University of Sunderland

Customised Award Scheme

Welcome to the Customised Award Scheme (CAS)

What is the Customised Awards Scheme (CAS)?

CAS is a flexible way to study at University. The scheme offers you the opportunity to write your own programme of study customised or tailor made according to your interests and/or your needs, within clearly defined University regulations . We can offer you a qualification that suits you from a huge variety of subjects and you can gain anything from a University certificate to a Masters degree!

You could study full-time or part-time and even transfer between the two. You can join the scheme in either September or January depending upon timetabling of individual subjects.

Past examples have been students who combined their interest in Music with their love of Fine Art and Psychology with Artificial Intelligence. These combinations were not part of the suite of degrees that the University offered but the unique design of the Customised Awards Scheme meant it was possible to facilitate the development of these personalised degrees. Other possibilities are available too. For instance, you might wish to learn a language for pleasure or you might need to take a selection of modules for professional development in your workplace or you might wish to explore a selection of subjects to enhance your academic knowledge, e.g. History, Politics and English.

If you are unsure as to exactly what you would like to study, the Customised Award Scheme allows you to take one or more modules as 'tasters' to explore your interests and also develop your confidence. In addition to academic and vocational subjects, we can also offer a range of skills modules to help get you back into formal study and develop your research and writing skills.

Your specific needs can be addressed by developing a suitable programme.

If you are an employer looking to develop training packages for your staff then the Customised Award Scheme academic team and subject specialists can help you develop modules and packages which are suited to the needs of your organisation and your staff. The modules will have academic relevance and quality and may also be used to help your employees study for further qualifications.

What are the benefits?

·         You are given the opportunity to tailor make a degree that suits your needs and its nature is unique and innovative

·         You can choose to study packages which are not available within the University existing academic portfolio, but utilise existing modules which relate to personal aspiration and career development

·         You can explore your interests and also develop your confidence whilst gaining credits towards an award.

·         You can target higher levels of skills, understanding and the ability to adapt to changing knowledge through a number of employability / career oriented projects.

As a student on the Customised Award Scheme you have access to the full range of University services and facilities and your programme is supported by the Scheme's academic team as well as individual subject staff. You will also have access to an online student community via Sunspace.

What is a module?

A module is a unit of study. It can be thought of as a building block towards a degree. A full module usually consists of 20 credits. A degree is made up of 360 credits, 120 at each level (Leve1, 2 and 3).

Do I get a qualification?

You could be awarded with a Certificate, Diploma or Degree (BA/BSc) if you study at an Undergraduate Level or with a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters Degree (MA/MSc) if you study at a Postgraduate Level. It all depending on the amount of credits and what level you have studied (see Table below).

To download a copy of the Postgraduate Brochure please click here

When would I attend?

You will attend mainly during the day.

Academic Support and Guidance for CAS students

Student support is of great importance in the University and within this Scheme in particular. The CAS academic team operates a face to face drop in service for academic advice and guidance during term time. They also endeavour to respond to students queries by phone or e-mail. In addition there is an online community known as Communication Zone where you can post questions, partake in a discussion forum and download a range of information relating to your programme.

Skills for Life

The Scheme provides you with the opportunity to develop, demonstrate and assess, transferable and employability skills, as these can be integrated into your CAS programme of study.

 "Transferable skills" are simply the generic skills that you need for effective working and learning. They are common to all subject areas, and are applicable to industry.

 Employability skills are often the attributes which you would like to leave with once you have finished your degree. They are based on your knowledge, technical skills even your attitude and how you use or present your assets to potential employers. These skills are what employers believe will equip the employee to carry out their role to the best of their ability.

The transferable and employability skills that you will be given opportunities to develop are:

·         Managing and Developing  self motivation, persistence, passion and integrity

·         Handling Information analysis, critical thinking, reflection

·         Planning, Organisational skills and Time Management

·         Communication, Presentation skills

·         Team working and interpersonal skills

·         Using Basic Information Technology Skills

·         Applying a Basic Level of Numeracy

·         Decision making and problem solving

·         Initiative and drive

·         Innovation and creativity

What will it cost?

The Fees and Finance University Web link has full details on Tuition Fees, Bursaries and Financial Counselling. Please visit our Fees and Finance Page

If you are student from outside the European Union (EU) who is interested in studying at Sunderland, please visit the International section of this website.

The International section has full details about fees and scholarships , how to apply and the International Student Support Team .

How to apply

To apply for CAS you will be required to fill in an application form. You can download a copy from our website or contact us on the details below. It is strongly recommended though that you explore and discuss your options with the Programme Leader before you apply. This is very useful for a number of reasons: a) in ensuring that you are sufficiently qualified before you apply, b) letting your Programme Leader know your specific requirements so s/he can carry out investigations on your behalf, c) finding out the process involved.

For Further Information

Please contact the CAS Programme Leader:

Maria.dawson@sunderland.ac.uk

Or contact the Marketing and Recruitment Team

ell.enquiries@sunderland.ac.uk