Associate Student Scheme - a taste of higher education
Students outside Holdenby reception, Park Campus
Unsure whether higher education is for you? Not sure what course or subject you are interested in? Considering taking a particular module out of interest or to widen your knowledge of a certain subject?
The Associate Student Scheme at The University of Northampton provides the ideal opportunity to get a taste of higher education without committing yourself to a whole programme.
How does the Associate Student Scheme work?
Associate Students can study two undergraduate modules or one postgraduate module without committing to a whole programme. They enjoy all the benefits of being a member of the University, studying alongside other full and part-time students by attending lectures and classes and will usually take assessments in order to gain credit for study.
What can I study?
The Associate Student Scheme contains hundreds of courses in a wide range of subjects, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
For a list of available undergraduate modules visit the Office of Taught Programme's Module Catalogue.
For further information about the postgraduate modules available call 0800 358 2232 or email study@northampton.ac.uk.
What are the entry requirements?
Formal qualifications are not necessary for many undergraduate modules — we are looking for enthusiasm and interest, and a mature and realistic outlook on what study involves, more than anything else. Our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) scheme recognises that many students, particularly mature students, enter university with an extensive range of expertise, skills and knowledge derived from a variety of professional, vocational, community, leisure and personal contexts. For further information visit www.northampton.ac.uk/apl.
Some specialist, higher level and postgraduate modules have specific entry requirements.
When will I be required to study and for how long?
Undergraduate modules run from late September to May, with breaks for Christmas and Easter — about 28 weeks in total. Postgraduate modules run in two Semesters. The first from the end of September to January, the second from February to June (again, there are breaks for Christmas and Easter). Some modules are also available during the summer period (June to September), though these are currently limited in number.
Most modules involve two or three hours of classroom contact per week, and you are expected to spend around four hours a week in private study. Most classes are timetabled in the daytime, although there are some available in the evening.
I have been out of education for some time, does this matter?
No! We have lots of resources to support people returning to study to develop their skills. We even have a module entitled 'Study Skills for Academic Success' if you need it. Of course you will need to put in the necessary time and effort if you are to be successful.
Our Centre for Academic Practice (CfAP) is available to provide support to all our students, including Associate Students. For further information visit the Centre for Academic Practice web pages.
How much does it cost?
For module prices call 0800 358 2232 or email study@northampton.ac.uk.
What if I decide I want to complete a whole programme?
If you successfully complete the required assessment for the module that you studied for as an Associate Student, then any credit will count towards a full qualification. It is possible to build up credit towards an award at Certificate, Diploma, degree or postgraduate level.
How do I get started?
To apply for the Associate Student Scheme you will need to complete an application form, indicating which module(s) you wish to study. Application forms can be requested by phoning 0800 358 2232 or emailing study@northampton.ac.uk.
All completed application forms should be forwarded to:
Admissions Department for undergraduate modules OR
Director of PGMS for postgraduate modules
The University of Northampton
Park Campus
Boughton Green Road
Northampton
NN2 7AL