to study
University. These days are a great opportunity to speak to independently.
staff and students and get a feel for the University.
RUSSELL GROUP
OXBRIDGE
A term used to refer to Oxford and Cambridge
Universities.
P
This is a group of 20 leading UK universities. Places at
Russell Group Universities tend to be more competitive.
S
SANDWICH COURSE (OR YEAR IN INDUSTRY)
PERSONAL ID
Any course that includes a year away for a placement in
This is a 10 digit number given to students by UCAS when industry.
they register. This number should be recorded safely as it
will be needed whenever students contact UCAS.
SCHOLARSHIP
Most students are allocated a personal tutor at the
commencement of their studies who is available to offer
help and advice with any problems.
This is usually an award of money by an institution
or organisation to help with the costs of study. The
University of Worcester offers a number of scholarships
including Academic Scholarships for top achievers, sports
scholarships and many more.
PHD OR DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
SEMESTER
PERSONAL TUTOR
This is a postgraduate qualification higher than a Masters Some universities divide the study year into two halves,
Degree which culminates years of research and writing
known as semesters (unlike the three terms of school).
which is then assessed. On completion of the PhD the
holder may use the title of Doctor.
SEMINAR
PLAGIARISM
This is the use or the close imitation of the work of
someone else. Plagiarism is taking very seriously in all
institutions and students should ensure their work is
correctly referenced.
PGCE OR POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
This is a teacher training course usually taken after
completion of a first degree, leading to qualified teacher
status (QTS).
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
These are higher level courses taken after a degree and
can lead to a Masters Degree, Postgraduate Certificate or
Diploma.
Q
Seminars differ from lectures in that they are usually
student led and usually involve discussions and group
tasks.
STUDENT LOANS COMPANY OR SLC
This is the company who provide the student loans.
STUDENTS’ UNION
This is a student led organisation present in most
universities and colleges. Its purpose is to represent
students as well as organising social activities.
T
TARIFF POINTS
This is a points system for entry qualifications for higher
education courses.
QTS OR QUALIFIED TEACHER STATUS
TRACK
An accreditation made to those who meet the required
standards to be able to teach in schools.
Track is part of the UCAS system and is where students
can ‘track’ the progress of their application.
TUITION FEES
These are the fees charged by the University for their
course. Students generally take out loans for their tuition
fees and only begin to repay them when they are earning
over £21,000.
TUTORIAL
This is a one to one discussion between a student and
tutor or lecturer regarding their work or any issues. Some
tutorials can take place as small groups rather than
individually.
U
UCAS OR UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ADMISSION
SERVICE
Almost all students applying for higher education will use
this service.
UNCONDITIONAL OFFER
An offer of a place made by a University with no
conditions attached to it.
UNDERGRADUATE
A student in the process of studying for a degree.
V
VOCATIONAL COURSE
A work related programme of study.
W
WORCESTER WEEK
Worcester weeks are specific weeks set aside over the
academic year at the University of Worcester where there
are no taught lectures, but instead a range of alternative
learning activities are scheduled to enrich students’
learning experience.