"C"
Confused by any education words and phrases you have come across? Use this glossary to find out what they mean!
Simply select the letter your word begins with to search for its meaning.
- A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z -
CAE
Certificate in Advanced English. Widely accepted English high-level language qualification. Managed by UCLES.
campus
University or college grounds.
CELTA
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. Teaching qualification validated by Cambridge University.
certified
Of educational and other documents, officially stamped and signed by an authorised officer to prove that a document is genuine and accurate.
CFE
College of Further Education. College that offers academic and vocational courses ranging from GCSEs or equivalents to Diploma or Certificate courses that approach the level of first degrees. May also offer degrees validated by other institutions.
chaplaincy
Christian organisation within a college or university, holding meetings and religious services.
CHE
College of Higher Education. College that offers academic and vocational qualifications from A levels and equivalents to HNDs. Some also offer degrees validated by a partner university.
CIFE
Council for Independent Further Education.
City & Guilds
Broad range of vocational qualifications, validated by City & Guilds Institute. These qualifications are not generally used to meet university entrance requirements.
civic university
One of the universities established in the 19th and early 20th centuries in major industrial centres such as Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and other big cities.
clearing (recruitment)
Process allowing applicants with no offers of places for degree programmes to secure places at institutions, which have vacancies, shortly before the start of the academic year. Begins mid-August each year.
closed examination
Examination where students are not allowed to refer to books or notes and have a specific time to complete a certain number of questions.
common room
Room used by students or staff for relaxation.
continuous assessment
System whereby academic work is marked and graded throughout a course, rather than just at the end.
core
Compulsory subjects or modules as opposed to optional subjects or courses.
course materials
Any material or items used on a course of study. Includes printed matter, stationery, and items specifically used for one subject, such as oil paint for Fine Art.
coursework
Work that is done in the student’s own time, rather than in seminars or tutorials. Coursework usually counts towards a student’s final mark in their course or module. Coursework can be continually assessed.
CPE
Certificate of Proficiency in English. Widely accepted English language qualification. Managed by UCLES.
CSYS (Scotland)
Certificate of Sixth-Year Studies. Scottish school-leaving qualification, taken at the age of 17 or 18. Equivalent to GCE A level qualifications.
CU
Christian Union. Society in an educational institution for Christians working or studying there.
