• When do the courses begin and when should I apply?
• Can I come and visit the Department?
• Who can I ask to be a referee and what should the references include?
• I am an international student, do I need an English language qualification?
• I do not have an undergraduate degree, will I be accepted for an MSc?
• When and how do I pay my fees?
• What is the Department of Criminology's ELCS number?
• How will I be taught?
• How will I access course materials?
• Do I need regular access to the internet?
• I haven’t studied for some time – will I be able to manage?
• How many hours a week will I need to study?
• How will the University support me through my studies?
• Will I be required to visit the University of Leicester campus?
• Will my degree certificate have 'distance learning' on it?
• Where will I graduate?
• I have further questions, who do I contact?

When do the courses begin and when should I apply?

The courses begin in March and September each year. You can apply at any time. However, there is an application deadline, normally four weeks before the start of an intake. We are now accepting applications for the September 2012 intake. The application deadline for September 2012 is Monday 6 August 2012.

Can I come and visit the Department?

The Department of Criminology holds open afternoons throughout the year where potential Distance Learning students can come and visit the Department and meet the Admissions Tutor and current students.  For details of upcoming open afternoons please visit our open afternoons webpage.

Who can I ask to be a referee and what should the references include?

References are usually provided by a present or former employer or a member of academic staff at your previous university. We also accept personal references from a friend or colleague, especially if they have experience in a relevant field. We can accept two work references.

The references are similar to a reference provided for a potential employer in that they are required to give the admissions panel an idea of your skills and experience and your suitability to undertake the proposed course of study.

I am an international student, do I need an English language qualification?

Students educated outside the UK in countries where English is not the first language must provide, before they can be admitted to their chosen degree programme at the University, evidence that they have sufficient command of both spoken and written English. For further details  of the accepted qualifications please visit our how to apply page.

I do not have an undergraduate degree, will I be accepted for an MSc?

An undergraduate degree is not always necessary as the admissions tutor will assess your application as a whole.  Therefore, they will look at your qualifications, your professional experience, your personal statement and your references in order to make a decision on your application. Each application is assessed on its own merits but as a general guide, if you have significant professional experience in a related field at a senior or managerial level then you may be a suitable candidate for an MSc programme.

When and how do I pay my fees?

If your application is successful we will send you instructions about how to make payment. We offer a number of flexible payment plans for each of our programmes, which means you do not have to pay for them all in one go. We accept a number of payment methods. Please visit our fees and funding page for more information on the course fees and funding opportunities.

What is the Department of Criminology's ELCS number?

The Department of Criminology is an approved provider for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCS) for armed forces personnel. All of our distance learning courses are available under this scheme. Our ELCS number is 1328. Please visit our fees and funding page for more information.

How will I be taught?

As a distance learning student you will be supported by a dedicated team of tutors and support staff. Studying away from the campus is enabled through our comprehensive module packs and textbooks which are delivered in a variety of formats and methods - via hard copy materials delivered directly to you, or electronically through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. Blackboard is the hub of our distance learning support system and through it you can access:
 
• Further information and materials to support each module.
 
• Online discussion groups and forums giving you the chance to network with other students on the course all over the world.
 
• Study skills support to help you with writing essays, referencing materials and constructing arguments.
 
• The Leicester Digital Library, with thousands of articles, journals and books, and other University support services and a specialised distance learning library service. 

 
• The latest news and information on your programme and activities in the Department of Criminology.
 

How will I access course materials?

Your course materials, including a course handbook and textbooks, will be sent to you in the post approximately 2 weeks before each module commences. Module information and support documentation is also available online via our virtual learning environment, Blackboard. The information currently available on Blackboard includes:

• Online discussion groups giving you the chance to exchange ideas with other students on the course
• Electronic versions of course-related materials
• Searchable online versions of course handbooks and regulations
• Electronic submission of assignments so there is no need for you to waste time and money printing and posting them
• Links to recent publications and relevant online resources
• Access to the Student Support and Development Service study guides

Do I need regular access to the internet?

You will need to make sure that you have regular access to the internet as all distance learning students submit their assignments and receive feedback online. You will be able to access your course materials, contact your lecturers and tutors and your fellow students all via the internet.

The BA Security and Risk Management programme is delivered entirely online and students will require more frequent access to the internet.

I haven’t studied for some time – will I be able to manage?

The course materials have been designed to help students improve their study skills as well as their knowledge. You are not expected to be an expert in your chosen field of study but you are expected to apply yourself to your reading, note taking and assignments. The most important requirements are motivation and commitment as well as a willingness to learn new skills. You will find information about the study support available on Blackboard (our virtual learning environment).

How many hours a week will I need to study?

The amount of time needed does vary from student to student but as a very rough guide we recommend that you will need to set aside between 12 and 15 hours a week study time.

How will the University support me through my studies?

Studying at a distance doesn't mean that we will leave you to it. Our experience in this kind of delivery means that you can expect a strong network of support available to you. You will need to think about where and when you are going to study, and how regular study time will fit into your life, and you will need to prepare a place or places that will provide you with the most comfortable and convenient environment to study - this may be at home, at your place of work or in a study centre.

The support staff for your programme will be able to advise you about how best to do this. You will be sent a handbook that details who everyone is in the Department and provides you with contact details. Tutors will always be available to you to discuss any aspects of your study either by phone or email.

The University’s support services are designed to be here for you and to help you develop the skills to work independently and successfully. The Student Support and Development Service assists distance learning students, providing expert confidential advice on a range of issues.

The David Wilson Library provides a number of services solely for students registered on distance learning courses. You can borrow books by post, contact a subject specific librarian, search for journal articles online, along with many other services.

Will I be required to visit the University of Leicester campus?

We recognise the fact that for some of our students, coming to the UK is not an option and it is possible to complete the course from wherever you are in the world without visiting the University.

Even though you may be studying via distance learning, you are still a University of Leicester student. You will be issued with a University library card and you are encouraged to make use of the University's facilities wherever possible.

We also run study schools at the University for all our distance learning programmes. The study schools aim to provide key areas of support for your studies. They are an excellent opportunity to meet staff and fellow students and attendance is highly recommended for those who are able to travel to Leicester.

Will my degree certificate have 'distance learning' on it?

No, our degree certificates do not have the mode of study on them. The degree that you receive will be exactly the same as those received by our campus based students.

Where will I graduate?

Graduation ceremonies take place in Leicester. Attendance is optional, but many distance learning students welcome the chance to visit the University, meet fellow graduates and celebrate their success.

I have further questions, who do I contact?

We understand that choosing to study a distance learning programme is an important decision and we would like to be able to provide you with as much information as we can to assist you. We are happy to answer any queries you may have so please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Administrator for more information:

• Tel: + 44 (0) 116 252 3946/2458
• Email: criminology@le.ac.uk

Next step: Request an information pack and prospectus