Guide to Undergraduate study

Your study experience at Hartpury will allow you to develop into an independent learner, proficient in accessing the rich resources of information available within the Learning Resource Centre, through our Virtual Learning Environment, or during lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based and practical-based sessions and tutorials.

How will I study?

Your degree programme will be made up of a series of compulsory, core and optional modules (units of study). Compulsory and core modules provide you with the necessary knowledge and intellectual skills needed in relation to your named degree, while optional modules enable you to specialise within an area of study. Modules become progressively more challenging year-on-year, and progression to Levels 2 and 3 are dependent on successful completion of modules taken in the previous year. Your academic tutor will help you through your module selection, ensuring your choices will support your career aspirations.

Degree modules are assigned 10, 20, 30 or 40 credit points dependent on student effort (hours) required. You will need to pass modules totalling 120 credits to successfully complete each level of study. A two-year Foundation degree scheme is therefore assigned 240 credit points, while a three-year Honours degree is assigned 360 credit points.

What if I want to transfer between degree programmes?

Despite all the research you’ve undertaken and people you’ve spoken to, it is sometimes not until you’ve thrown yourself into your studies that you can be sure it is the right programme for you. Occasionally students realise that one or other degree routes may be more suitable. At Hartpury it is possible to transfer on to another programme dependent on the subject proximity of the two programmes and your academic record.

Study abroad

Hartpury is constantly developing links with institutes overseas. Currently we have formed partnerships with Delaware Valley College (Philadelphia) and Red Deer (Canada), as well as Study Abroad collaboration with Centenary College (New Jersey) and Midway College (Kentucky).

We would encourage all our undergraduate students to participate in these exciting opportunities to study abroad, providing a fantastic educational and cultural experience.

What is a Foundation degree?

Foundation degrees are innovative degrees, designed and delivered in partnership with employers to equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills needed for entering into employment. If you are already in work, studying for a Foundation degree on a full or part-time basis will provide you with the skills you need to progress your career. For those choosing a full-time degree, this is the perfect kick-start to your career, enabling you to learn while you gain valuable work and practical experience.

Foundation degrees available at Hartpury have been developed in consultation with leading employers, national training organisations, sector skills councils and professional bodies to ensure our students leave with the skills and knowledge required by today’s working environment. Employers are involved in the continuing development, monitoring and delivery of our Foundation degree programmes.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for Foundation degrees are lower than for their related full Honours degree programmes as they are designed to enable a wider range of applicants to gain access to higher education. Applications are welcomed from candidates with a wide range of qualifications and/or appropriate commercial and industrial experience.

All applications will be considered and applicants may be given the opportunity to discuss the suitability of their chosen course at interview.

How long is a Foundation degree?

If you have opted to study full-time a Foundation degree will normally take two years to complete. If your course requires you to undertake a placement year, it will take three years to complete. Part-time is normally three to four years.

What can I do after my Foundation degree?

On completion of your Foundation degree, there is the opportunity to progress to a full Honours degree with just a further 12 to 15 months’ full-time study; this can also be done on a part-time basis over a longer period of time.

Applications from students wishing to ‘top up’ to a BSc/BA (Hons) from a Foundation degree or an HND gained at another institute are also welcomed.