How do the courses run?
REUK modules are studied through blended learning. This means that all our modules include both distance learning materials and classroom contact. Classes are held at our Liverpool offices, based at University Hospital Aintree or at one of our Regional Centres across the UK.
Students receive a detailed study pack developed by specialists from within the respiratory field. Packs are specifically designed to guide you through your chosen modules.
What does 'level 5' (formerly called level 2), 'level 6' (formerly called level 3) and 'level 7' (formerly called 'M' level) refer to?
Most of what we currently offer is delivered at undergraduate level (i.e. levels 5 and 6), although we have been offering post graduate study (i.e. Masters level, or level 7) since Spring 2006. It may be useful to first consider how qualifications such as 'diplomas' and 'degrees' are related. There are three 'levels' at undergraduate level (i.e. study leading to a 'basic' degree). These are called level 4 (certificate level), level 5 (diploma level), and level 6 (degree level). These levels equate to years 1, 2 & 3 of a conventional three-year full time undergraduate degree. Taking this into account, you can see that if you were to consider studying our entire Diploma of Higher Education (Respiratory Disease Management), you will on successful completion have carried out the equivalent of two years full time undergraduate study.
If you already have a degree, you may be interested in post graduate study at level 7 (i.e. Master's level); however this may not necessarily be the case, and if you are unsure of what your requirements are, or the most appropriate way forward, our academic staff are always willing to discuss things with you.
How much time and commitment will I have to make in real terms?
In order to gain a diploma or degree level qualification, students have to amass a number of credit points at each level before they can progress to the next level. Edge Hill University, who validate the courses offered by Respiratory Education UK, offer modules worth 10 (or multiples of 10) at all three levels. This system is the same throughout many higher education establishments in the UK. Students then study an appropriate number of modules in order to acquire the number of points required (a) for a particular award and (b) to enable them to move onto the next level of study should they wish to do so. In practical terms, 120 level 5 points must be accumulated before level 6 study can be undertaken.
Many contemporary higher education courses are modular in approach, and as mentioned carry a set number of credit points - in our case, 10 points or multiples thereof. Diplomas of Higher Education carry 120 level 5 points. To achieve 120 level 5 credit points would necessitate studying any combination up to 120 points. (Bear in mind that courses of this nature, sometimes referred to as 'pathways', or 'named awards', usually have compulsory modules, which have implications for the amount of choice open to prospective students).
THE NEXT QUESTION IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT
"What must I do to achieve 10 credit points?"
Modules are based around a set number of 'learning hours' - again in the case of our undergraduate modules for example, these learning hours total 100 for 10 credit points (what this means is that 1 credit equates to 10 hours of work). We offer two scheduled study days on a 10 credit module, which would occupy approximately 15 hours in total. The remaining 85 hours are allocated to the student's individual learning. This is a crucial concept for any prospective student to appreciate, because it (a) makes clear the amount of commitment and time students should be prepared to devote to their studies; and (b) in relation to (a) this individual study time is where most learning takes place. It has a particular relevance to distance or blended learning courses, which tend to have less teaching contact time, and consequently place more emphasis on the student's role in being an active learner. (Although interestingly, even as a full time student a substantial proportion of 'study time' is, or should be, taken up by individual effort/learning). It is where students have to work more independently, in that they are more prepared to access library and other learning resources, read, carry out activities, prepare assignments, etc. As well as doing these things, Respiratory Education UK students are strongly encouraged to maintain tutor contact either via telephone or e-mail; in addition, post graduate courses involve online discussion/study direction for some modules.
Direction on activities relating to aspects of patient care, 'academic activities' such as reading a research paper, or reflection on some aspect of the course are provided within our course materials; in addition many modules at undergraduate level provide study guides which provide help with planning study. Edge Hill University itself provides extensive student support via its website, and this can be an invaluable resource. In terms of the time span of Respiratory Education UK modules, you should be prepared to spend approximately 10 hours per week studying. This is a notional tariff in that it is perhaps ideal, and students with full time jobs and family commitments may well struggle to achieve this; however even 5 hours per week would be sufficient to obtain a good deal of benefit from a module.
It goes without saying that motivation and initiative are essential prerequisites for this type of work, and illustrates a fundamental of learning - that it is the work students do themselves which is important. It also provides a very appropriate answer to students who say things like "oh, I'm not clever enough to do these high flying qualifications!" the answer of course being that study at these higher levels is not about being intelligent alone, but equally about motivation, and organisation.
There are a lot of courses on offer which claim to be "A Diploma in...' Some of these carry very little in terms of higher academic credit, and require nothing like the amount of work required for a 'true' diploma in higher education; some are actually level 5 study, and will contribute to a Diploma in Higher Education. Having read this far you should now be aware of the level of work required to achieve even a part of a Diploma in Higher Education, and feel suitably equipped to make the right choice for you.
"What if I want to study just one module?"
This is no problem, as all of our modules can be accessed on a 'stand alone' basis - this means they can be studied in isolation.
"I did one module as a stand-alone, but now think I would like to do more and achieve a named award - is this possible?"
Yes.
You don't have to register immediately for a named award such as the BSc in Respiratory Disease Management; you can add modules in as you like. The two things to be aware of are that if you do at some point decide to study for a named award, you must complete it within 5 years of commencement of your first module studied following enrolment onto the programme; and named awards have compulsory modules which have to be studied - these need to be identified as early as possible in order to avoid studying optional modules at the expense of compulsory ones - this would result in achieving more credits than are required for the award, and involve unnecessary expenditure on your part!
