Practicalities of studying with TILL

• How do I get in?
• How often will I need to come to classes?
• What will the classes be like?
• What kind of work will I have to do?
• How long will my course take?
• How much will it cost?

How do I get in?

The only thing you need to do in order to be guaranteed an interview is complete the application form online form at: www.sheffield.ac.uk/till/prospective/applying

Everyone who applies to study with us will be invited for an interview. At the interview we will look for things such as enthusiasm, life experience and an interest in relevant activities or issues.

We do have entry requirements for Written and spoken English, for further information please visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/till/prospective/enteryrequire

Request a printed brochure

How often will I need to come to classes?

The academic year is split into two halves (called semesters):

• Modules in the first semester run for 12 weeks between September and December.
• Modules in the second semester run for 12 weeks between February and May (with a three week break for the Easter Break).

For each module, students usually attend one class per week. Classes tend to be in the evenings and last between 2 and 3 hours. The number of classes you attend each week will depend on the particular programme, and the particular mix of modules, you are enrolled on.

Classes are usually held in the evenings and last between 2–3 hours. Some modules have field trips or day schools at the weekend and some are taught on-line with just an occasional tutorial to attend. The details of each module will be made available at interview.

We appreciate that mature students are busy people with busy lives. If you need to miss a class for any reason you can look on MOLE2, which is the University’s on-line learning site, and this should contain course material that will help you catch up.

To give you an example, students enrolled on the degree in Social and Political Studies (Combined Studies) will normally attend one evening class per week for half of the academic year (ie. one semester) and two evening classes per week for the other half (the other semester).

What will the classes be like?

We try to keep our classes small and informal so that tutors and students can get to know each other and learn together in a supportive, friendly environment. There is an emphasis on mutual learning.

Our staff are committed to helping you achieve your educational potential. They are experienced adult tutors and although classes
will contain an element of lecturing, learning takes place mainly through group discussion, debate and the sharing of knowledge and opinions.

Classes in some of the programmes are more practical and 'hands on', focusing on, for example, the development of composition skills (in Music) or software and hardware skills (in IT and Organisations).

What kind of work will I have to do?

Most modules are assessed by written course-work such as essays, projects, reports, practical exercises and translations. Some assessments involve giving presentations or recitals but don’t worry, you will get lots of help and support in preparation for these.

A few courses have formal examinations, but these only form part of the assessment for that module. You will also need to read and study independently, using books, web sites, course handouts and other sources of information.

If you are taking a course through the Liflelong Learning Programme, then you are welcome to take the assessed work, and you can gain the credits like a student on a programme; but you are not obliged to, and may prefer to miss out on the assessment.

We are offering study skills modules at Level 1 specifically to help with note taking, essay writing and so on.  There are also other study skills resources available throughout your time of study.

How long will it take?

Which ever programme you are studying, you will need to complete and pass a specified number of courses (these are called ‘modules’). Most of our modules are either worth 10 or 20 credits. To pass the Foundation Programme or a Certificate, you will usually need to accumulate 120 credits. For the Foundation Degree you will need to accumulate 240 credits and for a Degree, you will need to accumulate 360 credits.

Students normally take 60 credits each academic year. In this way the Foundation Programme and the Certificates usually take two years to complete (60 credits a year over two years). The Foundation Degree takes two and a half years to complete (90 credits for two years and 60 credits for one year) and a Degree normally takes six years (60 credits a year over six years). It is possible to complete a Degree in less than six years, if you study more than 60 credits a year (up to a maximum of 100 credits per year).

How much will it cost?

Costs of courses will vary depending on your financial circumstances. You can find more detailed information on fees, fee waivers, and financial support on our 'Fees and financial help' pages:

Information on fees and financial help available