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University of Portsmouth · Undergraduate
CertHE Professional Studies (Distance Learning) Foundation degree at the University of Portsmouth
CertHE Professional Studies (Distance Learning) at University of Portsmouth. You'll engage with core theory, research methods, applied practice and specialist options, culminating in an independent project and professional skills work, all delivered at a distance, so you can balance study with work or other…
CertHE
Award
–
Years
Part-time
Study mode
UK
Location
About this course
CertHE Professional Studies (Distance Learning) is a Foundation degree (CertHE) at the University of Portsmouth. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 5 modules
- The Credible ProfessionalCore30 credits
Module details
This module offers specific study skills to enable students to maximise their learning potential and build a strong foundation for learning and later development. It will look at the requirements of academic writing, insider research and research methodology. The module will then go onto develop students' ability to communicate effectively in a range of professional contexts.
- The Reflective ProfessionalCore30 credits
Module details
This module will, through reflective practice, further develop students to apply and implement lifelong learning within their workplace. Students will be supported to report on the learning they have gained throughout their course thus far, including that gained through interaction with tutors, mentors and peers. Students will be able to reflect on how their new learning has changed their attitude and approach to their working practices. Students will self-reflect and appraise their own strength
- The Active ProfessionalCore30 credits
Module details
Students are given a case study contextualised to the workplace. The study will offer students the opportunity to practice the academic and professional skills taught over the course and will culminate in a project report and reflective presentation.
- Foundations of Business ManagementOptional30 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of how an organisation and its people function. By examining different organisation structures, effective leadership and management styles, employee wellbeing, organisational diversity, team development, sustainability and customer relations in order to achieve its goals and improve productivity. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to reflect on their own perspectives and experienc
- Technical FoundationOptional30 credits
Module details
This module aims to give the student the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required when working in a technical environment. The module focuses on the engineering methods, key technical concepts, approaches to problem-solving, engineering management and economics unique to engineering-based industries. This module will introduce the student to project management, provide opportunities to develop problem-solving and consider innovation to enable them to make informed jud
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This part-time distance learning course introduces you to General Studies through core interdisciplinary themes, practical application, and specialisation. You'll typically progress from foundational concepts and academic skills in the early stage, moving through intermediate study that connects the programme's main strands. As you advance, you'll undertake team-based applied projects and choose optional modules to broaden your knowledge across the university's offerings. You'll usually have the opportunity to develop specialist depth in areas of particular interest, engage with professional skills and workplace experience, and conclude with an independent research project or dissertation that draws together your learning. The course is designed to build both analytical capability and practical competence for professional contexts.
Who it's for
This course suits people balancing study with employment or other responsibilities, who value the flexibility of distance learning. You'll thrive if you're self-directed, motivated to deepen your knowledge across General Studies, and keen to develop professionally while earning. It appeals to mature learners, career-changers and those seeking a recognised qualification without relocating. The part-time structure allows you to work at your own pace; expect to engage with both theoretical foundations and real-world application. You'll benefit from independent study, project work and practical skills development, ideal if you prefer self-paced learning and want to maintain professional momentum whilst studying.
Careers & job market
Across General Studies courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Two-thirds of working graduates move into highly skilled roles or pursue further study. Earnings vary: starting salaries typically sit between £24,000 and £30,000 at 15 months; after five years, graduates earn between £25,075 and £35,400. These figures come from national labour market tracking (Graduate Outcomes and LEO data) and reflect sector-wide patterns rather than guarantees. Your own outcomes will depend on your field, role and experience.
University & format
This CertHE qualification is delivered by the University of Portsmouth, a public university founded in 1869. The course is studied part-time through distance learning, taught in English. The University of Portsmouth is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, with degrees nationally recognised. It holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Published entryA level 3 qualification such as A level, typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
2026 entryLive availability check
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of A level 3 qualification such as A level,. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Portsmouth's official course page for the current offer.
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Portsmouth whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Portsmouth →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
Check providertuition used per year, no published course home fee, total not estimated
total borrowing, course length not published
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Portsmouth funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Criminology graduates joining Thames Valley Police
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What General Studies graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs General Studies nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£20,825 – £29,400
After 5 years LEO
£25,075 – £35,400
national rangeaxis £19,500 – £36,500
National figures for General Studies graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How General Studies graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across General Studies courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes65%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where General Studies graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Employers across sectors
- Public sector
- Corporates & charities
- Startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit General Studies graduates.
General PractitionerMatchMedicsGeneral ManagerParkside RecruitmentGeneral ManagerThe Management Recruitment Group (MRG)General ManagerBite TalentGeneral ForemanCONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITEDGeneral PractitionerFlexzo AiLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Portsmouth
All students24,015
International24.5%
Aged 25+27.1%
Combined and general studies across the UK
Students39,200
Aged 25+62.2%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is General Studies right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Portsmouth; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Portsmouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Portsmouth
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Portsmouth. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates earn?
See the career and earnings data for General Studies below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
What will it cost me?
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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