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  • Higher Education Introductory Studies (Certificate of Higher Education)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Coursework, timed essays and seminar presentations.

  • Attendance

    • Usually one evening a week. Each 30-credit full module usually consists of 15 classes, including a full-day Saturday school and a class visit. An introductory workshop is held at the beginning of each term. 

      You will be expected to spend 10 hours a week on self-directed home study.

  • Duration

    • Two academic years. It is possible to start the programme in September, January or April.

  • Entry requirements

    • You are strongly advised to attend one of our regular advice and guidance sessions prior to enrolling, where you will be able to talk to lecturers and decide if the modules are at the right level for you – contact us (see 'Contact us') for dates of forthcoming sessions.

      No formal qualifications are required, but fluent written and spoken English is expected equivalent to Level 2. If English is your second language, you should take Approaches to Study with English Language Support. If you are unsure whether your current English language level is sufficient, you should attend one of our advice and guidance evenings for assessment.

      Students wishing to progress to a degree in nursing, midwifery, health and social work will be required to gain Level 2 qualifications in English and mathematics.

      This programme is not suitable for students who already have an undergraduate degree.

  • Fees and funding
  • Financial support
      • If you are a new student starting on a course in autumn 2012, you may be able to get a student loan to cover your fees and other Birkbeck financial support. Check if you're eligible.
      • If you are already studying with us and continuing on a course that you started before autumn 2012, find out about financial support and see if you are eligible.
      • Not sure if you are a new or a continuing student? See here for more information.
  • Location
    • Modules are offered in the evening in central London and Stratford. 
  • Teaching

    • Teaching and learning methods include talks, discussions, group work, visits, use of audio-visual materials, presentations and self-directed learning using a range of resources, including our virtual learning environment. Learning groups are kept to around 20 students, to ensure plenty of opportunity for interaction between students and lecturers.

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Study at Birkbeck  | Certificates and short courses  | Certificates and short courses, 2012/2013 entry: browse by subject (A-Z) | Higher Education Introductory Studies (Certificate of Higher Education)

Higher Education Introductory Studies (Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview
      • Progress directly into Year 2 of our BSc Social Sciences, BSc Business or BSc Arts and Humanities after successfully completing this programme*
      • Gain a University of London qualification – expand your knowledge and enhance your CV.
      • Flexible award giving you the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to progress to an undergraduate degree or to professional training.
      • Designed to meet the needs and interests of students who have not previously had the opportunity to study at higher education level.
      • Try out different subject areas and develop your study skills before confirming your degree choice.

      * You must successfully complete designated modules to an appropriate standard.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?

    • Taken over a longer duration than the one-year fast-track award, this programme offers a more gradual introduction to university-level study. You will develop the learning approaches and study skills you need for successful higher education study, as well as the knowledge and understanding required for progression to a range of academic and vocational degrees.

      If you are interested in studying for a degree in social sciences, business, arts and humanities – or if you want to take the first steps towards entry into professions such as teaching, social work and social care, nursing, midwifery and health – this programme will develop your skills and confidence to progress further.

      You should attend one of our advice and guidance evenings before you enrol.

  • Course structure and modules
  • Further study opportunities

    • Students awarded the Certificate of Higher Education may apply for admission to foundation and undergraduate degrees at Birkbeck or at other UK universities.

      If you want to progress to a foundation degree at Birkbeck or to our BA Arts and Humanities, BSc Business or BSc Social Science, you may qualify for exemption from Year 1 if you successfully complete designated modules on the Higher Education Introductory Studies programme to an appropriate standard.

      For further information about module combinations and progression to undergraduate degrees, including City University’s Adult Nursing programme, you are strongly advised to attend one of the termly Higher Education Introductory Studies progression evenings.

  • How to apply/enrol

    • ME (modular enrolment): enrol for individual modules (see 'Course structure and modules').

      Some modules are marked ME(P) (modular enrolment with prerequisites): you can enrol on these modules as long as you meet the required prerequisites.

      Since you are able to choose from a wide range of possible subject combinations, you are strongly advised to attend one of our regular advice and guidance sessions before you enrol.