Practicalities of studying with TILL

• How do I get in?
• How often will I need to come to classes?
• What will the classes be like?
• What kind of work will I have to do?
• How long will my course take?
• How much will it cost?

How do I get in?

Foundation, Certificate, and Degree programmes
There are no formal entry requirements for any of our programmes. This means that you do not need to have any A Levels or other qualifications.

Everyone who applies to study with us will be invited for an interview. At the interview we will look for things such as enthusiasm, life experience and an interest in relevant activities or issues.

The only thing you need to do in order to be guaranteed an interview is complete the application form online form at:

Online application form for courses leading to a qualification

Request a printed brochure

How often will I need to come to classes?

The academic year is split into two halves (called semesters):

• Modules in the first semester run for 12 weeks between September and December.
• Modules in the second semester run for 12 weeks between February and May (with a three week break for the Easter Break).

For each module, students usually attend one class per week. Classes are usually in the evenings and last between 2 and 3 hours. Some modules also have weekend fieldtrips or Saturday day schools (although most do not).

The number of classes you have to attend each week will depend on the particular programme, and the particular mix of modules, you are enrolled on.

To give you an example, students enrolled on the degree in Social and Political Studies (Combined Studies) will normally attend one evening class per week for half of the academic year (ie. one semester) and two evening classes per week for the other half (the other semester).

We appreciate that mature students are busy people with busy lives. For various reasons you may be unable to attend some of your classes. In such cases the module tutor will supply you with the handouts etc. from the class you missed via MOLE2 (the University's virtual learning portal).

What will the classes be like?

Class sizes vary but you can expect an average of around 20 students. Some classes might be slightly smaller, others slightly larger. What you will not find are groups of 100+ crammed into a lecture theatre.

The small class sizes make for a friendly and informal style of teaching and learning. Tutors and students quickly get to know each other and the emphasis is placed on mutual learning.

Our staff are committed to helping mature students achieve their educational potential and have years of experience in working with adults. Although classes will contain a lecture component (lecture-style instruction provided by the tutor), learning takes place mainly through group discussion, debate and the sharing of knowledge and opinions.

Classes in some of the programmes are more practical and 'hands on', focusing on, for example, the development of composition skills (in Music) or software and hardware skills (in IT and Organisations).

What kind of work will I have to do?

In order to gain credits, you will need to do some work! If you are taking one of our Certificates, Degrees, or other programmes, then you will need to be collecting credits towards them, and will therefore have to take the assessment. If you are taking the course for general interest, then you are welcome to take the assessed work, and you can gain the credits like a student on a programme; but you are not obliged to, and may prefer to miss out on the assessment.

The principal method of assessment across all the programmes is written coursework. This can take various forms, including essays, projects, practical exercises and translations. In most cases formal examinations are only a very small element of the assessment system.

In addition to working on your assignments, you will also be expected to engage in some independent study. This means reading and reflecting upon books, handouts and other sources outside of your weekly classes.

We are offering study skills modules at Level 1 specifically to help with note taking, essay writing and so on.  There are also other study skills resources available throughout your time of study.

How long will my course take?

Whether you are registered on the Foundation Programme, a Certificate or Degree, you will need to complete and pass a specified number of courses (these are called ‘modules’). Most of our modules are either worth 10 or 20 credits. To pass the Foundation Programme or a Certificate, you will usually need to accumulate 120 credits (e.g., the equivalent of six 20-credit modules). For the Foundation Degree you will need to accumulate 240 credits and for a Degree, you will need to accumulate 360 credits.

Students normally take 60 credits worth of modules each academic year. In this way the Foundation Programme and the Certificates usually take two years to complete (60 credits a year over two years). The Foundation Degree takes two and a half years to complete (90 credits for two years and 60 credits for one year) and a Degree normally takes six years (60 credits a year over six years). It is possible to complete a Degree in less than six years, if you study more than 60 credits a year (up to a maximum of 100 credits per year).

How much will it cost?

Costs of courses will vary depending on your financial circumstances. You can find more detailed information on fees, fee waivers, and financial support on our 'Fees and financial help' pages:

Information on fees and financial help available