FAQs

What is the difference between part time and full time study?

In terms of the time spent studying there is often very little difference. A full time student may expect to have 9 or 10 hours contact each week whilst a part time student on a Foundation Degree may have 5 or 6 hours. An evening class student such as HNC Business can expect to be in for just 4 hours per week.

So the major difference is the number of years it might take me to complete?

Yes. A full-time Foundation Degree takes two years, a part-time FD three years. The other difference is the timetable, we try to timetable part-time courses more flexibly as our students often work and study.

What about financial help?

A full time course allows you to apply for the Full Time Loan from Student Finance UK. There is a loan, which everyone is entitled to and then a means tested maintenance grant which you may be entitled to. If you’re unsure, check the Student Finance England website.

As a part time student you may be entitled to the part time grant. This grant is non-repayable and can be fabulous for those on relatively modest incomes, £16,600 for a single person for example. If you are still living with your parents and are under 25 the part time grant is calculated on your income rather than theirs. This can be a real help to getting your HE qualification and may mean you won’t end up with a debt after your studies.

What about entry requirements? I didn’t always do so well at school.

It’s not unusual for us to have students without the usual entry requirements on our courses. If you have gained work and life experiences since leaving school you can apply for the course you are interested in. We will assess you after you apply and advise you on the best option.

If you would rather spend some time getting up to speed for your HE course we offer the Foundation Pathway, an alternative to A Levels and an excellent preparation for studying at a higher level.

I keep seeing references to levels, modules or credits? What are these?

Each full time year of a higher education is ‘worth’ 120 credits. The first full time year is at Level 4, the second at Level 5 and the third at level 6. These credits are then divided into modules (or units) for you to take. These modules are usually worth 15 or 20 credits. The system has been devised so that you can transfer credit from one institution to another.

What is the difference between a degree and a Foundation Degree?

A degree is usually 3 years full time and so is worth in total 360 credits. A Foundation Degree is worth 240 credits and full time would take two years of study. An HND or Higher National Diploma is worth 240 credits while an HNC or Higher National Diploma is a total of 120 credits. All are designed as stand-alone qualifications and to allow you to stop and start your studies before you go on to the next stage and at Craven College many of our students top-up after their FD to complete their Honours Degree.

I started studying at another institution. Can I use that credit at Craven College?

Yes, almost certainly. We will help you look at the credit you already have and depending on the match with your chosen course we will help you to apply for accreditation.