Undergraduate Degrees

BA Professional Studies ( N900 )

UCAS Course Code:: N900
Duration:: 1 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Bachelor of Arts
School of Study:: Education and Lifelong Learning
Brochure:: Education and Lifelong Learning Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
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The BA (Hons) Professional Studies course provides an articulated progression route to a BA honours degree for students who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree (in any subject) or those who have equivalent and appropriate experience of study at higher education levels 1 And 2.

The course provides a programme of study which is in keeping with the demands of level 3 study and which promotes and encourages personal and professional growth and the acquisition and development of key managerial and analytical skills. The programme recognises the value of work-based learning and is designed to facilitate the integration of students’ workplace learning with a challenging academic programme of study which enables them to become more effective, independent and proactive in their professional role.

We will be holding an Open Event on Monday 3 September 2012 from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Please register your interest to attend.

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

The flexible format of delivery is specifically tailored to enable students to combine their professional and work-based commitments with their studies on the course and considerable emphasis is placed on students applying and demonstrating their learning in the workplace.

Although it is expected that students will normally be supported by an informal professional ‘mentor’ in the workplace (a suitably qualified and experienced professional work-based colleague) the academic guidance and support necessary for them to complete the course and maximise the effectiveness of their work-based learning will be provided by the Course Director, supported by a team of highly qualified and experienced tutors and dissertation supervisors.

The course aims to embrace the diversity of the student cohort and seeks to maximise the learning benefits to be gained from inter-professional and inter-organisational interaction. By the time students complete the BA (Hons) Professional Studies course it is expected that they will have developed not only the study skills, organisational abilities, communication skills, research experience, learner-independence and self-reflective qualities expected of a graduate, but also the team-working, ITC and inter-personal skills and attributes which will enhance their effectiveness within the workplace and equip them to initiate strategies, manage change and respond positively to challenges in their professional lives.

Topics include:

Teaching will take place at the University of East Anglia on Wednesday evenings, with 9 Saturday workshops spread over the year.

Career Opportunities

The School of Education and Lifelong Learning works closely with the University Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to choose their career path and develop their employability skills.

Course Organiser:Dr. Adam Longcroft

Thank you for showing an interest in the Undergraduate Degree courses offered by the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at the University of East Anglia.

Our undergraduate degrees recognise the value of work-based learning and are designed to facilitate the integration of work placements with a challenging academic programme of study which will enable you to become effective, independent and proactive in your future professional roles.

By the end of your degree programme it is expected that you will have developed not only the study and communication skills, organisational abilities, research experience, learner-independence and self-reflective qualities expected of a graduate, but also the team-working, ITC and inter-personal skills and attributes which will enhance your effectiveness within the workplace.

All of our degrees provide highly transferable skills for graduate career opportunities to work in either the public, private or voluntary sectors.

Our undergraduate degrees are for those who intend to teach or provide coaching and training in their chosen field, to those who wish to pursue a career in the public services, media, publishing, sport performance or development sector, the museum and library service, business, commerce, social and educational research, managerial and administrative roles in schools and local authorities, work in early years settings, careers in youth, community and charity work, and in the caring professions more generally.

Dr Nalini Boodhoo
Head of the School

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere. The next Undergraduate Open Days will be held on Saturday 23 June 2012 and Saturday 7 July 2012.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

In addition to the above we offer a Personal Visit option, available on specific Friday afternoons throughout the year. Please contact us for further information about these.

If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.

Students who have been offered a place on one of our undergraduate programmes will be invited to attend one of our Visit Days.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Admissions Office (Education)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 592835 or 593894
Email: edu.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

UniStats Information

Year 1

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
BA Professional Studies: Research Project/ Dissertation Unit	CCEK3N01	60
This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a focused investigation leading to the production of an 8-10,000 word dissertation/project based around issues relating to their work-based practice and professional roles or the organisations in which they work. The main purpose of the dissertation is to ascertain that the student can engage with the research process and demonstrate critical awareness, objectivity and in depth study over a sustained period, resulting in a longer piece of writing than they may have done before. It should also encompass and reflect the knowledge and skills they have gained from their previous studies. See the BAPS Module Handbook for further information. THIS MODULE IS RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS REGISTERED ON THE BA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES COURSE
Developing and Implementing Strategies	CCEC3N02	30
The module will take on more of an entrepreneurial slant this year and looks to encourage innovation. The role of tomorrow's graduate will be explored – what do employers expect a graduate to be? We will examine, explore and develop your understanding and ability to apply some of these tools and principles to help prepare you for managerial or leadership responsibilities in your career both now and for the future. We shall endeavour to take a practical approach and you will find that case studies and other practical exercises feature prominently in the learning process. We want to make the unit relevant to you by asking you always to reflect on how, where and who, at your place of work or in your industry sector, considers the sorts of issues and decisions we shall be investigating. We shall try to take a "sector neutral" approach to the exploration of most topics – we shall not always be using "business" as the source of case study material. Whilst many texts examine strategic management within the context of the “for profit sector”, most if not all of the models and principles can be applied to the not for profit sector. Simply put, the issues of delivering value for money and staying within budget equate to the need to delighting customers and delivering shareholder return. You will normally be required to bring in materials (possibly from your place of work) to support the topic of the session and to lead discussion at the start of each new session prior to the formal input. THIS MODULE IS RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS REGISTERED ON THE BA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES COURSE
Working in Groups	CCEC3N01	10
The main aim of the module is to explore the practices, ideas and concepts that underpin the successful and efficient performance of people working together in groups. It is a very brief overview of a complex subject so students are expected to contribute from their own reading, work experience and life skills. Groups and teams are a major feature of organisational life. Most activities of any organisation require at least some degree of co-ordination through the operation of groups and teamwork. In order to become a productive member of a working group you will need to develop an understanding of what makes people act and perform in the way they do. The module begins by looking at the complex nature of human behaviour and how this translates into a greater appreciation behaviour and activity within a group situation. A great deal of beneficial learning takes place during the process of reflecting on how a particular aspect of a job was dealt with. As a technique for aiding and reinforcing learning, reflection is a powerful tool in professional development. Consequently, members of the group will be expected to apply reflective practices as part of the module. The ways a working group is managed, motivated and accepts and responds to change are all key areas in the effective development of people working together in groups. We often learn most effectively when in the company of our peers, in a non threatening environment, where we can take risks with confidence and know that we will benefit from the experience whatever the outcome. For this reason, considerable emphasis is placed on the students forming in to groups, working effectively within groups and utilising each others’ strengths in the completion of a formal piece of assessed work. THIS MODULE IS RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS REGISTERED ON THE BA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES COURSE
Working in Organisations	CCEC3N03	20
At the heart of the Professional Studies programme is the concept and practice of ‘Working in Organisations’. The Working in Organisations module is designed to allow students to reflect on problems in their work place, compare work experience and assess their organisation within the context of management and supervisory concepts and theory (and vice-versa). From here, the module will lead to development of more sophisticated work-based analysis, strategic review and creative problem-solving approaches. The module starts by examining the (public, not-for-profit or if applicable private) context in which organisations operate. It will then move on to define and describe specific organisation activities, and examining the way in which people behave within the organisational environment. Consideration is also given to the role of management in strategic leadership, and coordinating socio-technical systems. Throughout the module consideration will be given to techniques on how best to manage work place problems in a creative way. THIS MODULE IS RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS REGISTERED ON THE BA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES COURSE

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Access Course:: Pass at Foundation Degree level or equivalent experience

Entry Requirement

Pass at Foundation Degree level or equivalent experience.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Fees and Funding

University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

Further information on fees and funding for 2012 can be found here

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University of East Anglia will be charging International students £11,700 for all full-time School of Education and Lifelong Learning undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.

Full-Time Degrees

Applications to Full-Time Undergraduate degrees at the University of East Anglia must be made through UCAS by going to www.ucas.ac.uk

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

Part-Time Degrees

The University of East Anglia offers some of its undergraduate degrees on a part-time basis. The application form for part-time study can be found at: http://www.uea.ac.uk/courses/parttimestudy. For further information on the part-time application process, please contact the relevant Faculty Office:

Faculty of Arts and Humanities: ug.hum.admiss@uea.ac.uk
Faculty of Science: sci.admiss@uea.ac.uk
Faculty of Health: nam.admissions@uea.ac.uk

Each year we hold a series of Open Days, where potential applicants to our Undergraduate courses can come and visit the university to learn more about the courses they are interested in, meet current students and staff and tour our campus. If you decide to apply for a course and are made an offer, you will be invited to a School specific Visit Day. Applicants may be invited for interview or audition for some courses.

For enquiries about the content of the degree or your qualifications please contact Admissions at 01603 591515 or email admissions@uea.ac.uk We can then direct your enquiry to the relevant department to assist you.

If you wish to view the courses available, view our online prospectus or order a hard copy prospectus please visit www.uea.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate