1) How, where and when do the assessments take place?

Normally the course is delivered over the first 12 weeks of each semester (two semesters in an academic year, starting October and February) and the exams are arranged in the last three weeks of a semester. Coursework can be set for hand-in at any time over the semester.

Home/UK student examination arrangements:

Exams usually take place at the end of January/start of February (semester weeks 13,14 and 15) for semester one units and the end of May/start of June (semester weeks 13,14 and 15) for semester two units.

Exams for both on-campus and off-campus units are held on the University site at various locations. A student will need to make themselves aware of exam times, dates and venues before journeying to Portsmouth.

For those home students in the armed forces and who may find themselves abroad or on board ship during exam times - in special circumstances the exam can take place under the supervision of a superior officer at a convenient venue or on board ship by arrangement with the course administrator (allowing enough time for the arrangements to be organised and verified).

Overseas - EU/international student examination arrangements:

Exams will take place at the same time as they do for the on-campus students. During your registration process you will be informed of the University of Portsmouth approved Exam Centres. Students must choose their centre from this list and inform the University of their choice within three weeks of registration. If notification is not received within this time period no arrangements will be in place to enable you to take your exams, which will result in a failed assessment. Students will need to ensure that they can make their own arrangements to attend these centres.

2) Do I have to pay for the exams and how do I do this?

Yes, exams are paid for by the students. The cost will depend on the exam centre chosen as they vary in price. When you inform us of the centre where you want to sit your exams, you allow us to release your details to the centre and we will book the exam for you and the centre will invoice you directly. If you need to retake an exam under referral or deferral conditions or as a repeat, the same conditions apply.

3) What are the tuition fees and the mode of payment?

For tuition fee details please go to the following link and use the Tuition Fee Look-up Facility:
www.port.ac.uk/feelookup

Further details about how you can make a payment can be found at www.port.ac.uk/tuitionfees

These fees do not include any retrieval of failed units. Additional costs will apply and this would be based on whether you wish to Repeat Units or Repeat Year.

4) How long is the course?

This course is studied entirely off campus via online/distance learning and can be completed full-time within one year. It is also available part-time and can be completed in two years, depending on how students wish to study.

5) Is this course accredited by any professional body?

Yes, it is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers - IMechE assuming that you have accredited prior (level 2) learning.

6) Can a UK student do a completely online version of the course?

Yes, the online courses are available to all applicants, overseas or home.

7) Which days of the week will I have to attend the University? (for ?home? students)

If you are planning on studying the DL course you will not have to attend the University for any lessons; they are all completed online. However, depending on your location and arrangements you may need to attend the University for your examinations.

8) Will the certificate say 'Distance Learning'?

The certificate/parchment will not say 'Distance Learning (DL)', however, end of year transcripts will.

9) What is the application deadline for this course?

To allow time for the application process to be completed and for us to ensure that we get your access to the teaching material ready in time, you should submit your application (and supporting documents) in a timely manner.

The deadline for applications for the next intake is 3 August 2012 (revised deadline for September 2012 start). All applications and supporting documents must be received by the Technology Admissions Centre no later than 1600 (GMT) on the day of the application deadline.