Learning at Work
Partnership Degree Programme
Mode of study: Part time
The Partnership Programme allows you to study for university qualifications - bachelors' and masters' degrees - without leaving your job. The flexibility and diversity of the programme means that since 1991, more than 100 companies, and students, have benefitted from it. It is based on a three-way partnership between you, your employer and the university. The programme offers a range of subject-specific award titles and you can study anything as long as it forms a coherent programme. 'Combined Studies' is the award for students whose work is not covered by any of the others.
The Partnership Programme permits you to set your own objectives, course content and timetable. The majority of the learning toward the award comes from projects that form part of your daily work - which minimises the time spent attending university and benefits your employer through your increased knowledge and skills.
This course leads to BA or BSc (honours) degrees and is suitable for anyone who has had some experience of Higher education (such as a Higher National Certificate or part of an honours degree course) and a few years of experience in work.
The programme can be used to attain Incorporated and Chartered Engineer status with five of the major professional engineering institutions.
Duration: Flexible
The time you take to complete the programme depends on your point of entry (Accredited Prior Learning), and on the proportion of your time you can allocate to your studies. It may also depend on the progress of projects at work, and changes in home circumstances, that may be out of your control. The programme allows you to accommodate delays and changes throughout.
Entry Qualifications:
While it is possible to start a bachelors' course at the entry level (with 'A' Level or equivalent qualifications), a typical applicant would usually have some post-school higher education such as an HNC or part of a degree course, together with some years of work experience. Experience in a responsible position is particularly valuable.
Access to a stable work situation is important for success on a Partnership Programme course. This programme may not be suitable for people whose work is voluntary, temporary or on short-term contracts. It is unlikely to suit those who are retired or unemployed. Applications from self-employed people are welcome.
Course Structure:
Degree courses in the UK are assembled from units of study that are credit rated by quantity and level. At Portsmouth, BA/BSc units are in multiples of 20 credits. The largest unit allowed at all levels is 40 credits. The credits required for an honours degree are as follows:
- Level 4 (not more than) - 120 credits
- Level 5 (usually) - 120 credits
- Level 6 (at least) - 120 credits
- TOTAL - 360 credits
20 credits represents a nominal 200 hours of study.
Accredited Prior Learning may be awarded to a maximum of 240 credits.
Awards:
Although the content of your study programme is unique, and chosen by you, you must be registered for an award which is relevant to the subject matter of the content. You can only register for one of the named awards listed below. 'Combined Studies' is the award for students whose work is not covered by any of the others.
Honours Degrees are offered in the following areas:
- BA (Hons) Business
- BA (Hons) Business and Computer Studies
- BA (Hons) Combined Studies*
- BSc (Hons) Applied Computing
- BSc (Hons) Applied Science
- BSc (Hons) Combined Studies*
- BSc (Hons) Engineering Studies
- BSc (Hons) Engineering and Management Studies
- BSc (Hons) Engineering Project Management
- BSc (Hons) Maritime Studies
* 'Combined Studies' is the award for students whose work is not covered by any of the others.