Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

Introduction

Diplomas of Higher Education are awarded to students who have demonstrated:

• Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have developed;
• Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context;
• Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the named award, and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study;
• An understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis;
• Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively;
• Undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations.

And holders will have:

• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.

Programme Structure

Undergraduate Diploma programmes shall be offered on the basis of a two-year full-time period of study (or part-time equivalent).

• Candidates shall normally be required to pursue the equivalent of 120 credits during each academic year.
• The structure of programme shall be built on 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5 in modules designated as components of the named programme or modules in related disciplines at both levels.

Credit Transfer

• Students are referred to the General Undergraduate Regulations Credit Transfer (Regulation 29).
• The maximum number of credits which may be accepted to count towards an Undergraduate Diploma shall be 120 credits.
• Where the maximum number of transferable credits allowed has been accepted, the remaining credits to be pursued in Swansea shall normally be at Level 4 or above.

Time Limits

• The maximum period of candidature for candidates pursuing an Undergraduate Diploma shall be as follows:
  • Full-time mode: not more than three years from the start of the programme
  • Part-time mode: not less than three years and not more than six years from the start of the programme
• Within these overall time limits, Faculties/Schools may specify lower time limits for individual programmes of study.
• The overall time limit may be extended in accordance with the regulations outlined in paragraph 27 of the General Regulations.
• The above time limit may be reduced pro rata at the outset of the candidature by the Faculty/School concerned where a candidate has been admitted to study with transferable credit, as described in paragraph 3.

Assessment Regulations

• The progress of a candidate shall normally be assessed either during the course of a module and/or in the period immediately following its completion.
• Candidates shall be required to complete the undergraduate diploma programme of study in accordance with the regulations for awarding credit as outlined in the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations.
• The pass mark for a module shall be 40%.

Exit Qualifications

• A candidate who is admitted to an undergraduate diploma programme, but is subsequently unable, or is not permitted, to progress to completion, may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the appropriate levels at the time of exit, qualify for an exit award.
• Details relating to exit qualifications are outlined in the Undergraduate Assessment Regulations.

Eligibility for an Award

• In order to be eligible for consideration for an undergraduate diploma of Swansea University, candidates shall have:
  • Pursued an approved programme of study for the period prescribed by the University;
  • Pursued a minimum of 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5, except as provided by Section 3;
  • Fulfilled any further condition(s) required by the Faculty/School or University.
• A candidate successfully completing an undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education shall be eligible for the award of Distinction where they have attained an overall mark of 70% or above (or the equivalent grade-point) for the award in question.

Admission to the Award

• The award of a Diploma of Higher Education shall be conferred upon candidates at a Swansea University awards ceremony.

Aegrotat Award

• An Aegrotat Award may be conferred upon a candidate on the presumption that a candidate, who is unable to continue their studies, would have satisfied the standard required for the award had they been able to continue.
• The award of an Aegrotat Diploma of Higher Education shall be made in accordance with Regulations for the Award of Aegrotat Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates.
• Candidates pursuing professional programmes in health care who are subsequently awarded an Aegrotat degree, diploma or certificate will not be eligible for professional health care registration.

Posthumous Award

• A posthumous qualification may be awarded to a deceased student who has completed sufficient study for the award.
• The award of a posthumous Diploma of Higher Education shall be made in accordance with the Posthumous Award Regulations.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events