Flexible Learning modules

They are both ways of taking a module without working towards a qualification.  The main difference between taking a module for audit and taking one for credit is that those taking a module for credit complete all the assessments associated with the module and receive a mark and feedback at the end.   See the questions below for further details about auditing and crediting.

• Auditing a module means that you attend and listen to the lectures and discussions.
• Normally this means not being able to ask questions or participate in classroom discussions; however, at the individual lecturer's discretion and invitation, you may be able to participate.
• Out of class readings are almost always available to auditors through Oak Hill’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  These aren't required for auditors but can help you get the most out of the module.
• Auditors are not automatically members of the College library, but may join for a fee.  This means they are not able to access the library resources, except those which are available on the VLE.
• Auditors may not submit any of the assessments for the module.
• For the Summer Intensive modules, as for other modules, the reading associated with the module is optional for auditors.  The reading will cover the period before, during and after the teaching period.  For a 10 credit module the pre-reading will be approximately 15-20 hours in the two weeks prior to the intensive teaching period.

• Crediting a module means you engage more deeply and consolidate your learning by doing assessments.
• As a creditor, you attend lectures, take part in classroom discussions and seminars, complete all the assessments and receive a mark and feedback at the end of the module.
• Virtually all the learning materials will be available through Oak Hill’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  Should any materials be available only in hard copy in the Library, you will be given a library induction. 
• For the Summer Intensive modules which are all 10 credit modules:
  • The teaching and learning will comprise 4 elements:
    • pre-reading before the module begins- approximately 15-20 hours in the two weeks prior to the start of the intensive teaching period
    • time-tabled classroom-based learning – approximately 20 hours
    • private study during other hours, during the 2-week period – approximately 20 hours
    • assessment preparation time once the teaching period ends – approximately 30-40 hours
  • Overall, across these 4 elements, 10-credit modules assume up to 100 hours of study but, in practice, we try not to reach these limits.
  • The pre-module reading will be provided after you've received details of your Oak Hill email account and have access to the VLE (see below).
  • After the intensive teaching period the deadline for you will need to set aside sufficient time (as above) for completing your assessment(s) by the deadline of 19 August 2022. 
• Once you’ve successfully completed the module, you also receive nationally recognised, transferable credits.  Provisional module grades will be issued and you will then receive notification of your ratified mark and credits after the relevant Assessment Board: 
  • for Semester 1 modules: January 2022 Board
  • for Semester 2/year-long modules: June 2022 Board
  • for Summer Intensive modules: January 2023 Board. 
• Both sets of results will be issued to your Oak Hill email address (see question below for further details).
• The price for crediting includes the relevant Middlesex University registration fee.

Yes you do. 

Our lecture rooms at College have been set up for in-person and via Zoom attendance.  When you apply you will be asked to specify whether you want to take the module in person at Oak Hill or live via Zoom.  

To enable us to plan effectively for the delivery of modules here at College, and given we don't yet know whether we will continue to be socially distanced in the classroom from September, please note the following:

• if you select to take a module in person we will confirm nearer the time whether we have space to accommodate you or not.  If we do not have space, you will be able to take the module via Zoom.   If spaces in the room are available but limited, they will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
• If you select to take a module via Zoom, you are not able later to change your mind and take it in person. 
• Normally it is not possible to switch mode after application and prior to the start of or during the teaching period for the module.  An exception may be made if you need to switch from in person to Zoom (especially if for Covid-19 reasons).  Please contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible in this scenario. 

Taking a module via Zoom means you join the live class via a Zoom link feeding directly from the class happening at Oak Hill.   This means that whether you are attending in person or via Zoom, you need to be available for the timetabled hours for the module for the whole teaching period.  

Every effort will be made to ensure synchronous access, but we cannot guarantee the absence of any technical difficulties. In that event, all necessary content will be provided as soon as it is possible.

A small number of modules have prerequisites i.e. modules that need to be taken before that particular module may be done. For those auditing it is for guidance only.  

'Level of study' gives you an indication of where the module is pitched:

• Level 4 = CertHE, which is the equivalent of year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
• Level 5 = DipHE, which is the equivalent of year 2 of a undergraduate degree.
• Level 6 = BA (Hons)-level.  Modules at this level are taught in the expectation that you already have experience of theological study (normally a Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education).  If you’re taking one of these modules as a creditor, you’ll be expected to engage in discussion, give seminar presentations and write essays at the appropriate academic level. 

‍Flexible Learners may take up to a maximum of two modules across the two semesters, totalling a maximum of 40 credits; plus one module in the Summer Intensive period (whether for audit or credit).

Ideally, you might want to apply for modules you wish to take across the year at the same time, but you can also apply for Semester 2 and Summer Intensive modules nearer the time.  See the relevant closing dates for applications.

Yes, if you want to credit a module, you will need to satisfy the College that you have a sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of the module. 

This is the same requirement as for entry to the undergraduate programme which means having GCSE English grade C or above/4-9 or the Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 and no less than 6.5 in any particular category. 

For a list of alternatives, and details of how to claim exemption, please see here.

Yes, all Flexible Learners are given an Oak Hill email account shortly before the module starts.  This enables you to have access to the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will find the information you need to know, as well as the VLE site for your chosen module. 

The module VLE site is where you will find the learning materials for the module, and, closer to the start of the module, the Zoom link if you are taking the module via Zoom. 

You will also receive via your Oak Hill email account communication from the module tutor, other College communication including the invoice for your module, and, for those crediting, your provisional and confirmed results.  You will be expected to check this account regularly.

Your email account and access to the VLE will be closed after the module ends on the following dates.  

• Semester 1 Auditors:  Friday 7 January 2022
• Semester 2 Auditors: Monday 6 June 2022
• Summer Intensive Auditors: Friday 29 July 2022
• Creditors: your account will be closed 2-3 weeks after your official results have been issued following the relevant Assessment Board.  Assessment Boards take place in late January and late June each year.  

For Semester 1 and Semester 2 modules, invoices will be issued after the second teaching week of the semester that the module starts in.  If you decide to withdraw from the module after the second teaching week, you will be invoiced for the full amount.

For a Summer Intensive module, invoices will be issued on the second day of teaching. If you decide to withdraw from the module after the end of the first day of teaching, you will be invoiced for the full amount. 

Invoices will be sent to your Oak Hill email account plus any other email address you have specified to us.