What will I learn on this module?
The Study Abroad semester long module is taken as part of an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. The other half of the year is occupied by the semester long placement module for the year out option.
You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host university, the student and the home university (Northumbria). Your study abroad semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification however if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “BA (Hons) Guidance and Counselling (with Study abroad and work placement year)”.
How will I learn on this module?
Varies according to partner university/programme of study.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Pre-departure: students attend relevant presentations and meet with Study Abroad Tutor to satisfy their specific requirements. Students to complete a learning agreement, setting out the programme of studies.
On Study Abroad placement: Support will be provided by the host university. Additionally the Faculty staff will maintain contact with the student throughout the study abroad placement (usually via skype meetings).
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. To acquire a broader, international and intercultural informed understanding of their subject discipline
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. To experience different cultural approaches to learning, study and academic development
3. To acquire intercultural competence, cross-cultural literacy and (where relevant) to practice foreign-language skills
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
4. To develop enhanced, intercultural sensitive communication and interpersonal skills
How will I be assessed?
1. Formative Assessment process: Varies according to host university
2. Summative Assessment process: Transcript of Results
The module assesses your academic performance on modules studied at the host university and is graded on a pass/fail basis. In order to pass the module, you have to take and pass the equivalent of 60 Northumbria credits at the host institution (as documented by the transcript). This satisfies all learning outcomes.
The Study Abroad Year does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, the Study Abroad Year is recognised on the degree certificate in the format – BA (Hons) Guidance and Counselling (with Study Abroad Year).
3. Feedback process: Varies according to host university
Pre-requisite(s)
• Attend pre-departure briefings and training workshops as required.
• Complete a learning agreement.
• Successful completion of Levels 4/5.
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
There is an option to take a semester-long study abroad module when combined with a semester-long placement module as part of the optional additional year between level five and six.
You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host university, the student and the home university (Northumbria). Your study abroad semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification however if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module (along with a 60 credit Work Placement Module) and on your degree certificate in the format - "BA (Hons) Guidance and Counselling (with Study Abroad and Work Placement Year)".
Course info
UCAS Code B9L5
Credits 60
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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