University Jargon Buster
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What are they talking about ? !
You may find yourself unfamiliar with some of the words used on this website or that you hear mentioned on a summer school, so here is a short Jargon Buster. But you will not need to know any of these to attend the summer school . . . .
Alumni
The graduates of a university. Once you have graduated from a university you are one of their "alumni".
Bachelor degrees
First degrees are usually called "Bachelor of" something. For example, Bachelor of Arts ( BA) Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Education (BEd). People who have successfully graduated (passed) their Bachelor degree can then include these letters after their name, e.g. Mr John Smith B.A.
Faculty
A group of several related departments within a type of academic study. Confusingly, groups of related departments are also sometimes called "Schools" in some universities.
FE (Further Education)
This is education which comes after your GCSEs, so from the age of 16. This can include A-S Level, A-Level, Advanced GNVQ / AVCE, National and Foundation Diplomas.
Graduate
A person who has successfully completed and passed his or her degree.
Higher degree
A degree at a higher level than a Bachelor degree, such as a Masters degree (e.g. Master of Arts or M.A.) or a Doctorate (PhD). These are also added to a person's name after graduation, e.g. Ms Joan Smith PhD.
Higher Education (HE)
Higher Education follows on from FE and offers a range of advanced courses for those who wish to further their education and their prospects in the job market. They consist of Honours degrees, Foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Diplomas of Higher Education. They are undertaken from the ages of 18+.
University or "Uni"
A place where you can study an HE course. You can also study for them at a Higher Education college or a specialist college and in addition, some FE (Further Education) colleges also run HE courses.
Fresher
A term used to refer to all the first year students at university.
Undergraduate
Meaning a student, usually aged between 18 and 21, who is currently studying for a degree.
Campus
This is where the university is situated and where you will spend most of your time learning.
Halls/Halls of Residence
Where students live in their first year at university, located on or near the university campus.
Lecture
One method used at universities to teach students. A lecture is when students assemble in a room and take notes on what their tutor says.
Mature Student
Students who are over 21 when they start their course.
Placement Year
A year of work experience which is part of a university course. Only some subjects of study include Placements, most do not.
Postgraduate
A student, who has completed his/her first degree and progresses onto a more advanced course at university.
Prospectus
A brochure giving details of a university/college and its courses.
Semester
Some universities divide the academic year into two semesters, or blocks of study.
Seminar
Another method of university teaching. It involves much more student discussion than a lecture. In a seminar, students get the chance to do the talking and become very active participants. Seminars can include things like presentatons by students.
Students' Union
An organisation run by students for students. It comprises services and facilities, including bars, restaurants, clubs and societies, and these are usually cheaper than similar service providers off campus. They also offer a variety of support services. At the University of Exeter, the Students' Union is called the Guild of Students.
Student Mentors / Student Ambassador
These are current students who are studying at university, and who will be there alongside you during your entire stay at your summer school. You can ask them anything about university and can be sure that they will give you an honest answer.
UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. This is the national body responsible for processing applications for full-time courses at universities in the UK. Usually student will apply to a university/universities through UCAS rather than direct to the university itself.
Undergraduate
A person, who is studying for a first degree (e.g. a "Bachelor" degree).
University
An institute of Higher Education which has the authority to award Bachelors and Higher degrees, and which is usually involved in academic research of various kinds.