Where can I find out what courses are available?
The complete range of continuing professional education (CPE) courses can be viewed on this website. These pages include the modules within courses. Each module has a credit rating and academic level assigned as well as a module code.
Find out more about our continuing professional education courses
Can I just take a module?
Students can take 'stand-alone' modules but there are course regulations about how much credit can be accumulated in this way. This is so that learning remains relevant and useful. Most modules have pre-requisites which must be met before they can be studied. Some modules are designated as 'compulsory' or 'mandatory' components of a course or pathway and so may need to be studied in sequence.
What is a pathway?
A number of courses have pathways which contribute to a particular field of study and practice such as school nursing or practice nursing. Pathways can be further differentiated; a clinical pathway is a collection of modules which meet the needs of practitioners working in a particular clinical field such as urgent and emergency or neonatal care. They are usually studied at level 3 in a prescribed sequence and accrue 40 to 70 credits. Students may choose to complete a clinical pathway at this point with an ordinary degree, providing they already have diploma level credits. Alternatively, further study may be undertaken to complete with an honours degree and a professional qualification such as Specialist Community Public Health Nursing.
How much credit do I need for a degree?
Most students have the equivalent of 120 credits at level 1 by virtue of their professional registration. A further 120 credits are required at level 2 (diploma level) and then at least another 60 credits at level 3 (degree level) to exit with an ordinary Bachelor's degree. An honours degree is awarded when a student has completed compulsory modules at level 3 such as the dissertation module and has a total of 120 credits. A Masters degree requires 180 credits at M level.
How long will it take me to complete a degree?
Students usually have four years to complete a part-time degree. There are exceptions as some degrees lead to a professional qualification and therefore may be delivered in a shorter time period or in an 'intensive' mode. Please check with the course or pathway leader for clarification.
How do I apply for a course, pathway or module?
Application forms and guidance notes can be found on our 'How to apply' page.
Application packs are also sent out following a request by telephone or email. It is advisable to discuss a course or pathway application with the course or pathway leader. Contact details can be found on the web pages or in the application pack. Please note that there are usually 'cut-off' dates for applications as the university's academic calendar is divided into two terms known as semesters. The first semester begins in late September / early October and the second in February.
All applications must have a manager's signature and be authorised by a recognised signatory if employed in an NHS Trust. See the guidance notes in the application pack for further details.
How do I know if I have got enough credits to apply for a course?
The course information will indicate the entry requirements. Some courses stipulate entry at level 3 only whereas a Masters course may ask for completion of a first degree or equivalent. It is advisable to discuss the pre-requisites with the course or pathway leader if you think you have less than the requirement. You may be able to accredit your experience with an APEL claim to address any gaps.
I have not studied for a long time so should I do a study skills course?
A study skills course can be very helpful to prepare students for study at university. Applicants are strongly advised to take a study skills course or refresher if it is more than five years since you last studied. The school offers a 10 credit level 2 module entitled Introduction to Study Skills which runs over five days in one semester. There is an 'intensive' version of this during the summer months and also four separate half day study workshops for those with some study experience. There is also an online level 3 study skills module.
See further details on our study skills courses including how to book via the study days and workshops programme website.
Will I get help with my essay?
Yes. All students can access support and guidance for their academic assignments. This is usually provided by the module leader but could be the course leader. Online materials are also available within studentcentral, the managed learning environment for students at the University of Brighton.
Can I get help with my computer skills?
Students are expected to access studentcentral for course and module information. This can be done from home via the internet or in one of the large computer pool rooms on the university main sites. Learning support officers can assist with questions and difficulties. There is also a computer helpdesk which can be accessed by email or telephone.
Will I get study leave?
Study leave entitlement will depend on the learning and development policy within your workplace. You will need to discuss this with your employer to find out about study leave and how you apply.
Do I have to pay for my study?
This will depend on the study leave policy within your employing organisation. Some students do pay for their modules and courses, depending on personal circumstances or an employer's decision about entitlement. Sometimes employers pay for study but ask that you attend the course in your own time.
Can I use credit from another university?
Yes, you can make an Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) claim if the previous learning is recent and relevant to your current studies. You must be enrolled for a course to make an APL claim. An educational adviser will help you with the claim to transfer the credit. Please note that there is a charge for this process and a limit on how much credit you can transfer into a current programme of study. See course details for specific information. Not all courses allow APL.
Can I get any credit for my experience in practice?
Yes. This is known as Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). You must be enrolled for a course to make an APEL claim and attend an AP(E)L workshop. An educational advisor will help you compile your portfolio of evidence to demonstrate how your experience meets your current study requirements. There is a limit on how much credit you can claim. See course details for specific information. Not all courses allow APEL.
Should I start with my AP(E)L claim?
It is not necessary to start with an AP(E)L claim. Some students prefer to take a taught module after a study skills course to give them confidence with their learning and academic writing.
What is a ReQ marked learning event / learning unit?
A ReQ learning unit is where in-house workshops, conferences and study days meet criteria for a quality approved event. Recognising educational quality (ReQ) is a quality mark jointly awarded by the universities of Surry and Brighton for a period of time. Staff can use ReQ learning events to generate RAWL claims.
What is RAWL and how do I apply?
Recognising and accrediting work-related learning (RAWL) is similar to APEL but entails recent learning from experience. This may follow on from an 'in-house' study day or a ReQ marked event. You do not have to be enrolled on a course to claim RAWL but will need to attend a RAWL workshop and identify an educational adviser to support you. The claim can be used at a later date for credit towards a course. Please note that there are limits on how much RAWL can be used and not all courses allow RAWL. See course details for specific information.
How do I get on an AP(E)L or RAWL workshop?
Workshops are booked via the study days and workshops programme website. You will need to complete a booking form and ensure a recognised signatory has signed to authorise study leave and payment. There are closing dates for applications. Once you have attended the workshop you can apply for an AP(E)L or RAWL module to make your claim. There is a charge for enrolling on an AP(E)L or RAWL module.
Where can I find the study days and workshops programme (formerly called the Diary of Events)?
This is available online and contains details and booking forms for all the short courses and study days offered by the Continuing Professional Education division in the school.
See the study days and workshops website
What is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is learning about work through work and gaining credit at the same time. Learners decide their own learning outcomes and module content in a learning agreement set up with an educational adviser and workplace mentor. It is important to have the support of a workplace mentor as study, learning and practice are all work-based. An induction workshop takes place at the university and then learners are expected to use the on-line resources of studentcentral. WBL is normally studied over two semesters at levels 1, 2, 3 or M level.
How do I apply for Work-Based Learning (WBL)?
Enrolment on a WBL module requires completion of an application form and study leave approval from your employer. You can find more information about WBL and obtain an application form by contacting Linda Bowdler on 01273 644623 or L.Bowdler@brighton.ac.uk.
Find out more about flexible learning.
I have still got other questions so who should I ask?
The course or pathway leader is usually the best person to contact for specific information.
Alternatively, you can contact Debbie Hatfield, CPE Learning Adviser
Email: D.Hatfield@brighton.ac.uk
Tel: 01323 417400, ext. 3501.
