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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Choosing your course
Kent offers a range of undergraduate degree courses which you can study in stages – at certificate, diploma and degree level.
The first two levels can be taken either as stand-alone programmes or as stepping stones to a degree. Here we explain how the three programmes are linked and how to progress through the levels.
Gaining credits
The programmes in this brochure are built up from smaller individual courses called modules. These modules are worth academic credits – usually 15 or 30, but sometimes more. Part-time students normally take 60 credits a year, although some subjects offer more flexible timetables. Each programme level is made up of 120 credits.
Stage 1: certificate level
Stage 1 is equivalent to the first year of a full-time degree. If you are studying part-time, this stage usually takes two years and involves studying certificate level modules totalling 120 credits. On successful completion, you are awarded a certificate.
Stage 2: diploma level
Stage 2 is equivalent to the second year of a full-time degree. If you are studying parttime, this stage usually takes two years to complete and involves studying for a further 120 credits, taking intermediate level modules. On successful completion, you have a total of 240 credits and are awarded a diploma.
Stage 3: degree level
Stage 3 is equivalent to the third year of a full-time degree. If you are studying part-time, this stage usually takes two years to complete and involves studying for a further 120 credits, taking higher level modules. After successfully completing this stage, you have a total of 360 credits and are awarded your degree.
Gaining your award
In order to gain any of the three levels of award, you must successfully pass all the assessments and attend a certain number of teaching hours. Methods of assessment vary, but generally use a combination of exams and coursework, while some include project work. A number of modules, especially those at certificate level, use continuous assessment with no examination. You are given further details about assessment at the start of your programme.
Moving on to the next stage
If you would like to know more about the options open to you after your certificate or diploma, you can talk to the staff in your academic department, or to the staff in the Information and Guidance Unit.
Further information about ways to progress your studies is available in the Guide to Part-time Study at Kent.
If you have been studying elsewhere, you may apply to transfer your credits to a relevant programme at Kent. This credit needs to be recent (within the last six years), relevant and at the right level. The transfer is agreed during the admissions process with your programme director. Likewise, other universities may accept credits gained on one of our part-time courses – you should enquire directly with the relevant university’s information office.