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Scandinavian Studies offers the opportunity to study the languages and cultures of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Typically, students choose an area of specialisation out of these country options while still gaining a thorough overview of the languages, histories and cultures of the other Scandinavian countries and societies throughout the course. As a geographical region and whose literature and culture dates back to the Middle Ages, Scandinavia is situated at the north-western borders of Europe and thus constitutes one of the UK’s closest neighbours. Despite this geographical relationship and subsequent historical interactions between Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe, their cultural, social and political institutions are vastly different from those of other European nations.

This field of study allows students to study these countries and languages in a small, personal and interactive learning environment, which will facilitate acquisition of language skills through active learning. Language training is given by native Scandinavian speakers, and students can expect to develop their language skills to a level of fluency in their chosen specialisation: additionally, as students gain understanding and knowledge of their chosen language, they will inevitably develop their understanding of similar Scandinavian dialects.

Students are encouraged to visit the Scandinavian country they are studying, as well as spending a year of study abroad. As a region with a wealth of literature attributed to it, students will critically read and analyse a range of Scandinavian writings as a core part of the course. Graduates of Scandinavian Studies have a range of career opportunities available to them as language graduates, with the additional factor that fluency in a Scandinavian language remains a relatively rare skill.

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As a nation with a varied and tumultuous history, Russia has a long-standing reputation of being a mysterious land characterised by development through mass industrialisation, a Marxist style revolution, and isolationism. Since the fall of Communism Russia’s role in world has dramatically changed as the nation has fostered economic, diplomatic and political links with the rest of the world, and Russian graduates today are able to acquire a range of valuable skills that are increasingly in demand.

Students taking this course are offered the opportunity to learn the Russian language in all its complexities, while also being invited to understand and explore the rich history and culture of this Eastern nation. Some of the specialist modules on offer give insight into Russian philosophy, literature, or specific historical periods.

Language teaching is delivered by native speakers with language classes tailored to suit the level of the class, with appropriate classes offered for students with no prior knowledge of Russian, as well as classes for those with some knowledge. Beginners are typically given intensive language training, where they are given an overview of grammar and sentence structure, as well as being given an introduction to oral communication in Russian.

At the end of the initial year, students will have developed their basic skills in grammar, translation, writing and speaking; subsequent modules focus on spoken fluency and honing essay-writing skills. As a core element of the course and of the student’s learning process, Russian students spend one year of their course abroad where they are encouraged to undertake work or study, while they immerse themselves in the local culture.

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This course would be ideal for students considering the realm of real estate; purchase negotiations, residential surveys and technical work are just a few aspects of such a career choice.

The BSc (Hons) Rural Property Management is catered to at Harper Adams University College, Newport, UK. The campus includes a 500 ha commercial farm and provides great resources for the students. The University’s curriculum is known to specialise in agribusiness, engineering and land-based studies.
This degree follows in the footstep of the original, popular HND/FdSc REALM course. Students who attain an average of 60% in year may be offered a transfer into the second year of the BSc REALM course. The opportunity also exists for graduates with 2.1 degrees to register on the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) accredited MSc REALM course. This would take them through to the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence and full professional membership of the RICS (MRICS)
Undergraduates gain many advantages to studying here, not least in the way of experiencing a placement with a large firm, relevant to their chosen area of work; building repair, maintenance supervision, residential lettings and telecommunications to name a few. It is at this stage that students may register for RICS Assessment of Technical Competency (ATC).

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The world of robotics has all the technical elements of computer science, cybernetics and engineering.

The 3 year, FT BSc in Robotics (UCAS code H671) carries accreditations from the same professional bodies mentioned above. For information on modules and credits (http://www.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/pdf11/UFROBOTS11.pdf) for this course, search the university website. Entrance offers for this degree will be made on the basis of the applicant possessing:

1. 3 A-level subjects including maths and a science with a score of BBB.
2. International Baccalaureate with 30 overall points including a 5.6 score in maths and a science, both at higher level

A Deferred Entry option is available.

The BSc Robotics with Industrial Year concentrates on the machine aspects of cybernetics and the ensuing control issues. Over the next few years, students will learn how to design, build and control challenging robots. The lecturers have worked with NASA and there are first-rate facilities in the Advance Robotics Laboratory.

With added support from blue-chip companies, the learning environment at Reading is one of the finest in the country.

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Renaissance studies offer students interested in this influential period of history the opportunity to understand, on a more fundamental level, the changes that took place during the Renaissance, and how these changes resounded across disciplines. The Renaissance is widely understood to be a cultural movement that has its origins in Florence in the late 14th century, and lasted well into the 17th century. During this time, it spread across most of Europe and influenced philosophers, artists and historians alike.

Accordingly, this course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the Renaissance, drawing on Classics, Art, Art History, Religious Studies, Literature and Philosophy. Students are taught an essential historical overview in their core modules, while the course allows for specialisation in an area of their choice following completion of the first year of study: for example, students may choose to focus largely on Renaissance Art, or Literature, according to their personal interests.

In some cases, students can also take a relevant language unit (such as Latin or Italian) which will provide an additional complement and context to their study. The course considers the shift in popular perspective and culture during the Renaissance, and examines the spread of the movement across Europe over time.

Students will examine notions such as Humanism, shifts in understanding of the role and purpose of artistic and scientific endeavours, and theological changes as a result of the Renaissance in Northern Europe. Those taking this course will be taught skills of critical analysis through examination of documents and sources of varying natures, and will better grasp the implications of this movement on the early modernisation of Europe.

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Religious Studies is the study of religious practices and traditions in different faiths, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and other religions. This field of study is concerned with the analysis of the role of religions in past and contemporary societies, and how their influences have shaped the world as we know it today. Students taking this course will study religious texts in depth – this will allow them to critically assess the dimensions of history, gender, philosophy, morals, ethics and politics that transcend religious discourse and tradition.

Core modules equip students with knowledge of Biblical Studies (the Old and New Testament); the history of Christianity and Theology (from early periods to modern times); Indian religions (Buddhism and Hinduism); and other basic areas. Subsequently, students are encouraged to specialise in a religious area of their interest and pursue in-depth study.

In order to carry out research in Religious Studies, students are taught a multidisciplinary approach to data collection and analysis, drawing on methodological reasoning and techniques used in historical, documentary and textual, theological and archaeological research. Students wishing to take lessons in a relevant language are often also able to do so (in Latin, Greek, Arabic, Sanskrit and so forth). The aim of this course is to provide students with a critical mindset and use their analytical skills to assess the importance of religion in both Eastern and Western cultures.

In an increasingly multi-cultural and multi-religious society, Religious Studies graduates are valued for their ability to engage with, and understand, other cultures, as well as the many transferable skills they gain throughout the course.

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The course of studies required to qualify as a quantity surveyor would be best suited to a person who is methodical, accurate and disciplined; it is a position that requires a responsible, professional attitude.

If a student’s character reflects the attributes above, perhaps they should consider studying for the Quantity Surveying MSc/Diploma/Certificate. Herriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland offer this course at their School of the Built Environment (http://www.sbe.hw.ac.uk/). This is considered to be one of the finest institutions for students in this particular field and enables students to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

The School is a partner university to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is therefore accredited by this body. Tutors builds upon students’ previous academic progress and experience by adding the specific components required to meet the demands of a rapidly developing realm of surveying.
As far as the MSc goes, students will study 8 courses as well as the research dissertation. If they apply for the Diploma Programme, they only take the 8 courses (http://www.postgraduate.hw.ac.uk/course/270/). The foundation to the course follows the principles used in quantity surveying and financial management industrial sectors. Successful graduates on the MSc may complete their RICS membership by undertaking an Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This will then afford them full chartered status.

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B.A. in General Arts and Sciences – Science/Quantification

The Behrend College, PSU, at Erie offers this General Arts and Sciences (GAS) Major degree on a 4 year FT basis. This would particularly suit adults returning to tertiary education. International students should be in possession of secondary school, college or university records and must have a TOEFL minimum score of 80 on the internet-based test.
The word ‘Quantification’ can be applied in many different scenarios such as in the realms of mathematics and science. In language composition, ‘quantifier’ is seen to be a ‘determiner’; in a logical setting, as would be the case for studying it as part of the GAS degree, it generally follows that ‘quantifier’ takes on the role of a variable binder. It is interesting to discover that the general application of quantification in required in every industry and business in some form or another; one can almost guarantee that at some stage in a graduate’s career, they will be required to use quantification methods.
Contact the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Erie (http://psbehrend.psu.edu/) for updated details on the course. A minimum of 124 credits is required to complete the degree and students are required to achieve Grade c or better in each 300-400 level course in the major field.

An example of studies:

Quant 310 – Mathematical Methods in the Social and Managerial Sciences (3): This module deals with linear and nonlinear functions, equations, matrix algebra, calculus and practical applications of such methods in the field of business and economics. They are the tools required to accurately work out and record the findings.
Goals required for assessment in the Science/Quantification option of study are:

• To acquire an understanding of scientific methodology and concepts and to have the ability to approach problem-solving logically and efficiently.
• To have a sufficient understanding of mathematics to translate the basic sciences
• To master basic lab techniques with a minimum of 1 discipline such as chemistry

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A career as a Quality Control Inspector is one of the most diverse, interesting paths to follow; food and beverage industries, pharmaceuticals, electronics to name a few.

The Chartered Quality Institute in London offers the most comprehensive level 5 Diploma available. It is based on the Qualifications and Credit Framework’s 8 levels and it is an accredited award. This would suit persons already employed in a QC arena and who would like to add value to their credentials.
In a rapidly developing world, strict standards need to be adhered to in order for businesses to efficiently achieve and maintain good results; simultaneously adhering to the principles of health and safety.

• Measuring, weighing, examining, record-keeping, testing products and monitoring safety standards are all part and parcel of the intricate processes involved in QC.
• Powers of observation, patience and the ability to pay attention to detail are just three of the essential skills that need to be utilised when it comes to working in this field.
• One should also be numerically competent as well as able to write clearly and concisely; logical and methodical thought processes and actions need to be part of their working day.
• QC officers or inspectors are required to be technically competent as they will come across a wide range of equipment such as microscopes, a variety of measuring devices, and testing machines
• Last but not least, they should be able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy as inevitably, part of their job will be to point out any discrepancies to other members of staff.

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Besides the actual physical manufacture of goods, there is a whole host of processes that accompany industry. The joint programme at the Smeal College of Business in collaboration with the College of Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, integrates business management and engineering.

Students looking at taking this course will hear about ‘six-sigma’. The company Motorola initiated this concept in the 1980’s. It is designed to improve upon manufacturing processes and eliminate faulty goods. Many companies utilise this quality management system as a tool in order to maintain efficient production lines. A combination of advanced data capture, handheld computers, radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless networks, all allow the method of ‘track and trace’ to be employed on the factory floor.
Some of the modules are listed below and the Smeal website (http://www.smeal.psu.edu/qmm) will give further details:

• QMM 491: Introduction to Business Concepts for Manufacturing – topics includes an introduction to business, marketing, accounting and finance for non-business students in manufacturing management. Students should note that this course cannot be considered a Business Major and they should be in their senior year.
• QMM 492: Introduction to Engineering Design Principles – the various subjects include engineering fields, graphics, design, modelling and failure analysis
• QMM 496: Independent Studies – This involves creative projects; assimilating research and design.