Why are we doing this?
The aim is to have simpler, more understandable programme structures that will - allow students and faculty to plan their work more effectively, and - allow for more interdisciplinarity through greater scope for courses that can be shared across disciplines. We are required to undertake periodic review every 5 - 6 years and needed to do this before our QAA deadline in December 2012.
Have students been involved in the process?
Students have been involved throughout the Portfolio Review and Periodic Review process. Two Sabbatical Officers are members of the Steering Group which oversees the project and student representatives have been panel members on each School Periodic Review event.
What's the cost of changing to a new year structure and credit framework?
The cost of not changing is potentially high. The University is operating in an increasingly competitive, de-regulated and international environment, and the current structure of the academic year and credit framework severely inhibit our ability to deliver our agenda for growth and they continue to be administratively complex and resource-intensive. The new structure will enable the development of more flexible methods and modes of study.
Will this benefit the University's research position?
Yes, in the longer term, by organising teaching into two teaching periods it may be easier to accommodate faculty research plans, including research leave (where these are part of an agreed plan).
How will the changes affect my current degree programme?
Programmes and courses have been reviewed and revised in order to match the new credit framework. The Periodic Review for each School has ensured that both undergraduate and postgraduate courses are up-to-date, research-informed and meet the appropriate national subject-level bench marks. It has also ensured that the student experience will be enhanced by content that is at the forefront of their relevant discipline.
As a student will this affect my course?
We are not changing the subject or the title of the degree you are studying for, or the overall coverage of the degree. We are changing the structure of how the content of the degree is being delivered across the year.
I am a first year student: Your final year courses will already be based on 15 or 30 credits and consequently there will be little change for your programmes.
I am a second year student: Your courses will now be structured to fit the new credit framework and will continue to have the relevant quality and content to meet the course and programme learning outcomes. If you have any queries about your courses for your second and final years please contact your School Office.
