Two full-time courses are starting in February

As well as a huge range of part-time study opportunities at the University of Teesside starting this February, two full-time courses are about to start.

This is a new development for the University; which, apart from some of its nursing programme, normally begins its full-time courses at the end of September.

The two full-time courses available are the BA (Hons) Business Management degree and the Extended Degree in Science.

Business Management

The Business Management course, which is available in both full and part-time mode, is designed for those who want to study for a general and broad-based business qualification.

Among the wide variety of business subjects explored is Accounting & Finance for Business, Business Communications and Information & Operations Management. There is an emphasis on international aspects of business and students are encouraged to spend a semester at a partner institution overseas.

Jim Innerd, Assistant Director for Undergraduate programmes in Teesside Business School, said: “The course could be particularly attractive to mature applicants with relevant work experience. Business Management graduates can aim for a wide range of careers, from marketing to general management. They can choose from the usual graduate-level careers and graduate trainee positions or undertake further study towards a professional qualification in many areas, including accountancy, law, human resource management and marketing.”

Applicants under the age of 21 should have two passes at GCE ‘A’ level, in addition to GCSE Mathematics and English. Mature students over the age of 21 may not need these entry qualifications. The University welcome applicants with alternative qualifications or relevant experience, or who have passed a kitemarked Access course. Students who choose the three-year full-time option starting this February will graduate from their course in February 2005. For more information on February enrolment for the BA (Hons) degree in Business Management call 01642 342807.

Extended Science

This is a free one-year full-time course, starting on 4 February, which will give people with what are known as 'non-standard' entry qualifications the opportunity to proceed to the first year of a relevant Applied Science degree course next September.

The course comprises ten modules that will increase a student’s knowledge of Mathematics and Science, prior to the student specialising in the applied science degree course of their choice. ix modules are studied in the first semester, which lasts from February until June. This will provide a broad understanding of the application of science to a wide range of situations and will include 'Science and the Law', 'Science and your Environment' and 'Laboratory Techniques'.

The remaining four modules will be undertaken on a full-time Summer University programme, from June to August, and will provide further studies in mathematics and science in preparation for starting a BSc Honours degree course in an Applied Science run by the School of Science and Technology this Autumn. One of the great attractions of this course, which is aimed at people without a Science or Maths qualification at Advanced level, is that there are no tuition fees to be paid until September 2002.

Applicants under the age of 21 should have a pass at GCE 'A' level (or equivalent) in any subject and also GCSE Mathematics and Science. Mature students, (over the age of 21), may not need these entry qualifications, but might need to take an entrance test.

For more information on February enrolment for the Extended Science course contact the Course Tutor, Julie Henderson, on 01642 342449 or the Admissions Administrator, Sandra Joyce, on 01642 342460.

Deborah finds a firm foundation to getting back into study

Deborah Flitcroft loved science at school, but excelled at Arts subjects in her GCSEs and opted to study English and Business Studies for her ‘A’ levels at Stockton Sixth Form College.

Now 12 years after last studying full-time she has found her way back to the classroom and is on the Extended foundation year in Science at the University of Teesside.

“I got C grades in Physics, Biology and Maths at Blakeston School, but As and Bs in English and other Arts subjects and went for what I thought were my strongest subjects when I moved into sixth form,” said Deborah, 30, from Billingham.

She decided against going to university at 18 and did a variety of jobs, from bakery manageress to working in a pet shop and then a bank.

Just over a year ago she gave birth to her daughter, Kathryn, and during her maternity leave took time to take stock of her life.

“I found out about the Summer College at the University and thought it was an ideal opportunity to find out if studying science at higher education was for me. It was obviously a long time since I had done any science and I didn’t do any Chemistry at school,” said Deborah.

So she signed up for Chemistry and then three other modules - Foundation Physics, Further Chemistry and Maths for Higher Education - and studied for about eight hours a week over last Summer.

She is now following this up by undertaking the Extended Science foundation year. “I really enjoyed the Summer College and the course I am currently doing; which will enable me to go on and specialise on a Science degree this coming September. I really like Physics and Chemistry.

“The Summer College was the key to getting me back into learning again. It gave me a taste of what it is like studying at University and was flexible enough to fit around my life as a young mum. I made some good friends and I’m looking forward to moving onto a specialist science degree in September”

The Extended Science Degree is offering applicants the chance to complete the programme in a one semester plus a period of study on a summer school for the first time this year. Contact the Centre for Lifelong Learning for further information on 01642 384277.

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