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Institute for Global Health

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Information for taster course students about UCL credits

The UCL Institute for Global Health (IGH) offers its post graduate modules as short courses and taster courses. This page explains the differences and answers other questions you might have about taking individual modules at UCL as a taster student.

Attendance and assessment 

Short course students are not assessed and cannot receive credit. However, they are expected to participate in any group work and presentations that form part of the module. Short course students receive a certificate of attendance on completion of the module providing they have a good attendance record. 

Taster students are assessed in the same was as IGH MSc registered students and their assessment results are endorsed at the programme Board of Examiners. Consequently, taster students can later apply to the MSc programme and apply to transfer successful completion of taster courses towards their MSc award by APL (Accredited Prior Learning). 

Fees 

The short and taster fees are set by the department. Fees for taster courses are slightly higher than the short course fees due to the assessment element. 

How can I earn UCL credits? 

You must successfully complete all assessments in the module(s) at the first attempt. Assessment methods vary from module to module. If an exam is a required component of the course, you must sit the exam. Successful completion at postgraduate level means achieving 50% or more for the overall module mark. Upon successful completion, you can apply to the post graduate programme with which the module is associated and, if accepted on to it, transfer your taster module(s) into UCL credits via APL. 

How much credit can I bank and which taster modules can I study? 

All IGH taster modules are 15 UCL credits. Students can 'bank': 

  • 50% APL towards a Postgraduate Certificate i.e. 30 credits or two 15 credit core modules
  • 50% APL towards a Postgraduate Diploma i.e. 60 credits or four 15 credit modules (core or optional modules) 
  • 50% APL towards a MSc i.e. 90 credits or six 15 credit modules (core and optional) 

If you intend to study an IGH MSc as a flexible modular student (over up to 5 academic years) you are strongly recommended to study the core module Concepts and Controversies in Global Health as your first foundation module and so ideally you would APL this module. See http://www.ucl.ac.uk/global-health/education/msc-ghd/tabs/structure 

Which programme does my module count towards?

Not every taster course can count towards each UCL postgraduate qualification; taster students must inform themselves which modules are required for any UCL qualification for which they may later apply and plan their taster courses accordingly. Programme diets list the modules required for each postgraduate qualification and should be referred to when planning your taster courses. Programme Diets are available from the department Teaching Administrator. Taster module selections should be confirmed with the department. 

How does a Taster student qualify for entry to an IGH MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate course? 

Successful completion of a taster course does not automatically grant entry to an IGH UCL MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate course. To be admitted on one of these programmes, you must apply following the standard UCL application process and meet the required standard criteria used by IGH and UCL for postgraduate applicants. Taster students must accredit prior learning and start their postgraduate programme within 5 academic years. 

How much time do I have to complete the qualification? 

If the student successfully accredits their prior learning they must complete the relevant qualification within the standard time limits: 

Pg Certificate 3 months FT or 2 years modular flexible; Pg Diploma 9 months FT or 2-5 years modular flexible; MSc one year FT or 2 - 5 years modular flexible 

How do I apply to transfer my taster modules into UCL credits? 

Complete an application for Accreditation of Prior Learning and submit the application at the same time as you apply to the MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert or as soon as possible thereafter.  Please see Accredited Prior Learning for Advanced Entry to Taught Programmes in the UCL Academic Manual for UCL's regulations regarding APL.