What type of degrees are available to me?

In general terms there are three types of degree available to you:

• Single Honours Degrees are designed to provide you with a depth of knowledge enabling you to specialise in a particular subject.
• Joint Honours Degrees enable you to combine two subjects equally so that a sound knowledge is gained of both disciplines. One of our academic strengths is the large number of such combinations from which you can choose.
• Major/Minor degree schemes provide you with a rigorous foundation in one discipline together with the advantage of pursuing another subject.

How long do degree schemes last?

Usually your degree scheme will last for three years. The exceptions include modern language students who spend a year abroad, students who opt to take an industrial year working, and MMath, MPhys, BEng and MEng students on four-and five-year schemes. For further details see Study Schemes.

How is the academic year organised?

The year is divided into two semesters which run from September to February and February to June with breaks at Christmas and Easter. As a full-time student you will be required to pursue 120 credits each year, usually 60 credits per semester, although we do allow flexibility here.

How is the course divided across the years?

Our degree schemes are organised into Part 1 (the first year) and Part 2 (the final two, or three years).

Part 1:

You are encouraged to approach Part 1 with an adventurous and open-minded attitude. Some modules lead on to a particular degree scheme but others, perhaps in new academic fields to you, are designed to introduce new concepts and ideas, and to awaken new interests and awareness. This enables you to embark upon Part 2 with a greater sense of commitment and direction. You may find that having discovered an aptitude and an ability in a new academic subject you wish to transfer from the course specified on your UCAS form.

Part 2:

Part 2 normally extends over two years. However, if you take an European language as part of your joint honours scheme you are required to spend a year in a country where the language studied is spoken. If you take two languages you will spend approximately six months in each of the relevant countries. You can also spend a year working in industry between your second and third years. Some degree schemes (e.g. BEng or MEng in Software Engineering) also contain a compulsory sandwich year.

When do I choose my modules?

In Part 1, you follow the modules which are core for the subjects you wish to study. In addition you can choose modules from a wide variety available in each Faculty. Full details of each are available for consultation via the Modules Index. You are not required to make a final choice of the modules to be studied in Part 1 until you have had an opportunity to discuss your interests with your tutors at registration. In most subjects as much flexibility as possible is allowed in the choice of Part 1 modules though your entry qualifications and timetable difficulties can restrict some combinations.

What are modules and credits?

A module is a specific course which is assigned a credit value. There is a credit value linked to the total learning time associated with it. A 10 credit module has a notional learning time of 100 hours including class time and work outside the classroom, a 20 credit module 200 hours and so on. A fulltime student will complete 120 credits in each year of study. To achieve an honours degree you will need to have pursued over your three years at Aberystwyth 360 credits, at least 120 of which must be Level 3 modules.

What are the benefits of the system?

The major benefit is that the work expected of you is clearly structured and focused. Assessment in most modules at the end of the semester means that you are assessed at the time when the information is at your fingertips rather than having to revise work taken over a year previously for an examination. The system also allows you, particularly in your first year, to choose from an extensive range of optional modules. This allows you to decide which subjects best suit your interests and requirements. Advice is always available to help you to construct a degree course which builds up in a structured way to graduation.

How will my work be assessed?

We have adopted a wide variety of methods of assessment. These range from the traditional examination based upon an unseen examination paper to practical assessment of laboratory and field work, an evaluation of your contribution to group and seminar presentations, and project work. This variety is intended to prepare you to enter the world of work with a broad range of skills to help you to succeed. It also ensures that students who perform poorly in examination circumstances have the opportunity to prove their strengths elsewhere.

What help will I have?

In each of our Departments, staff are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that every student has the opportunity to progress satisfactorily. In most disciplines, lectures are employed to convey information and to arouse enthusiasm. Guidance in solving particular problems and detailed study of specific texts and topics is given in practical sessions and in seminars. Tutorials are employed in some courses to provide you with individual attention. The seminars and tutorials provide you with an opportunity to ensure that all your questions regarding a particular course receive a clear explanation.

Will I be lost in a crowd of faces in the lecture hall?

Aberystwyth, as have all universities, has expanded its student body in recent years and more students have enjoyed the benefits of studying and living at Aberystwyth. However, this expansion has not been to the detriment of the close personal contacts which students have always enjoyed with members of our staff. In addition, you will find that each of our lecturers has provided an ‘office period' during which students are encouraged to visit them to discuss specific questions and problems. It is up to you to make the most of such opportunities.

Will I have help with Study Skills

The University recognises that successful students need to learn how to study. The Language and Learning Centre provides a range of opportunities to enable you to develop your learning skills. These include tackling topics such as organising information, clear and precise writing for essays, reports, theses, critical reading, efficient notemaking; and effective revision techniques. Expertise is also available to support students with special needs and the Centre operates a comprehensive service to help students with dyslexia. Special courses are offered to non-native speakers of English to improve their language skills and introduce them to the demands of the UK academic culture.