Choosing your Program
When considering your programme of study in Cardiff University, it is important for you to consider the differences that exist between the University system in the UK and the University system in your country of origin, as these may have bearing on the modules that you decide to study.
Undergraduate degree programmes in Cardiff University generally last for three years and it is commonplace for students to follow a narrower range of subjects than their counterparts studying undergraduate degrees in the USA and other countries.
Before beginning their courses in University, British students will have just completed two years of studying A Levels at high school. During this time, students focus on a narrower range of subjects and often study 3 or 4 A Levels, all of which are subject specific. Students in the UK have therefore began choosing their academic focus at an earlier date than students in some other countries.
Teaching
You may find that the method of teaching in the UK is different from that that you have experienced in your home university. University study in the UK is aimed at encouraging a high level of independence and self-directed study. This means that you will be given guidance and help but you will be expected to do a great deal of work on your own.
During your time at Cardiff University you will find that you will be taught in the best way possible for the modules that you are taking. The methods are:
Lectures-for information and learning
In order to gain a comprehensive base of knowledge you will often be taught in large lectures. Handouts are often provided and lectures make use of a range of resources and facilities to enable you to get the information you need. During lectures you will be given written material, information about exams and essays and multimedia presentations. You may even find that occasionally you are required to give your own presentation.
Seminars-for discussion and questions
These are smaller discussion groups with your lecturer and between three and ten students present. This is an ideal time to discuss any questions following lectures, and an opportunity to meet and work more closely with other students on your course.
Tutorials-for individual attention
If you need clarification following a lecture or seminar, or you would like to discuss the progress of an essay or project then you can make an appointment to meet with a tutor at anytime during your studies at Cardiff. You can arrange an appointment either by emailing the appropriate tutor or by visiting them during their open office hours.
Your Home School
The structure of the programme in Cardiff University means that all Study Abroad students are based in the academic school where they are taking the majority of their courses. However, this is not to say that Study Abroad students cannot take modules across other academic schools (outside their home school). Your Home School is where your personal tutor will be located and this system ensures that all students are given an excellent level of academic support.
To find out how many modules you are able to take outside of your home school, please contact the Study Abroad Office on studyabroad@cf.ac.uk . This tends to vary in each academic school and some schools place no restrictions on the number of modules you can take outside their school.
Academic Advice and Selecting Modules
Every study abroad student will be allocated a personal tutor at Cardiff. Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues including module choice and assessment and, as already stated, your Personal Tutor will be located in your academic school. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies during your time at Cardiff, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; they will be able to put you in touch with the student support services provided by the University and the Students' union as appropriate.
Study Abroad students are able to select modules from those listed in this handbook. All of the modules listed in this handbook are taught by members of Cardiff University’s expert academic staff. Study Abroad students are fully integrated into the student body in Cardiff University and study on the same courses as UK or international students studying in Cardiff for their degree.
During the application process we will ask for a provisional selection of modules that you wish to study in Cardiff University and we will do our best to enable you to study these. However, final module selection will take place when you arrive in Cardiff.
It is the responsibility of all Study Abroad students to ensure that the arrangements are in place to transfer credit back to your home university. You should talk to the relevant academic office in your home university for advice on module selection and credit transfer.
The Academic Year In Cardiff University
Study Abroad students can apply to study for the whole academic year in Cardiff University or for either just the Autumn or Spring semester. However, some academic schools do not allow students to come and study for only one semester due to course content and assessment methods. For a list of those academic schools that only offer courses for the whole academic year, please contact: studyabroad@cf.ac.uk
The Autumn semester usually ends in January with examinations being held after the Christmas break. Study Abroad students may not expected to return after Christmas for the examination period as alternative assessment can be found. However, this will depend on the specific modules that you have chosen.
Academic Year 2010-2011
Autumn Semester
Monday 4th October 2010 to Sunday 30th January 2011
Christmas Recess: Saturday 18th December 2010 to Sunday 9th January 2011
Spring Semester
Monday 31st January 2011 to Friday 17th June 2011
Easter Recess: Saturday 16th April 2011 to Sunday 8th May 2011
Module Load
Study Abroad students in Cardiff University are expected to take a full load of modules as other undergraduates. A full load of modules is 120 credits per academic year, and therefore, 60 credits per semester.
Most modules in Cardiff University are worth 10 or 20 credits although a limited number can be 30 credits. The credit value for each module is indicated in the module catalogue.
You must ensure that you have confirmation from your home university that your final module selection and load is acceptable for the purposes of credit transfer.
As indicated on the application form, we advise that in the first instance you select 8 modules. This will allow you the maximum flexibility possible taking into account possible timetabling issues and changes in module availability.
Please click here to access the Study Abroad Module Catalogue.
Module Level
The level of each module within the catalogue is clearly marked as part of the description. Due to the fact that British undergraduate degrees only last for 3 years and are generally very focused, you may find that a level (year) 2 module is not the same as a second year module in your home university in terms of the academic level.
Should you have any doubts as to whether the level of the module is appropriate for you, or whether you satisfy all of the prerequisites of the given module, please do not hesitate to contact the Study Abroad Office. We will then be able to out you in contact with the relevant academic who will be more than happy to advise you about this.
Methods Of Assessment
Study Abroad students who are studying for the whole academic year in Cardiff University are assessed in exactly the same way as those students who are studying their full degree in Cardiff University. Assessment methods vary across academic schools but will generally include a mixture of examinations at the end of the study period and continuous assessment in the form of essays. If you are studying science based subjects, laboratory and practical work may also count as continuous assessment. You may find, if you are coming to study from the USA, that you are not assessed as continuously as you are in your home institution and that the continuous assessment that you take in Cardiff will count to a larger extent to your final module grade. The methods of assessment for each module is indicated along with the module description.
Part Session (Autumn Semester) Students
The Autumn Semester in Cardiff University ends at the end of January, with exams taking place in January. However, all teaching finishes before the Christmas break. Alternative assessment methods may apply for those students studying in only the Autumn semester who will not be returning for exams after Christmas. Whether you will be able to have alternative assessment depends on the modules that you choose and you should always check with the Study Abroad Office if this will be the case for the modules you wish to choose. This is the reason why not all departments allow students to only study for one semester owing to their course content.
Transcripts
A full academic transcript will be issued following your assessments. This will be sent to either your home address or directly to your home institution. Your grades will be given in percentages - a Grade Conversion table is available upon request by emailing studyabroad@cardiff.ac.uk