36
www.lboro.ac.uk
Degree Structures and How to Apply Taught degree programmes
Entrance requirements
MA, MSc, MBA, MDes, MRes, PG Dip, PG Cert, PGCE
Loughborough University recognises a wide range of first degrees from the UK, Republic of Ireland and universities around the world.
Entry for most taught programmes requires a good first degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, but some are open to graduates from a variety of subjects and do not require a specialist background. A few programmes require relevant work experience. Please see your chosen programme entry for details.
Modular programmes Most masters degrees take one year of full-time study or two to three years part-time. Masters programmes are based on modules totalling 180 credits. Most modules are worth 10, 15 or 20 credits. Students need at least 150 credits from modules with marks of 50% or more, and remaining modules marked at not less than 40%. The 150 credits usually include a dissertation or equivalent. Postgraduate diploma (PG Dip) students need 100 credits from modules with marks of 50% or more and further modules worth 20 credits marked at not less than 40%. Postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) students will need to achieve 60 credits with marks of 50% or more.
Module specifications Details of all our taught modules are available on our web pages www.lboro.ac.uk/pg You can also search for more detailed module descriptions by visiting www.lboro.ac.uk/modules
Study exemptions The University may consider offering credit transfer or exemption from part of our programmes to students who already have some postgraduate level credits awarded by another higher education institute.
Credit accumulation If you leave the University before qualifying for an award, you will be entitled to a transcript detailing the credits you have accumulated, and these may be taken into account by another institution if you continue your studies elsewhere.
Bologna Agreement The University is committed to implementing the objectives of the Bologna Declaration including promoting student mobility and adopting a system of easily readable and comparable degrees. Graduates are issued with a Diploma Supplement to enable flexibility and comparability of qualifications internationally.
Research degree programmes PhD, MPhil, EngD The University provides induction and training for all its research students – see page 33. PhD degrees normally take three years full-time or five years part-time. In addition there are some specialised PhD programmes where registration is required for four years. A PhD thesis must make a significant original contribution to, and show a critical appreciation of, existing knowledge in the subject. MPhil degrees usually take two years full-time or three years part-time. Students critically investigate and evaluate an area which contributes to and demonstrates a critical appreciation of existing knowledge in the subject. They must also demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to that area. Following satisfactory completion of their first year of supervised research, students’ registration is confirmed for PhD or MPhil. All PhD and MPhil candidates must present and defend a substantial thesis to the satisfaction of examiners. EngD degrees take four years and are open to UK research engineers, in any area of engineering or applied science, seeking managerial careers in industry. They involve collaboration with industry, and combine formally assessed taught modules with innovative research related to real industrial problems.
For some programmes, Loughborough University-approved academic requirements for corporate membership of a British chartered professional institution are also acceptable. Please check the programme in which you are interested for any specific entry qualifications and see our International Students’ section for country-specific information www.lboro.ac.uk/international
English language All applicants must have an acceptable qualification in English language before they can be admitted to any postgraduate programme. The main English language qualifications acceptable for entry to the University are: ● GCSE/IGCSE English language (First Language) – Grade C or above ● IELTS – band 6.5 or above with not less than 6.0 in each sub test ● Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – overall score of 62 with minimum 55 in each sub test. These are the minimum – some departments may require higher levels. A full list of all acceptable English language qualifications is available at www.lboro.ac.uk/englishlang Students who have not achieved the minimum English language requirements may, at the discretion of individual schools and departments, be admitted onto an English Language pre-sessional course as an alternative way to satisfy the requirements. The University believes that attending a pre-sessional course can be very beneficial for international students as it enables them to work much more effectively when their academic courses begin. For more information about our English language and study skills programmes, please visit our English Language Support Service website. www.lboro.ac.uk/elss
Further information on taught programmes Contact the department or the Postgraduate Taught Admissions Office: E: pgtaught@lboro.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1509 222496 F: +44 (0)1509 223977 www.lboro.ac.uk/apply/postgraduate
Further information on research programmes Contact the department or the Research Student Office: E: pgresearch@lboro.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1509 228292 www.lboro.ac.uk/rso