Short term study options for Undergraduate students of UoB

Have you ever desired to expand your knowledge, explore new subjects, or even take the first step towards returning to education? The University of Bristol offers a diverse range of short courses designed to cater to your interests and ambitions. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting opportunities provided by these courses, which require no prior qualifications and offer flexible learning options for everyone.

Pathways into Further Study:

If you aspire to pursue a degree at the University of Bristol, their short courses can serve as a stepping stone towards achieving your academic goals.

Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM):

Led by experts from Bristol’s Science and Engineering faculties, this course highlights how STEM disciplines can create a positive impact on the world. Participants receive a guaranteed invitation to the assessment center for the Foundation Year in STEM.

• This seven-week taster course explores the impact of STEM professionals on some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Duration: The course spans seven weeks.
• Schedule: The schedule is not specified.
• Eligibility: The course is available to anyone interested in the subject.
• Course Fee: The course fee is not mentioned.
• Additional Opportunity: Participants who complete this course are eligible for a guaranteed invitation to the assessment center for the Foundation Year in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (CertHE).

Black History: Revisited:

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Black History, delve into the transatlantic slave trade, and explore the sociology of race. This course is an excellent choice for mature students aiming to progress to a History degree. Financial assistance is available to support individuals on low incomes or receiving benefits.

The “Black History: Revisited” course is suitable for mature students who are interested in history and are considering progressing to a History degree. The course offers financial assistance options to ensure accessibility for individuals on low incomes or receiving benefits

• This course aims to provide participants with the necessary tools to understand contemporary debates surrounding Black History, the transatlantic slave trade, and the sociology of race.
• Duration: The course runs for 12 Wednesday evenings, with breaks for half-term and Easter.
• Schedule: Classes are held from 6 pm to 8:45 pm.
• Eligibility: No prior qualifications are required, and the course is open to anyone interested in the subject.
• Course Fee: The fee for this course is £252.
• Application Deadline: The application deadline for this course was on January 18, 2023.

Reading English Literature:

Engage in lively discussions, analyze classic and modern literature, and enhance your essay writing skills. Designed for adult learners, this course provides a supportive and enjoyable environment for those returning to study.

• This short course is designed to help mature students progress to a part-time degree in the English department or explore other opportunities for further study.
• Duration: The course runs for 12 Wednesday evenings, with breaks for half-term and Easter.
• Schedule: Classes are held from 6 pm to 8:45 pm.
• Eligibility: No prior qualifications are required.
• Course Fee: The fee for this course is £410.
• Application Deadline: The application deadline for this course was on January 24, 2023.

Mastering English Literature:

Take your passion for literature to the next level with this advanced course. Explore a wide range of texts, refine your critical thinking, and develop essay writing skills. Additionally, it offers valuable support for those considering postgraduate study.

• This course is intended for graduates from any discipline who wish to return to study and explore literature as an academic pursuit or as preparation for MA courses in English Literature and related disciplines.
• Duration: The course runs for 10 weeks on Wednesday evenings.
• Schedule: Classes are held from 6 pm to 8 pm, with breaks for half-term and Easter.
• Eligibility: Open to graduates from any university and any discipline.
• Course Fee: The specific fee for this course is not mentioned.
• Course Dates: The course runs from January 25 to April 26, 2023.

Building Academic Language and Literacy:

Develop essential academic language and literacy skills through this free course, preparing you for future study. Many participants go on to apply for a foundation year at the University of Bristol.

The course aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to excel in their academic studies. It focuses on enhancing critical reading and writing skills, effective note-taking strategies, academic vocabulary development, and the ability to construct coherent and well-structured arguments. By honing these skills, participants will become more confident and competent in engaging with academic texts and producing high-quality written work

• This short taster course aims to develop participants’ academic language and literacy skills, preparing them for future study at the University of Bristol.
• Duration: The course consists of seven sessions.
• Schedule: The schedule for sessions is not provided.
• Eligibility: The eligibility criteria are not specified.
• Course Fee: The fee for this course is not mentioned.
• Application Deadline: The application deadline for this course is not currently available.

Genealogy and History Courses:

Uncover your family history and delve into the ethical dilemmas associated with genealogy. These sample courses provide a captivating exploration of our past.

English Literature and Creative Writing:

Indulge your love for English and Creative Writing with short courses offered by the Department of English. Immerse yourself in the world of literature and enhance your writing skills.

Also read: Bristol University Summer School Opportunities For Undergraduates And Pre-Undergraduates

Bristol Medical School:

For those passionate about the medical field, the Bristol Medical School offers intensive online short courses in cutting-edge research methodologies, analyses, and medical statistics. These courses cater to a wide range of professionals, from healthcare specialists to researchers and industry members.

Advanced Survival Analysis:

• Date: 13 – 14 July 2023
• Fee: £220
• Format: Online
• Structure: Taught over 2 consecutive mornings
• Audience: Open to all applicants
• Course Organisers: Dr Sue Ingle and Dr Adam Trickey

Course Objectives:

The Advanced Survival Analysis course aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to analyse time-to-event data using advanced statistical techniques. By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Analyse data using Cox and parametric regression models.
• Understand the links between different approaches in survival analysis.
• Utilise flexible parametric survival analysis to improve model fit to the data.
• Analyse survival data with competing outcomes.

Prerequisites:

To fully benefit from the course, participants should meet the following requirements:

• Familiarity with using Stata statistical software.
• Experience in implementing survival analyses within Stata.
• Basic understanding of survival analysis, at least to the level attained from the short course on Introduction to Rates and Survival Analysis

Software Requirements:

Participants must have Stata software installed on their computers prior to the course. The recommended version is Stata 11 or later, although more recent versions are preferred. Please ensure that you have access to Stata before the start of the course.

Internal University of Bristol participants will be provided with access to Stata. Instructions for installation can be found at the Stata Installation Instructions (internal only) website.

External participants are responsible for acquiring their own access to Stata.

Join the Advanced Survival Analysis course at the Medical School and enhance your understanding and application of parametric survival models, flexible parametric survival analysis, and competing risks in time-to-event data modeling. This course offers valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and professionals working with survival data in the medical field.

Causal Inference in Epidemiology: Concepts and Methods:

• Date: 4 – 7 July 2023
• Fee: £880
• Format: Online
• Structure: Taught over 4 consecutive full days
• Audience: Open to all applicants
• Course Organisers: Dr Amy Taylor, Dr Tom Palmer, Dr Raquel Granell, Professor Jonathan Sterne & Professor Kate Tilling

Course Objectives:

The Causal Inference in Epidemiology course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of causation in biomedical research and equip them with the necessary methods to make causal inferences in epidemiology and health services research. By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Define causation in the context of biomedical research using the potential (counterfactual) outcomes approach.
• Implement Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) to document assumptions and guide analysis plans.
• Identify and address key sources of bias in analyses of observational data using DAGs.
• Understand and apply methods for estimating causal effects, while understanding the underlying assumptions.

Prerequisites:

Before booking the course, please ensure that you meet the following prerequisites. 

• Knowledge and experience of a variety of linear and logistic regression models, beyond the level attained in the Introduction to Linear and Logistic Regression Models course.
• Familiarity with survival analysis is recommended.

Software Requirements:

Participants must have Stata software installed on their computers prior to the course. The supported versions are Stata 14, 15, or 16. Please ensure that you have access to Stata before the start of the course.

In conclusion, the University of Bristol’s wide range of short courses and educational offerings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to pursue their interests, expand their knowledge, and prepare for further study. From pathways into higher education to courses exploring various subjects, participants can benefit from flexible learning options and expert instruction. The University of Bristol commitment to accessibility and inclusivity ensures that individuals of all backgrounds and ages can engage in lifelong learning. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, science, or medical research, the University of Bristol’s short courses provide a stimulating and enriching experience for personal and academic growth