COURSE OVERVIEW
*Subject to revalidation
- Learn from an experienced and enthusiastic team of tutors with a wide range of expertise
- Tailor a programme to your interests from a diverse range of writers and movements
- Explore the richness of English literature alongside global cinema, gaining the critical skills and cultural awareness valued by employers
- Take part in field trips and gain work experience through volunteering modules
If you are a big fan of the sort of books and films that have stood the test of time and how the two relate, then this course is made for you. In our English Literature and Film degree you consider the disciplinary differences of literature and film as well as their interdependence, as many films begin as screenplays and many novels have been adapted for the big screen.
The programme draws on the research interests and expertise of staff with subject-specific and strong interdisciplinary backgrounds. You develop sophisticated skills in analysis, expression, argumentation and presentation, all of which are preparatory to success in future employment, whether you want to be a screenwriter, novelist or director.
You are made familiar with the theoretical concepts and methodological skills needed to analyse film and literary texts in historical, cultural, political and social contexts. The three-year programme aims to encourage a critical and questioning attitude towards the material studied and the methods of study adopted.
Talented and committed staff guide an interactive learning experience based in an exciting cultural city. While lectures are an important part of teaching, so too is film viewing, reading, independent research and a range of other learning practices.
In Year 1, you develop critical approaches and key skills through core modules including Introduction to English Studies, Film Criticism and Understanding Horror Film.
In Year 2, you learn about literary adaptations and approaches to film. In addition you take optional modules such as Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama, Classical Hollywood Cinema and Gangster and Crime Film.
In Year 3, you choose three film and three English-based optional modules in subjects such as Gothic Film, Biography and the Body, and Renaissance Poetry. You also research and compose a dissertation.
A degree in English Literature and Film opens many doors. You acquire a range of highly transferable qualities that are valued by employers, including analytical thinking, evaluative and research skills, self-discipline, and effective written and spoken communication, as well as an ability to apply knowledge of a wide range of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
Graduates pursue careers in the film, television, creative, advertising, media and journalism industries. Others go into teaching, education, library services and publishing.
Careers
Graduates may pursue careers in film- and television-related industries, creative industries, advertising, media and journalism, teaching, education and library services, and publishing.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
Pre-approved for a masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Field trips
Students have the opportunity to take part in field trips and gain work experience through volunteering.
Study abroad
Our BA (Hons) English Literature and Film course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA) and Japan.
For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
- Independent learning: 924 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
- Independent learning: 948 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
- Independent learning: 960 hours
- Placement hours: 0 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
- 74% coursework
- 13% written exams
- 13% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
- 92% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 8% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
- 100% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 96-112 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: CCC-BBC from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. CCC is comparable to BCD in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: MMM-DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
International students
you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| Introduction to English Studies | 15 | |
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This module offers students an opportunity to negotiate the transition to undergraduate study of English in a small group environment that will promote interaction with fellow students and the module tutor. Students will be involved in detailed discussion of their interpretations of fictional texts and will share their experience in the location and evaluation of relevant critical writing. There will be opportunities to share and compare essay-writing strategies and research methods and to ensure the referencing requirements and conventions of degree-level work are understood. The iterative essay, where a draft will receive feedback before final submission, will promote reflection on research, essay writing, and understanding of marking criteria. There will also be an opportunity to have an initial experience of assessed oral presentation before a relatively small audience and to use a range of relevant web-based resources. |
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| Critical Reading 1 | 15 | |
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This is the first of two related modules which together form a broad introduction to critical reading of literary texts. This first module is designed to build upon reading skills developed at pre-degree level and to introduce more advanced reading skills, drawing upon developments in undergraduate English. It will focus on key aspects of engagement with literature: the role of the reader; the authority of the author; text, context and intertextuality; canon-formation; genre and generic expectation; literature and identity politics; nation and narration. Students will develop their reading skills with a wide range of texts, including fiction, poetry and short stories, both canonical and non-canonical. Students will be made aware of the history of the discipline as it has moved through different kinds of reading practice since its first appearance in English universities. This will provide a context in which to place the discipline’s development through the so-called ‘theory revolution’ and its aftermath. |
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| Reading Film | 15 | |
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Running parallel to the theoretical strand, Film Criticism, and focusing on contemporary mainstream films, the module will offer an introduction to the basic procedures for reading film, writing about film and the terminology most widely used in film analysis. Methods of close textual analysis will be explored, foregrounding major filmic devices, or procedures, such as mise-en-scène, editing, sound and narrative. The module will help students explore and evaluate ways in which these devices contribute to meaning. |
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| Film Criticism | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the academic study of film through the analysis of mainstream contemporary cinema. Certain concepts, theories and critical paradigms central to Film Studies will be outlined. These will include notions relating to genre and to star study, the debates attending film authorship and critical and theoretical work that draws upon psychoanalysis and feminism. Students will in addition be introduced to the concepts of semiotics and ideology, and to matters pertaining to spectatorship and audience reception. |
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| Film Form, History and Culture | 15 | |
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The module will introduce students to various histories of cinema and the ways that cinema history can be constructed. Through an exploration of a range of national and international cinema movements and styles, students will examine the significance of cultural and historical contexts and their relationship to film texts. Key factors, including economic, social, cultural, political and geographical influences, will be analysed to explore significant moments of film history such as pre-cinema, German Expressionism, the Hollywood studio system, Post-Classical Hollywood, ‘Third Cinema’, the French New Wave and Dogme 95 |
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| Critical Reading 2 | 15 | |
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This is the second of two related modules which together form a foundational introduction to the critical reading of literary texts. This module will build upon the first by giving students an opportunity to engage with selected literary, critical and theoretical texts, brought together in order to demonstrate the application of major critical theories to literature from different genres and periods. Students will acquire from this module the critical and theoretical basis for the remainder of their undergraduate work in English. It will follow a chronological scheme in order to show how literary criticism has changed through debate and controversy in relation to changes within society and the academy. It will incorporate the most recent developments in criticism, introducing students to key critical extracts alongside literary texts in order to familiarize them with the most significant ideas of the most influential thinkers for the study of literature. |
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| Early English Texts and Contexts | 15 | |
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This module is designed to introduce students to a range of literary texts and genres from the medieval period up to the eighteenth century, opening consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of understanding these texts in relation to their historical contexts. This will include consideration of the following: the changing practices of publication and composition of audience; the historical, political and cultural contexts; contemporary conceptualisations of genre, gender roles and sexual identity; treatment of issues of colonialism, national identity, ethnic difference and religious affiliation. By tracing these topics across texts from different periods comparison and contrast in relation to historical change will be highlighted. Students will be encouraged to draw from the theoretical materials studied in Critical Reading 1 and 2 to develop their interpretations of these texts. The use of texts that have already received considerable critical attention will enable students to engage with existing critical discussion in these areas. |
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| Understanding Horror Film | 15 | |
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This module will focus on the horror film to explore the flexibility of the genre and how it has adapted to industrial, social, political and cultural change. Charting the genre from the 1930s to contemporary horror cinema and across different national cinema traditions, the module will act as a case study of film history through a focused study of a specific area that will exemplify and develop the approach of the Film Form, History and Culture module, while also considering the importance of social and cultural context through exploration of the horrific ‘other’, the uncanny, ideology and genre, the body and body horror and representations of gender, sexuality and ethnicity. |
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Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Literary Adaptations for Film and Television | 15 | |
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This module will use a number of case studies to explore some of the key issues involved in adapting literary texts for television and the cinema. The cinema is often the way that we first encounter literary texts and film adaptations are a crucial tool in marketing literary fiction. This raises questions about the relationship between these two texts. Throughout this module we will explore this relationship through questions of narrative technique, concepts of genre, questions of representation and notions of ‘fidelity’ and ‘authorship’. It will introduce you to a range of set texts and some of the recent theoretical approaches to film and literary studies. |
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| Approaches to Film | 15 | |
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The module introduces and critically examines various, and variously influential, attempts to theorise the reciprocal concepts of ‘film’ and ‘cinema’. Building upon work undertaken in Year 1, the module seeks both to provide a conceptual understanding necessary for the honours level study of film and to develop further an historically attuned, theoretically informed critical practice. |
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| Researching Film Studies | 15 | |
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The module centres upon the independent research of primary and secondary sources that is an essential part of the successful undergraduate study of film, and through this enables students to pursue their own areas of study. The module correspondingly provides preparation for the Extended Independent Study (Dissertation) that Single Honours students undertake as a compulsory component of their studies in Year 3. Students will engage with research techniques and further develop their critical and theoretical understanding while working on a 3000-word research project on an area of film of their own choice. Each year the module will have, as a way of focusing discussion, a thematic nucleus, which might comprise the consideration of, for example, a particular national cinema, filmmaking within a particular decade, a particular genre or the work of a particular filmmaker. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Literary Adaptations for Film and Television | 15 | |
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This module will use a number of case studies to explore some of the key issues involved in adapting literary texts for television and the cinema. The cinema is often the way that we first encounter literary texts and film adaptations are a crucial tool in marketing literary fiction. This raises questions about the relationship between these two texts. Throughout this module we will explore this relationship through questions of narrative technique, concepts of genre, questions of representation and notions of ‘fidelity’ and ‘authorship’. It will introduce you to a range of set texts and some of the recent theoretical approaches to film and literary studies. |
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| Approaches to Film | 15 | |
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The module introduces and critically examines various, and variously influential, attempts to theorise the reciprocal concepts of ‘film’ and ‘cinema’. Building upon work undertaken in Year 1, the module seeks both to provide a conceptual understanding necessary for the honours level study of film and to develop further an historically attuned, theoretically informed critical practice. |
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| Researching Film Studies | 15 | |
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The module centres upon the independent research of primary and secondary sources that is an essential part of the successful undergraduate study of film, and through this enables students to pursue their own areas of study. The module correspondingly provides preparation for the Extended Independent Study (Dissertation) that Single Honours students undertake as a compulsory component of their studies in Year 3. Students will engage with research techniques and further develop their critical and theoretical understanding while working on a 3000-word research project on an area of film of their own choice. Each year the module will have, as a way of focusing discussion, a thematic nucleus, which might comprise the consideration of, for example, a particular national cinema, filmmaking within a particular decade, a particular genre or the work of a particular filmmaker. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| English and Film Dissertation (Extended Independent Study) | 30 | |
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The dissertation is an extended treatment of between 8,000 and 10,000 words of a subject of the student’s choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with supervision supplied by tutors teaching/researching in the subject area. There will be a small number of general lectures to further provide guidance through the process. |
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| Literary Adaptations | 15 | |
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When asked about the literary texts on which he based his films, Alfred Hitchcock famously retorted: ‘What I do is read the story once, and, if I like the basic idea, I just forget all about the book and start to create cinema.’ That Hitchcock revered (at least some of) his source material more than this statement implies is easy to show, yet the comment gestures towards the uneasy relationship between visual media and literature examined on this module---between, for example: text and image; imagination and re-imagination; fidelity and infidelity. The module draws on a range of texts from classical cinema to TV adaptations, tackles advanced critical and conceptual points raised by Adaptation Studies, and seeks to problematize the place of the literary text, author and reader against the context of its reappearance in a new medium. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| English and Film Dissertation (Extended Independent Study) | 30 | |
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The dissertation is an extended treatment of between 8,000 and 10,000 words of a subject of the student’s choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with supervision supplied by tutors teaching/researching in the subject area. There will be a small number of general lectures to further provide guidance through the process. |
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| Literary Adaptations | 15 | |
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When asked about the literary texts on which he based his films, Alfred Hitchcock famously retorted: ‘What I do is read the story once, and, if I like the basic idea, I just forget all about the book and start to create cinema.’ That Hitchcock revered (at least some of) his source material more than this statement implies is easy to show, yet the comment gestures towards the uneasy relationship between visual media and literature examined on this module---between, for example: text and image; imagination and re-imagination; fidelity and infidelity. The module draws on a range of texts from classical cinema to TV adaptations, tackles advanced critical and conceptual points raised by Adaptation Studies, and seeks to problematize the place of the literary text, author and reader against the context of its reappearance in a new medium. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights optional costs for this course:
Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.
Mandatory
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- QP33
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
- Typical offer
- 96-112 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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