University College Plymouth St Mark & St John

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Within a combined honours degree, you elect two areas of study: a major programme and a minor programme.

You will take more modules in the major programme, concentrating your studies in that area, but
you can elect to study both programmes equally as a joint honours degree.

The BA/BSc (Hons) degree programmes are modular in structure, and a degree normally takes three years of full time study*. Modules are assessed either through a combination of coursework and examination, or entirely by continuous coursework. Some can be studied on an individual basis (Independent Study Modules) with an emphasis on student-centred learning, while some make provision for work-based learning.

The majority of our programmes involve a dissertation or final year project. On the combined honours framework this is in your major subject. The dissertation gives
you an opportunity to work on a topic of your choice with support from an individual tutor.

We are keen to provide flexibility and choice where possible, allowing you to select modules from a range of options in your degree programme.

You might also be able to:

• Shift the emphasis between your major and minor.
• Apply to change modules.
• Apply to change programmes – if you find that your studies are not going in the direction you had anticipated.
• Change your mode of study from full time to part time (or vice versa).
• Opt for a different qualification if your circumstances change. For example, you could gain a Certificate of Higher Education after the successful completion of 120 credits, or a Diploma of Higher Education after the successful completion of 240 credits.
• Register for individual modules of study, which may help you qualify for entry onto a BA/BSc (Hons) Degree Programme

We try to support your choices but it may not always be possible. For example, a programme might be full or a module not running in a given year. If you have questions about this when you join us, academic counselling and support is available from various people including your Personal Tutor and the Academic Counsellor.

Just ask.