STUDY OPTIONS

Study options to suit you

Want a more ACCESSIBLE way to earn your degree?

At Swansea University Centres, we offer multiple options on how and when you study. Our approach combines self-paced online learning, live online teaching, and on-campus sessions, allowing you to fit your studies around your personal commitments.

Flexibility extends to our timetabled sessions, too. Whether you work a full-time job or have family responsibilities, our choice of timetables offers you more control over your schedule. Choose between daytime or evening and weekend study.

Start your degree when it works for you

We offer a choice of intakes throughout the year, enabling you to start your studies when you’re ready and at a time that suits you. Unlike a ‘traditional’ degree, you’re not locked into a single start date each year. You have full control. Start your degree in January or September.

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Combine online and on-campus learning

Want a degree that enables you to fit your studies around your commitments? Our blended learning model could be the perfect solution. Combining self-paced online learning, live online teaching, and on-campus teaching, our approach helps build your digital skills in preparation for today’s hybrid workplace. You can choose between daytime or evening and weekend study patterns, and we’ll give you full details of your timetable ahead of each semester.

What does a typical timetable look like?

Daytime students

If you choose to study as a daytime student, you will typically have 2 days of timetabled tuition per week. One of these days will consist of on-campus sessions and the other will be held online. Alongside your teaching, you’ll also have self-paced online learning to complete for each module too.

Evening and weekend students

Blended timetables for evening and weekend students will typically follow one of the patterns below and will stay the same for the entire semester:

  • 2 evenings live online and 1 weekend day face-to-face on-campus
  • 2 evenings face-to-face on-campus and 1 weekend day live online

Your specific timetable will be made available in advance of the start of each semester to help you plan your schedule. It is important that you attend both live online sessions and face-to-face on-campus sessions as engagement is essential for success and progression on your course. Alongside your teaching, you’ll also have self-paced online learning to complete for each module too.

What are the benefits of blended learning?

Blended learning provides you with greater opportunities to interact with tutors and classmates, build a sense of community and long-lasting friendships, as well as offering a more flexible opportunity to balance your studies with existing commitments.

Thanks to the online sessions and learning activities, the time required for you to travel to and from campus is reduced, saving you money in the process.
You can study full-time whilst balancing your commitments, meaning you are able to complete your studies in the same time as a traditional full-time degree but still manage your obligations and responsibilities.

With 24/7 access to your online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), you can watch and rewatch recordings of online sessions whenever you need to. You will also have access to your lesson material in advance, allowing you to read and prepare questions before your live online sessions, as well as completing the asynchronous components of your modules at your own pace.

Experience a vibrant campus community, use campus study facilities, and access incredible student support services whilst making valuable friendships and connections.
Enhance your employability and prepare for hybrid working by proving your ability to study and work successfully in a blended learning environment.
Because our online sessions are timetabled and held ‘live’, you’ll be able to engage in the moment with real-time interactions during classes.

What should I expect from the online teaching for my degree?

Virtual working has become an important part of the professional world. Active participation in online sessions allows you to enhance your digital skills in areas like collaboration, communication, and teamwork. These skills are highly valued by employers and incredibly important for many industries.

You should give your full attention during online sessions to maximise the benefits from your learning and development, just as it would be expected of you in the workplace.

Our online classes are delivered using a video conferencing platform, and you’ll be expected to participate and engage in each class. This involves:

  • Having your camera on for the entire session*
  • Responding to questions and instructions from lecturers
  • Using the chat function, reaction buttons, and microphone when necessary
  • Actively contributing to breakout sessions, including having your camera on*
  • Interacting with your peers for social learning

If you are unable to engage fully during the online class due to an unforeseen circumstance, it’s important to make sure your lecturer is aware.

You will also have online self-paced learning to complete alongside your live online sessions and on-campus classes.

*The platform has a feature that you can use to hide the background of the environment you’re in, should you wish or need to. Self-view can also be turned off if you find your own webcam footage distracting. For students with neurodiversity or disability considerations that affect their ability to have their camera on – our Welfare team are available to support you and make any necessary provisions.

What IT hardware/software will I need?

To fully take part in the online sessions, as expected, you will need:

  • Access to a computer (desktop/laptop) that fully supports the requirements needed to run the software used during your studies
  • A reliable internet connection to access your live online sessions and learning resources
  • Speakers/headphones/earbuds for listening to audio or video presentations
  • A webcam – many modern laptops have these built in

It is highly recommended that you join your live online sessions on a desktop or laptop computer (rather than smartphone) for ease of use, joining in with class discussions, and for completing assessments. If you have any queries or concerns around the equipment you plan to use, please contact us.

Once you are registered on your programme, you will be given access to Microsoft Office 365, free of charge.