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Postgraduate Study Guide 2007 1 2 Focus ...

Our pioneering and innovative research work is recognised internationally and makes a direct and relevant contribution to the world today. The focus of many of our student research projects is on improving the quality of life for all members of our global community, bringing new understanding to the way in which we tackle social, economic and environmental challenges.

Kudos ...

Awards from Staffordshire University are highly prized and carry status well beyond the realms of academia and into the competitive world of commerce. Our well established links with industry enable us to shape our courses and research to anticipate future demand in this sector.

Choice ...

Choice and flexibility lie at the heart of our course structures, with a friendly and supportive teaching style which encourages openness and exploration. What’s more, we offer some of the best facilities to support your learning, study and research.

Freedom ... We firmly believe that Everyone lives increasingly diverse lives and we are committed to providing an continuing education academic environment which respects and responds to your need to study at should be made as your own pace, in your own time. Our focus is to add value to the university experience and to tailor your study comfortably to your individual lifestyle and accessible as possible to personal commitments. the greatest number of Aspire ... people. Having a degree is not the only route into We firmly believe that continuing education should be made as accessible as possible to the greatest number of people. Having a degree is not the only postgraduate study. route into postgraduate study. Our taught courses, for instance, take account of relevant work experience and qualifications gained through other recognised professional institutions.

Our courses are designed for career enhancement, updating professional skills and academic interest/progression. So reach for the skies - fulfill your aspirations. You will find support and advice readily available every step of the way.

3 what’s inside

hello 3 funding your study

Cost of study 18 Facilities at Staffordshire University 5 Payment by instalments 18 Access to learning funds 18 Postgraduate bursaries 19 taught courses Sponsorship 19 Alumni 19 Academic 6 Career Development Loans 19 Conversion 6 Fee Remission 19 Professional/vocational 6 Sources of financial support 19 Part-time employment 19 research Working with The WorkBank 19

Choice of subjects 7

Research degrees 7 international students

Enrolment 8 Support 21 Training and induction 8 English Language Centre 21 Supervision 9 Fees and funding 21 How to apply 9 PhD by published work 9 Attendance 9 how to apply Off-campus research degrees 9 Fees 10 When to apply 23 Research culture 10 Postgraduate awards 23 Research degrees 23 resources and support Disabled students 23 Where to apply 25 Information Services 11 Regulations 25 Accommodation 13 Fees 25 The Students’ Union 13 Higher Education Shop 25 Student Advice Centre 14 Open Days/Evenings 25 Counselling Service 14 Our childcare service 14 course directory Multi-faith Chaplaincy 14 Careers 14 Arts, Media and Design 28 Students with disabilities 15 Business 40 Computing, Engineering and Technology 56 Health 74 living in Staffordshire Law 96 Sciences 102 Stoke-on-Trent 17 Stafford 17 Course index 116 Lichfield 17

4 hello

Welcome to our guide to Staffordshire University’s excellent range of postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities. This brochure aims to give you a taste of what we can offer you at postgraduate level, with a listing of the courses and programmes of research available and contact details for more information.

In addition, the guide addresses the research and scholarship culture at Staffordshire University, which includes commitments to ground-breaking research across subject areas.

For UK students, our postgraduate awards are usually available on both a full-time and a part-time basis. International students make up a sizeable body of our postgraduate students, all of them studying full-time and some of them studying one of our innovative off-campus degree programmes.

Our taught and research courses which form the basis of this guide, are geared to the professional and intellectual development needs of our students.

5 define your future

6 Facilities at Staffordshire University are excellent:

• well-stocked libraries • research laboratories • access to the very best IT equipment

You will be well supported in your studies and research. Individual Faculties will provide you with details of their programmes and institutes, together with national and international contacts.

With your studies to concentrate on, we know that you need support and comforts in other areas. So, we have invested in our accommodation facilities, restaurants, sports and recreation equipment and support staff. You may be working hard, but we want you to have a good time too.

Staffordshire University has an enviable reputation for its friendliness. We’ve got a lot to smile about; we have a great range of courses and in all of our most recent Research Assessment Exercise achieved credible results improving our grades overall.

What’s more, if you already study at Staffordshire University, or are one of our graduates, you could receive 15% off course fees.

Up-to-date information about our postgraduate taught courses and research developments can be found on our website: www.staffs.ac.uk

Research at Staffordshire University follows two streams: Professional Development and the Research Institutes.

There are currently five Research Institutes within Staffordshire University, which link researchers and specialists together in dedicated centres:

• Institute for Health Research • Institute for Environment and Sustainability Research • Advanced Research Institute • Informatics and Technology Research Institute • Institute for Education Policy Research

We look forward to welcoming you to Staffordshire University – be it at an Open Day or as a student within our vibrant community.

7 taught courses

Academic Conversion Professional/vocational

We offer a wide range of taught courses to meet your academic and professional requirements. All of our courses, with brief descriptions, are listed in this guide. Our aim here is to provide a taste of what’s on offer, but for more in-depth information about a specific taught course, we suggest that you contact the person specified or visit our website www.staffs.ac.uk.

Many of our full-time postgraduate taught course programmes may be studied on a part-time basis. Distance learning may also be possible for students.

Once on a course, you can also choose how far you want to go. Those courses leading to MA or MSc give you the option to go for an intermediate award of postgraduate certificate or diploma, depending on the number of appropriate modules successfully completed.

Most taught courses combine compulsory elements and electives or options, dissertation or substantial project is usually required.

Our entry requirement for postgraduate taught courses is usually at least a second class honours degree (UK), or an appropriate equivalent qualification (including those gained overseas). We also take into account accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). Previous study or work, community or volunteer experience can be cited for credit enabling you to achieve qualifications in a shorter time. By converting informal learning into certificated learning, APEL provides cost-effective routes to qualifications. It has potential significance for people who, through life and work experience, have gained knowledge, skills and analytical abilities that are comparable to those with a higher education qualification.

For students studying professional courses, the requirements will vary. Please contact the appropriate Faculty for precise information.

Masters by Negotiated Study

The Masters by Negotiated Study has been specifically designed to meet the requirement of those wishing to negotiate their own course to meet their own specific needs or interests. It offers the opportunity for the accreditation of Continued Professional Development (CPD), including accrediting evidence of the postgraduate achievement of learning from personal development, experience, short courses, training and implementation of change, as well as the flexibility for individual learners to create pathways of study which are different from those provided by the named courses of the University.

8 Research opportunities

Staffordshire University provides state-of-the-art facilities to support exploration and experimentation in a dynamic and friendly environment, where you’ll find support and guidance readily at hand, whenever you feel you need it. Make your mark and contribute to our international reputation for leading-edge research.

Staffordshire University is committed to postgraduate research because we firmly believe that work of this nature:

• is a hallmark of University level education • contributes to the growth of knowledge • enhances the culture of the University • improves the quality of teaching and of the learning environment. research

Choice of subjects Research degrees

Research supervision leading to the What will you gain from a research degree? award of Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy is offered within All Faculties at the University offer opportunities for research to MPhil and PhD one of the Faculties in the following level. The route to your degree will give you a unique intellectual challenge, an areas: opportunity to work in-depth on a project which may contribute in a major way to technical, industrial and commercial progress. If you come from any of these Art and Design backgrounds, you may discover a neat link between work for your company and Biology your own personal and professional development. Business and Management Communication and Media Studies And what will it take? Computing and IT Economics Two years for an MPhil (full-time) and three years for a PhD (full-time). Education Engineering A part-time research degree usually means minimum study time of 10 to 15 hours Environment per week for three years or more. It’s normal for expectations to change and Forensics develop as the research progresses and students often find they take a bit longer Geography than the minimum registration time to complete the degree. Health History MPhil v PhD History of Art and Design Law You can register for a MPhil with the option to Literature switch to a PhD – many students do this as their projects develop and become Politics more appropriate for one or the other. Philosophy Psychology • MPhil involves development of research skills and an extension of Sociology existing knowledge. Social Work • PhD requires in-depth investigation of a topic and an original Social Policy and Administration contribution to existing knowledge. Sport, Health and Exercise • Both degrees involve presentation of a thesis and its justification in Technology an oral examination. • Training in research methods is a required element of study at these levels and your application must outline how you have covered or will cover this requirement in a way which is appropriate to the academic discipline of your research proposal.

9 Enrolment

Although most students start their programme of research in September/ October, you can enroll as a MPhil or PhD student any time during the academic year. You then have about six months to prepare an outline of your research programme, with your supervisors and then submit it as a formal application for the relevant degree.

Training and induction

During your initial period of study, you will be offered an introduction to the Faculty in which you will be working and to the University as a whole, including its facilities.

As an integral part of your programme of study, you will be required to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods. This 60 credit course is mandatory and must be completed before the viva voce examination.

The major aims of the programme are to:

• support the development of a network of researchers across the University • provide access to knowledge and skills directly supportive of your work • help you to locate your work within different traditions and forms of enquiry • support the development of your skills as a researcher and understanding of the research process • help you to find different ways of looking at your own work.

10 Supervision

Two or more personal supervisors will be allocated to you during your study for MPhil or PhD degrees. They will help you to formulate your research topic and monitor your progress. But the rest is up to you – you’ll need persistence, determination and motivation to succeed. You’ll need to come up with the ideas, take the initiative, immerse yourself in your own original research and present your conclusions from the body of research, if you are to attain the qualification you want.

How to apply

In the first instance you should contact the Faculty which includes the discipline closest to your area of interest and talk to them about your project idea. If the University does have supervisors with expertise in your chosen field, you should return your application form directly to the Faculty’s admissions team.

Your application will be assessed first of all on how well your qualifications fit with your proposed research project. We’ll also consider whether we have the facilities to support it adequately and how feasible it appears to be in terms of timescale and projected outcomes. You will normally be invited for interview before a final decision is made.

For information on subject areas, contact the Faculty directly or view their home page on the Internet: www.staffs.ac.uk

PhD by published work

This is the route for researchers and authors to attain academic recognition for their research skills, subject expertise and published output, without completing a postgraduate research degree.

It means submitting a body of work for assessment which represents a coherent research programme, offers an original contribution to knowledge and demonstrates an understanding of research methodology appropriate to the subject area. It can consist of papers, chapters, monographs, books, scholarly editions of texts and enduring records of creative work.

The work is prepared for assessment with guidance from an academic advisor or mentor on the University’s staff. It should be ready for assessment no later than 18 months after registration and the assessment process will include a viva.

Attendance

Requirements can vary and both MPhil and PhD students can very often negotiate individual patterns of attendance and study.

Off-campus research degrees

Staffordshire University also offers off-campus research degrees. ‘Partial residence’ or ‘split’ PhDs are increasingly popular with overseas students who cannot come to the UK to study on a full-time basis.

Staffordshire University works hard to ensure that it has a strong relationship with those studying its research degrees overseas, just as it does with those who are resident in the UK.

For further information about research degrees, contact:

The appropriate Faculty Office or The Higher Education Shop Information Centre (Flaxman Building) Staffordshire University College Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE t: 01782 292746 e: [email protected]

11 Fees

Fees may be subject to change, please refer to the separate fee information leaflet for up-to-date details.

Research culture

Across Faculties, Staffordshire University staff are actively engaged in cutting edge and applied research. To keep up-to-date with developments visit www.staffs.ac.uk

12 resources and support

Information services Fast, efficient service

The Library, IT and Learning Support facilities at Staffordshire • self-service issue machines and renewal facilities University are managed by Information Services. • advice and support in person at help desks, over the phone or via the web We offer professional, integrated study and learning through our off campus service, available 24 hours a day environments at four main libraries and three main IT • fully-staffed information service points for Lending Learning Centres. Clusters of PCs are also located within Services and Learning Support libraries. These facilities are designed to help you make the • extensive opening hours, giving you access to facilities most of your valuable study time by providing you with access at weekends and evenings, with libraries open until 3am to the information you need. during term time.

Our Learning Support Help Desks have expert staff to assist Working environments you throughout the day and at weekends. • flexible study space, including group discussion, What Information Services offers individual spaces and silent study areas • network connection points allowing you to connect your Easy-access, high-spec resources: own laptop to the University network • open access computer areas, plus teaching rooms within • learning texts, including a short loan collection all main IT centres and e-books • journals, including electronic journals Find out more • databases • black and white and colour photocopiers Our comprehensive web pages have additional information • AV equipment for loan, including laptop computers about our facilities and services, as well as access to the and digital cameras library catalogue, electronic journals, user guides, information • over 1,200 high spec computers, many less than three leaflets and lots more. years old • high speed Internet access from all PCs • comprehensive software on all computers

Discover what we offer at: www.staffs.ac.uk/images/introduction_pg_tcm68-16679.pdf

13 14 at your service

Accommodation

Staffordshire University prioritises the need for high quality, secure and affordable accommodation for its students. Full details of campus accommodation and private landlords can be obtained from our dedicated accommodation offices on each campus:

Stoke campus t: 01782 294218 e: [email protected]

Stafford campus t: 01785 353592 e: [email protected]

Students with disabilities can obtain more detailed information about our specially adapted rooms, please contact:

Disability Advisory Service t: 01782 295822

The Students’ Union

The Students’ Union provides a variety of services – from free and independent welfare, educational and financial advice to commercial services such as venues and shops. All of these services are available to you as a postgraduate student.

The Union has a democratic structure that allows any student to become involved in its running. Every year there is a series of elections and referenda allowing you to run for office or choose student members to run your Union and decide which policies to adopt.

For information regarding the Students’ Union please visit www.staffsunion.com

15 Student Advice centre

The Students’ Union Student Advice Centre provides up-to-date information on a wide range of subjects including grants, loans, benefits, housing, course regulations and any legal matters. There are trained advisers to deal with your needs and they will always point you in the right direction to ensure your individual case is dealt with appropriately. Advice is given free of charge and is completely confidential.

There are centres on both the Stoke and Stafford campuses, which are open weekdays. You can contact advisers on the following numbers:

Stoke campus t: 01782 294629 Stafford campus t: 01785 353311

Counselling service

Studying and coping with the demands of your personal life can prove a difficult balancing act at times. Although you will receive support from tutors and other students, there may be times when things still seem difficult. For just such reasons, the University’s Counselling Service provides a confidential setting in which you can talk about these difficulties with someone who is independent.

Stoke campus t: 01782 294977 Stafford campus t: 01785 353302

Our childcare service

Our childcare service provides quality affordable childcare on the Stoke and Stafford campuses. Both nurseries provide care for children from birth to five years and are registered with OFSTED complying with the National Care Standards.

Funding is available to aid students with childcare fees and extra funding is available for 3 - 5 year olds. Please put your child’s name down as early as possible as both nurseries operate a waiting list.

t: 01782 294981

Multi-faith Chaplaincy

There is a Chaplaincy on both the Stoke and Stafford campuses. They offer spiritual support and friendship to students of all faiths and none. They're happy to listen and encourage you to tread the path that you choose.

Stoke campus t: 01782 294974 Stafford campus t: 01785 353382

Careers

Careers and Employability Service Whether you already have a career or not, our Careers and Employability Service at both Stoke and Stafford can offer you help with all the aspects of career development.

Careers Advisers are available for individual consultations on all aspects of career choice and job search including CVs, application forms and interview techniques. The Careers and Employability Service can be contacted on:

Stoke campus t: 01782 294991 Stafford campus t: 01785 353233

So you can get your work, life, study balance just right with the help from the facilities we offer

16 Students with disabilities

Our Disability Advisory Service Staff within the Disability Advisory Service are available to give advice and information on accessibility and support issues. It is important for any student who is disabled or who may require additional support to make contact with the University well before enrolment so that we can give the best possible help and advice.

For further details, please contact: t: 01782 294977

Learning facilities

Facilities for students with disabilities are both practical and hi-tech. All sites have good access and we now have voice-activated PCs and software to help dyslexic students. Our staff will be on hand to help you with your requirements. For more information, please contact: t: 01782 294369 e: [email protected] www.staffs.ac.uk/services/library_and_info/

Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs)

Local Authorities will consider DSAs to full or part-time students who can show that they have a disability or medical condition which affects their ability to study. The amount of allowance payable is not affected by your family income. To apply, please contact your Local Authority in writing.

17 As a county, Staffordshire is an area of striking contrasts and is steeped in cultural and industrial heritage... creativethe county...

It also boasts some fantastic bars, clubs, shops and cinemas and the UK’s biggest theme park, Alton Towers. And whether you prefer to go on or off campus the opportunities to relax are many and varied.

Living in Staffordshire is an experience...

18 There are areas of outstanding natural beauty local to the campuses, including the Staffordshire Moorlands, the Peak District National Park, Cannock Chase, Chasewater Country Park and even the Welsh hills are not far away.

The heart of the county ... Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is a vibrant city and a hub of creative industries. Stoke-on-Trent, or ‘the Potteries’, is where fine bone china and earthenware has been produced and exported all over the world since the mid seventeen hundreds. The investment in future business and leisure in the area is also growing rapidly.

The campus has a community feel to it, everyone walks, as pretty much everything you need is in walking distance. There is the Ember Lounge on College Road - a great place to meet and relax with friends and the Leek Road site is LRV (Leek Road Venue), which hosts fabulous events throughout the year.

At the other end of the scale, if you like to keep fit and healthy, there is the Stanley Matthews Sports Centre on Leek Road, or Fenton Manor swimming pool and Shapes Fitness Centre just up the road.

For ultimate convenience, we have our own cinema; the Film Theatre on College Road. To find out ‘what’s on’, go to the web page via the A-Z index on www.staffs.ac.uk or www. stokefilmtheatre.ac.uk

South of the county ... Stafford

In the county town, Stafford, visitors and residents can enjoy a mixture of ‘olde worlde’ cobbled back streets, timber framed and stone buildings and an award winning complex of restaurants, café bars, designer and high street chain shops.

On campus, there is everything you need to enjoy yourself. There are venues for a more relaxed environment, serving food, drinks and a place to grab a coffee between lectures.

The Stafford site is on the outskirts of town, although the regular number 9 bus service between the campus and Stafford town centre will transport you to the town in ten minutes.

In Stafford there is the Apollo Cinema, Gatehouse Theatre and the Superbowl for entertainment, and an excellent, well equipped sports centre on campus.

Close to the Stafford campus is Shugborough Hall, stately home to the famous photographer the late Lord Lichfield. Each year Shugborough hosts a fabulous fireworks display.

Located to the south east of Stafford is Cannock Chase, an area of nearly 3,000 acres of wild heath and woodlands with remnants of extensive Royal hunting forest. The forest is one of the oldest national forests and forms a precious wildlife habitat, including the largest herd of fallow deer in Britain.

The Lichfield Centre

Lichfield is an extremely beautiful cathedral city. The Lichfield Centre (the third University campus) is a unique partnership between Staffordshire University and Tamworth and Lichfield College, which provides a range of educational opportunities.

Lichfield has a large amount of parks and pools through the very heart of the City, and Beacon Park now extends over 78 acres out to the Western Bypass and includes a Par 3 (18 hole) Pitch and Putt Course, 9 football pitches, tennis courts, bowling greens, crazy golf and a large children’s play area. Pool Walk forms a secluded garden area with views across the water to the Cathedral. and a fantastic county in which to study.

19 funding your study

Cost of study Payment by Instalments

Fees may be subject to change, please refer to the separate There are two ways to pay tuition fees, either in three fee information leaflet for up-to-date details. instalments - the first when you enrol, with further payments at the beginning of the spring and summer terms - or by monthly direct debit.

Financial Services Beaconside Stafford ST18 OAD t: 01785 353614

Access to Learning Funds

As a home postgraduate student, you may be eligible for financial assistance depending on your circumstances and the amount of study you are undertaking within the academic year. Guidance notes and application forms will be available from our Information Centres and the Students’ Union Student Advice Centres.

Student Finance Manager Information Centre Staffordshire University College Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE t: 01782 295756

20 Postgraduate Bursaries • Income Support • Job Seekers’ Allowance Students on taught postgraduate courses, who are not in • Housing Benefit receipt of a bursary or sponsorship from any institution or • Long-term incapacity benefit organisation, may be eligible for an Access to Learning Fund • Council tax benefit Bursary. • State retirement pension • State widow’s pension Student Finance Manager Information Centre If none of the above applies, but you are suffering financial Staffordshire University hardship, you can apply to the University for a reduction in College Road your tuition fees. However, all students are required to pay any Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE registration fees or residential charges associated with t: 01782 295756 their course.

Sponsorship Information Centre Staffordshire University If you are considering a course for professional development, College Road you may find that your employer will pay some or all of your Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE fees for you. Please note Financial Services do not allow t: 01782 292719 employers to pay tuition fees by instalments. Sources of Financial Support Staffordshire University Alumni This list includes all the bodies that may provide external If you are a graduate of Staffordshire University and are funding to support you: considering returning to the University to undertake a postgraduate course in 2007, you may be eligible for Medical Research Council (MRC) a 15% reduction in your tuition fees. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council The Higher Education Shop (BBSRC) Information Centre (Flaxman Building) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Staffordshire University Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) College Road The Arts and Humanities Research Board (British Academy) Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE Department for Education and Skills (DfES) t: 01782 292746 Local Authorities e: [email protected] Career Development Loans (CDLs) European Social Fund (ESF) Career Development Loans Industrial sponsorship Trusts and charitable foundations Career Development Loans (CDLs) are available to both Overseas Research Students’ Award Scheme employed and unemployed people. They operate through The British Council a partnership between the Learning and Skills Council and Commonwealth Scholarships three major banks - Barclays, the Co-operative and the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme Royal Bank of Scotland. World University Service Campus Scholarship Scheme

The loans provide help to pay for training on any vocational Part-time employment course lasting for up to two years (or for two years of a longer course). You may borrow between £300 and £8,000 to cover Staffordshire University appreciates that students studying up to 80% of your course fees plus the full cost of books, on postgraduate courses will usually need to supplement materials and other related expenses including travel and any funding, sponsorship or loans with funds earned through childcare. If you have been unemployed for three months or working. longer, 100% of the course fees may be covered. Working with The WorkBank The Learning and Skills Council will pay the interest on the loan for the period of your course, plus one additional month. We work with The WorkBank, an external commercial At the end of that period, repayments are agreed with the company which helps students to find work (either casual, participating bank. part-time or after graduation) and protects students from poor pay or exploitative hours. For further information, please visit the following website: www.direct.gov.uk/cdl It also works with the Careers and Employability Service on skills initiatives and can help you with applications and Fee remission promoting the skills that you have developed.

Students on part-time postgraduate courses are eligible for t: 01782 294861 50% remission of tuition fees if they are in receipt of one or www.theworkbank.co.uk more of the following benefits:

21 international studentsstudents

22 Support

Our international students bring ideas and experiences that enrich the academic and social life of the University, adding to the cultural diversity of the local community.

Being away from home, we understand that you may require raised levels of support. For international students Staffordshire University offers:

• guaranteed University accommodation in your first year of study • English Language tuition at our English Language Centre • international student societies • advice on academic, financial and personal matters at our Students’ Union run advice centres • free Meet and Greet arrival service from Heathrow Airport on a specified date • International Welcome Week activities • a safe study environment

For further details or an International prospectus contact the International office: t: +44 1782 292720 e: [email protected]

Each year representatives from Staffordshire University attend education exhibitions overseas and undertake counselling tours with partners and agents, giving you an opportunity to meet members of staff, find out more about our courses and to receive one-to-one advice about studying with us in the UK.

We visit China, Greece, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Oman, UAE, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The University also has a wide range of links with institutions abroad with which it co-operates on student and staff exchanges, curriculum development, dual awards and research. Please see the website for up-to-date information.

English Language Centre

To meet the demands of our courses, you will need a good command of the English language. To study on a degree programme, we require that you have a minimum English language qualification of an O level with grade C or above, an IELTS score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 computer-based) or an equivalent qualification.

• For students whose IELTS score is 5 or 5.5 we offer, respectively, a five-week and a ten-week English course in the summer, prior to Semester 1 entry. Successful completion of the course (gaining IELTS 6 or above) guarantees you entrance onto one of our programmes, subject to your additional qualifications.

In addition, we offer a range of other supplementary English courses at our English Language Centre, including: • English Improvement Programme • International Foundation Programme • English for Academic Purposes • Advantage Start (three week intensive programme)

For further details, please contact the English Language team: t: + 44 1782 295728 e: [email protected]

Fees and funding

Standard tuition fees for international (non-EU) students studying degree awards are subject to change, please refer to the separate fee information leaflet for up-to-date details. Those studying off-campus research degrees should contact the relevant Faculty for fee information, and note that financial allowances need to be made for a possible visit by the Principal Supervisor to you at your home institution.

On top of your tuition fees, we estimate that you will require about £6,000 - £7000 per calendar year to cover accommodation, food, books, travel and general living expenses.

It is worth noting that the cost of living in Staffordshire, when compared with living costs in other parts of the UK, is relatively low.

Early payment discounts

As an international student, you are entitled to a £300 Early Payment discount if you pay your annual tuition fee at or before enrolment. www.staffs.ac.uk/international

23 how to apply

Check individual course entries for details. If you have any problems finding the information you need, contact the Higher Education Shop.

24 When to apply Entrance requirements

Our programmes normally start in September, The normal entrance requirements for taught postgraduate the sooner you begin the application process programmes are: the more time you will have to make a well-informed decision. However, there’s no - An honours degree from a United Kingdom institution of need to wait until September to start your higher education or overseas equivalent study, many of our courses run from February at or the beginning of Semester 2. - A postgraduate diploma or post-experience diploma recognised as being equivalent to an honours degree Check our website for details, or phone us: or t: 0800 801 222 - Accredited professional or vocational experience in www.staffs.ac.uk relevant areas of practice.

Course start dates We welcome applicants who do not have a first degree but who have qualifications or experiences which could be accredited Enrolment usually takes place in the middle through the University’s Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or of September. When you apply, you will be Accreditation of Experiential Learning (APEL) systems. notified of the appropriate time, place and date of enrolment. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate Postgraduate awards that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of six in IELTS or 550 (or 213 computer-based) in TOEFL, or the equivalent, is the normal requirement.

Research degrees

For a research degree, you will normally need a first or second-class honours degree. However, some of our successful postgraduate students hold other qualifications, such as graduateships of professional institutions. You may also be considered for admission if you have experience which demonstrates that you have appropriate skills and knowledge at a standard equivalent to first degree level. Specific or additional entry requirements are detailed in individual course entries.

You should apply for admission as early as possible before the date of entry, even if at that stage you have not been awarded your first degree.

Before submitting an application to enrol for a research degree, you should normally contact the appropriate Faculty to discuss your proposal. The Faculty will be able to advise you whether it has a member of staff with appropriate expertise to supervise your project.

You should then complete an application form and send it together with an outline of your proposal direct to the Faculty.

Disabled students

We welcome applications from disabled students. No applicant judged to be academically suitable will be refused admission on grounds of disability without compelling reasons. In this context, ‘disability’ should be taken as including any physical or sensory impairment or health condition, which could make it difficult for you to complete a course successfully, for example, diabetes or epilepsy.

It is important that you tell us on your application form of any impairment so that, wherever possible, we can ensure that we provide the facilities and support you need. Please apply as early as possible. For an information leaflet or informal discussion, please contact:

Disability Advisory Service You can apply on-line at Staffordshire University www.staffs.ac.uk/parttimeform 4-5 Winton Square Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE www.staffs.ac.uk/postgradform t: 01782 294977

25 26 Where to apply

Law and legal courses Fees Full-time Common Professional Examination: Fees include tuition or supervision and membership of CPE Central Applications Board the Students’ Union, except where explicitly stated. Fees PO Box 84 vary from course to course and are set out in individual Guildford course entries. Surrey GU3 1YX t: 01483 451080 Upon enrolment students holding scholarships or awards covering payment of fees must produce a letter of authority Legal Practice course indicating the amounts for which the awarding body will be LPC Central Applications Board responsible. Normally fees are payable in full at or before PO Box 84 enrolment for each academic year. However, self-financing Guildford students may be permitted to pay their fees in up to three Surrey instalments. Such arrangements can be negotiated at GU3 1YX enrolment. You will not be allowed to begin classes until t: 01483 301282 appropriate arrangements have been made for payment of fees. Postgraduate Certificate in Education PGCE Business, Higher Education Shop PGCE Economics and Business Education, and PGCE Design and Technology: Our Higher Education Shop is the first port of call for most course queries and the staff are happy to help with any Graduate Teacher Training Registry enquiries regarding finance, childcare, or studying in general. Rosehill If they can’t help you themselves, they will certainly put you New Barn Lane Cheltenham in touch with someone who can. Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ For general enquiries concerning admission to part-time and full-time postgraduate programmes, please contact: All other taught courses The Higher Education Shop Applications should be made direct to the University for Flaxman building part-time study on any of the above courses and for all other Staffordshire University postgraduate taught courses. College Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE An on-line application form is available at www.staffs.ac.uk/ t: 01782 292746 postgradform or www.staffs.ac.uk/parttimeform e: [email protected]

Alternatively you can obtain a form from our Open all year round (including academic holidays). Admissions Office Monday to Thursday, from 9am - 5pm t: 01782 292753 Friday, 9am - 4.30pm

Apply as early as you can before the date of entry, even if you Open Days/Evenings have not yet been awarded your first degree. Contact the Admissions Office if you have any queries. You will receive An Open Day or Evening is the ideal way to see for yourself details of any conditions, fees involved and the start date for what studying at Staffordshire University will be like. It’s an your course. invaluable way of making sure you have chosen the right course for you. Course tutors and current students will be on Regulations hand to answer any questions. Plus, you can find out more about our facilities and services. As a student attending a course or undertaking research at Staffordshire University, you must enrol and re-enrol each For open evenings contact the HE Shop on 01782 292746 for academic year. You are admitted subject to the requirement details. Individual Faculties also hold their own open events, that you will comply with the enrolment procedures and the which can give you further insight into a particular academic regulations of the University. The regulations provide details area – details are available from Faculty Offices. of your rights as well as the rules. For more details visit our website www.staffs.ac.uk

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