When to create a course entry
You should create a course entry after creating a subject and before creating a course variant.
You should not create a course before it has received stage one approval from the Programmes & Partnerships Approval Committee.
Most courses have more than one page on the website because of the different awards available and the options for placements and studying abroad. The information you enter into the Course Entry page will show on that course's pages on the website.
This guide does not explain all the fields in Course Publisher but covers those that need detailed explanation or standardised copy. You should use the template for creating a course entry as well as this guide.
Writing accurately and clearly
All our content must comply with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Read our guide for writing Course Search content that complies with the CMA.
Adding a course title
This course title field does not appear on the website but is used to locate all the course information in Course Search.
Use the full course title as stated in the Programme Specification. If there are undergraduate and postgraduate versions of the course, state which one you are creating in the course title field.
Don't include the award, placements or study abroad options in the title. For courses that cover more than one subject area, you should use ‘and’, not ‘&’.
Writing a course summary
Your course summary must be 160 characters or fewer. Break the summary up into two sentences if it makes it clearer.
Your course summary should be specific about what students will learn on the course and the outcomes for the graduate.
Do not start with, ‘this course will’. Start with the main benefit or course from the student's point of view.
Here are two examples of course summaries:
Gain a solid grounding in the major areas of business practice and develop specialist knowledge and skills for a career as a marketing professional.
Understand the principles of mechanical engineering sciences and specialise in the design and manufacture of aerospace systems.
Adding course detail
Your course description must be no longer than 1,200 characters.
Write about who the course is for, what students will study and the benefits of this course - including the skills students will learn - rather than its features.
Don't duplicate content that is relevant to more specific sections, such as opportunities for placements or study abroad, but you can highlight content from other sections if it's a unique selling point.
You can also summarise the topics students will study in each year. For example, ‘In the first year, you'll be introduced to core theories in astrophysics’.
You should not include the University's facilities in the course description. These will be covered in the Subject Variant page.
Writing about independent study
Go to the course's 'Course in detail' page and copy the link to unistats.direct.gov.uk below 'Contact time with staff'. Using Markdown, add the link URL to the standard copy.
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other courses:
'Find out how much independent study time you can expect during the course.'
Adding an applicant profile
Describe a typical student who would choose this course, including what A levels (or equivalent) they might take and what job they could hope to have after graduation.
Remember to address the student directly by saying, 'You will need to have studied Chemistry and Physics at A level', rather than 'Students will need to have studied Chemistry and Physics at A level'.
Writing about the selection process
Explain the process applicants go through to be selected for the course. Say whether they will be interviewed, have to complete a test or go through any security vetting.
Remember to address the student directly by saying, 'You will need to have an interview', rather than 'Students will need to have an interview'.
Describing fees and funding
Payment details
Explain the payment method options for the course. Use this standard copy to be consistent with other courses and describe any variations, like instalment plans, if needed:
'You can pay your tuition fees with a student loan, or by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer '
Payment options link title
Add some copy to link to the guidance for paying tuition fees.
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other courses:
'Read more about your payment options'
Writing about tuition fee loans
Tuition loan details
Describe the tuition fee options for the course. Use this standard copy to be consistent with other undergraduate courses and describe any variations if needed:
'If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.'
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other postgraduate courses:
'If you are a master's student starting University in 2017/18, you may be eligible for a loan from Student Finance England of up to £10,000.'
Tuition loan link title
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
'Read more about tuition fee loans'
Tuition loan link URL
For undergraduate courses add the URL:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/student-loans-for-undergraduate-courses/
For postgraduate courses add the URL:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/postgraduate-loans-for-masters-courses/
Writing about scholarships
Scholarships text
Describe the scholarship options for the course. Use this standard copy to be consistent with other undergraduate courses and describe any variations if needed:
'You could be considered for a scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.'
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other postgraduate courses:
'You may be eligible for a scholarship to help you pay for your studies or research.'
Scholarship link title
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
'Read more about scholarships'
Scholarship link URL
For undergraduate courses, add the URL, http://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/bursaries-and-scholarships-for-undergraduate-students/
For postgraduate courses, add the URL, http://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/find-funding-for-postgraduate-studies-or-research/
Adding a call to action
Call to action description
The standard copy will change at certain points throughout the year. In the first instance, for undergraduate courses, use:
'Register your interest in our Open Days.'
Call to action button text
Use this standard copy to be consistent with other courses:
'Register your interest'
Call to action URL
Add the URL, http://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/come-to-a-university-open-day/