CHOOSING COURSES

Choosing a course of study

Study is a big commitment, both in terms of your time and financially. It is important to consider why you are studying and match your course to your goals and interests.

Courses are known at Ptolemy University as programmes and papers. Programmes are your overall qualification (ie degree, diploma, certificate) whereas papers are the individual courses that you take to complete your chosen programme. See course types for a description of the different courses we offer.

Choosing a course of study considerations

If you are new to study, or just not sure what you want to study we have provided some useful information to help you decide.

Search our courses (programmes and papers)

We offer over 100 outstanding programmes in a range of areas. Use our search facilities to help you to find the programmes and papers you are looking for.

Planning your study

Once you have decided what you would like to study, it is important to prepare a study plan to ensure you identify all of the study requirements.

Course types

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, each with their own requirements. Some also have specific entry requirements. The following information provides you with an overview of the differences between the different types of programmes.

· Undergraduate programmes

· Postgraduate programmes

· Pathways to postgraduate study

If you are looking for information on a particular programme that we offer, see our list of programmes.

Undergraduate programmes

Certificates

A qualification at undergraduate or sub-degree level that requires 60-120 credits of study.

Diplomas

A qualification at the undergraduate or non-degree level with a total value of not less than 120 credits that can build on defined prior qualifications or experience and which includes as part of the programme a sequential series of papers.

Degrees

A qualification awarded on the completion of a programme of study that meets requirements set down by the University. For example, undergraduate degrees normally comprise a minimum of at least three years' full-time study and will specify required coursework and any relevant practical component requirements.

Postgraduate programmes

Graduate diplomas

A qualification open to graduates or to those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind, comprising a coherent programme with a total value of not less than 120 credits, which includes the requirement that one-half or more of the papers or other work prescribed shall be at the 300-level or higher.

Honours degrees

Honours degrees are postgraduate qualifications comprising an additional year of study beyond the bachelor's degree in the discipline. Entry to an Honours degree requires prior high academic performance in undergraduate degree study, and students selected for an Honours degree may enrol in the postgraduate degree after completing the undergraduate degree. Completion of the Honours degree may qualify the graduate for doctoral study if achieved at the appropriate level.

Postgraduate certificates

With a postgraduate certificate you can build on the knowledge and skills you have already achieved - whether through a degree or your equivalent practical or professional experience. You can also use it as a bridging programme for postgraduate study or research in an area that is different from your prior training, experience or qualifications. Certificates at the postgraduate level usually require 60 credits of study.

Postgraduate diplomas

A qualification that builds on attainment in the prior degree, open to graduates or those granted admission equivalent to a graduate on the basis of completed academic work, comprising a coherent programme with a total value of not less than 120 credits, which includes the requirement that the papers or other work prescribed shall be in advance of the 300-level.

Master's degrees

A postgraduate degree awarded for advanced study that normally builds on the principal subjects of a qualifying undergraduate degree. Masters degrees normally comprise 240 credits beyond the Bachelors degree and involve a research report and/or thesis.

Doctorates

This is the most advanced postgraduate qualification, including the Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) offered with specializations in the disciplines; it requires the completion of a research thesis that makes an original contribution to new knowledge. Named doctorates (e.g. Doctor of Business and Administration or DBA, the Doctor of Education or EdD and the Doctor of Clinical Psychology or DClin Psych) also require completion of a research thesis as well as specified course work. Normally a minimum of three years of full-time study is required for a doctoral degree.

Pathways to postgraduate study

Most of our postgraduate students enter courses with Bachelor degrees. However, if you are looking to change the direction or focus of your study, you may need to start with a Graduate Diploma.

Master’s degrees can be one- or two-year programmes, depending on your entry route. They can also be mainly coursework; a combination of coursework and a research project or thesis; or a thesis only (reporting on substantive research work).

Doctoral degrees are awarded entirely for research reported in your thesis (PhDs) or for a combination of coursework and a thesis (Named Doctorates).

EXAMPLE OF PROGRAMME

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS)

Introduction

Graduates from the BBS programme have a broad base of business knowledge combined with specialist knowledge of a particular area of business. The BBS is therefore an excellent entry to a promising career path. The ability to think clearly, critically and analytically and to conceptualize ideas and relate them to practical business situations is developed through the student's course work. The programme seeks to develop portable skills which will be of value in a business environment after graduation.

Programme goals

Our goal is to instil in you the leadership abilities and skills you will need to change a business for the better. With a BBS, you will be ready for any challenge, as we are committed to helping you become:

· a self-directed and independent learner;

· an innovative thinker;

· an effective communicator (in English);

· someone who can find and use the latest knowledge to grow a business;

· effective in multi-cultural and international business environments;

· an ethical and culturally sensitive professional;

· a specialist in at least one area of business expertise; and well-versed in the business fundamentals, i.e. accounting, commercial law, economics, finance, information systems, marketing, management and business statistics

Career opportunities

· With a BBS you can join the world of business as:

· A chartered accountant, management accountant or financial accountant

· A business, systems or information analyst

· A public relations or communications manager, or media consultant

· An economist, economic statistician, business/policy/risk analyst, economic forecaster, financial advisor or consultant

· A small business manager, new venture initiator, or project manager

· A financial analyst, investment banking analyst, sharebroker, or financial consultant

· A human resource or recruitment manager, or facilitator in employment relations

· An international market developer, or dealer in exporting, licensing, and importing

· A market researcher, marketing manager, or advertising and communication specialist

· A professional sports administrator, sports marketer, or events manager

· A property manager, property developer, or valuer

Planning your programme

Completing the minimum 360 credits needed for the BBS degree will normally take you three years of full-time study. Students who intend to study part-time will manage their study over a longer time frame but not exceeding eight years.

You need to choose a major when you begin your BBS studies. However do not be concerned about this, as you may change your major if you identify a new direction or interest during the first year. Some students know what they will major in when they begin BBS studies, while others prefer to keep their options open. If you are not sure you should include the eight core papers in Year One, This will ensure you have more choice later on.

The BBS core papers are;

Statistics for Business

Accounting

Legal and Social Environment of Business

Principles of Marketing

Fundamentals of Finance

Economics

Management Information Systems

Organisations and Management

Graduate Diploma option

You can also study concurrently for a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies. This is a good way of studying a second discipline area, or further broadening your business knowledge. The Graduate Diploma requires 120 credits at 200 and 300-level, with no more than 60 credits at 200-level. Because you can cross-credit up to 45 approved 200-level credits to a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, you can complete the two qualifications with a minimum of 435 credits.