what to expect from 3rd year?

littlepinkstars44

kei wrote: »

As the OP is from Glasgow it sounds like they are going into the 3rd year of the Scottish system, if so it is really not that bad.

While the one on one tutition may not be like that of college, there are far more resources that allow you to help yourself.

Really? It's easier in Scotland then?

kei_2

littlepinkstars44 wrote: »

Really? It's easier in Scotland then?

No it is just a different system; in England your degree lasts 3 years and in Scotland the ex polytechnics and less established institutions take 4 years to complete the equivalent honours degree.

In Scotland you can start University from the age of 17, 16 in some cases whereas in England most are 18 when they start.

TDQO

Get in contact with your uni and your head lecturer/tutor. They will be able to tell you exactly what your modules will be and how much work is required for each one. Other departments will be able to show you where to sign up for classes on essay writing, referencing and all sorts of other stuff. It will be difficult but with a lot of hard graft from yourself you will be able to catch up and complete your 3rd year. I suggest you start searching the uni website for info and contact details.

littlepinkstars44

ok...this is what the website says:

Year 1: Core Business modules plus an introductory foundation module in International Travel & Touring Cultures.

Year 2: Studies include International Hospitality and Tourist Places: Environments & Regeneration.

Year 3: Capable Professional Practice, Visitor Experience, Travel Behaviour, Research Methods for Cultural Businesses.

Year 4: An Honours dissertation will be combined, relating to your career pathway, with subjects including Globalisation and Development and Innovation in Travel and Tourism.

littlepinkstars44

oooh, i just found this on the uni website about direct entry students (which is me)

Direct entry students

If you are a direct entry student (i.e coming directly into level 2 or 3 of a programme) your programme organiser will tell you if you should attend the 'Learning Strategies' Induction week. You would have four morning or four afternoon sessions. Topics covered can include:

• Being an HE student
• features of academic writing – essays/reports
• presentations
• listening skills
• notetaking strategies
• managing time

Speak to a mentor

The university runs a mentoring scheme to help direct entry students make the transition from FE College to university. Student Mentors are existing GCU students who know exactly what it is like to be a new student at university. They have been there, seen it, done it and they can help! If there is any aspect of university life you are unsure of, no matter how ‘small’ it may seem to you, ask a mentor. If they can’t help you directly, they know someone who can! Check your notice board to see if there is a mentor in your department, or e-mail [EMAIL="mentors@gcal.ac.uk"]mentors@gcal.ac.uk[/EMAIL] with any queries you may have or to arrange a meeting with a mentor.

Fire_Fox

Brilliant, that's what we were saying would benefit you! If there any any other sessions running during the academic year, attend those too as with things like academic writing it takes a while for it to sink in. I don't see any reason why you can't put this learning strategies week down on your CV as a series of workshops.

I am surprised you just get a pass or fail for your HNC. Admittedly it's a few years since I took mine, and it was in England, but we had fail, pass, merit, distinction. That all becomes irrelevant when you get your degree classification anyway.

The_One_Who

kei wrote: »

No it is just a different system; in England your degree lasts 3 years and in Scotland the ex polytechnics and less established institutions take 4 years to complete the equivalent honours degree.

In Scotland you can start University from the age of 17, 16 in some cases whereas in England most are 18 when they start.

Erm, all universities in Scotland require four years for an honours degree, unless you have accelerated entry into second year. The third year is the start of the honours programme, so more is expected than the previous years.

In Scotland you leave school between 17-18 years old and so the first year of university is to get everyone up to the same standard, no matter if they're Scottish, or from elsewhere in the UK, EU or worldwide.

WolfSong2000

kei wrote: »

No it is just a different system; in England your degree lasts 3 years and in Scotland the ex polytechnics and less established institutions take 4 years to complete the equivalent honours degree.

In Scotland you can start University from the age of 17, 16 in some cases whereas in England most are 18 when they start.

As far as I'm aware, most if not all University courses in Scotland are 4 years rather than 3...this is down to the different education system. Ist year of Uni in Scotland is equivalent to the last year of A-Levels in England. I'm English, but studying at Aberdeen, and it is neither a polytechnic or a "less established" institution, but the standard for most courses is 4 years.

In my opinion, the Scottish Uni system beats the English one hands down as there's a lot more variety and flexibility - personally it works better for me than I think the English system would have done.

Mr23

I wouldn't worry too much. I skipped into 3rd year the same way and to the same uni (Glasgow Caledonian?) but for computing.

They will ease you into it with an induction. I thought a lot of the work was easier than I expected, so there is not an extreme change from college. Just the reports, lectures, no one-to-ones and less guidance.

You will need to be prepared to work a lot harder, learn how to do essays and do things yourself.

littlepinkstars44

thanks everyone.

Well i dont know about how long degrees etc usually take. But i am only going to into for 1 year. To get a degree..not staying till 4th year and bothering with doing an honors year.