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.

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:

Students must choose their centre from a list of approved Exam Centres and inform the University within three weeks of registration. If notification is not received within this time period an exam centre will be chosen for you based on your geographical location. 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. It is available part time and can be completed in either two or three years, depending on how students wish to study.

5) Is this course accredited by any professional body?

No, the course has not been accredited by any external organisation.

6) Will the certificate say 'Distance Learning'?

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

7) 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.