Digital UK pathway courses

And how does it work?

• What teaching methods are used?

  We’re committed to providing you with the same expert teaching that you’d experience in the UK. Indeed, you’ll have the same teachers, same classes and same schedule as you normally would: the only difference is that you’re attending your course online via digital platforms.

  You’ll still enjoy interactive classes with plenty of discussion and opportunities to improve your English, as well as self-study time to help you become an independent learner. You’ll also be assigned a Learning Advisor who will help you with any challenges you face, so that you stay on track with progressing to your chosen degree.

• What are synchronous (live) sessions?

  A synchronous session is when you, your teacher and usually also your classmates, are present at the same time. Synchronous sessions take place at some point during UK teaching hours (8am–5pm GMT/BST), and can include the following:

  • live video lectures and seminars​
  • real-time interactive discussions with your tutor and ​other students​
  • one-to-one calls with your Learning Advisor​
• What are asynchronous (not live) sessions?

  An asynchronous session is when you study in your own time. During an asynchronous session, you could participate at a different time from others, and have some flexibility in when you study online. For example:

  • recorded materials, from which you then answer questions​
  • completing tasks / assignments online​
  • your own research and background reading ​
  • email / instant messaging conversations and collaboration
• Will I have a timetable?

  Yes. You would be expected to engage with your teachers through live sessions from Monday to Friday during UK teaching hours.

  Typically, you’ll also need to do an additional 2 hours per day (including weekends) of your own study and asynchronous learning. This will help you get the most out of your pathway course online.

  You can see a sample timetable, with an example of what your timetable might look like, in the digital pathway courses brochure available to download on this page.

• How do I access materials online?

  There are multiple platforms that we will be using to allow you to quickly and easily access learning materials online from home. ​​

  Typically, these platforms include your dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), as well as online video collaboration tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, plus email.​

  In some cases, you might use the learning platform of your college’s partner university, such as Blackboard.​

  In all cases, we’ll help you get set up!

• What equipment do I need?

  It doesn’t take much to fully engage with your course online. You just need:​ ​

  • a laptop or desktop computer with camera and microphone ​
  • reliable internet access
  • ​a headset
  • ​an environment suitable for effective study without distraction — it also helps to get into a routine so that you get used to your study timetable!​
• What learning support will I receive?

  We have many ways to help you stay on the right path to your degree.​

  The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or equivalent will record when you take part in or finish a task.​

  Video calls will allow your teachers to see you during live lessons and learning sessions; and teaching staff will follow up with you afterwards, so you have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure that you understand key concepts. If you are having any problems keeping up with your studies, they can offer advice to help keep you on track and ensure you’re making good progress.​

  Experienced Learning Advisors and College Services staff will give you the support you need and work with you to help you stay on track. And remember, if you need to talk to someone, our friendly team is there for you. ​

• How will I be assessed?

  Your tutors will set you a range of tasks and assessments and continually provide feedback on your work. This will help you stay motivated and make progress during your pathway course.

  Your assessments will be a mix of:

  • audio and video submissions
  • essays and reports
  • exams
  • live questions and answer sessions
  • presentations and discussions
  • projects and coursework

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  Your college will send you the schedule for these assessments, along with clear instructions for how to upload these to meet important deadlines, and there will be virtual supervisors available during the window the exams are open.

  All the assessment methods we have put in place maintain high academic quality, and have been approved by our partner universities.

  Our new assessment methods are designed to ensure you’re staying on your path to your degree — we want to see you succeed.

   

• How do online Science and Engineering programmes work?

  Laboratory and practical work are key elements of Science and Engineering programmes. In order to recreate these specialist skills, a range of simulations and virtual laboratories will be used, letting you recreate the types of experiments you would experience in the UK.

  Your tutors will guide you through the experiments, allowing you to demonstrate your growing knowledge and understanding, while giving feedback on your skills and interpretation of the results obtained.

  Your experiments will be tailored to your chosen subjects and can cover a wide range of topics such as analysing DNA, carrying out chemical titrations or investigating the refraction of light.

• Will there be an opportunity to get work experience?

  Yes, students on selected digital pathway courses will have the opportunity to do an integrated online internship. It’s a great opportunity to build skills and experience that will look impressive on your CV! You can find more information here.