Jargon Buster!
While you are doing your research theremay be some terms,
abbreviations and jargon that you’ll come across that may
be new to you. We hope the quick guide belowwill help.
Term
Description
Access
courses
Access courses are designed to prepare students who do not have standard
entry qualifications for higher education courses.
BA/BSc
Bachelor of Arts/Science.
BEd
Bachelor of Education.
Campus
The main area on which the university is based. Some universities might
have more than one campus.
Contact time
The amount of time you spend in lectures, seminars, labs, workshops etc.
where you have contact with a tutor.
Degree
course
A course of higher education leading to the award of a bachelor’s or
master’s degree.
Dissertation
An extended piece of work of approximately 5,000-10,000 words, usually
undertaken in the final year of your degree.
Foundation
degree
A two year degree level qualification which combines academic study with
work place learning. It is the equivalent of two thirds of a full honours degree.
Foundation
course
Different to a foundation degree. A foundation course is preparation for
degree level study which may need specific qualifications e.g. an Art and
Design Foundation prepares students to study a range of art and design
degrees at university.
Fresher
First year student.
Graduate
Someone who has attained a bachelor’s or higher degree.
HE
Higher Education.
HEFCE
Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Realising Opportunities
Applying to Higher Education 2016
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