Unitisation or modularisation is used to describe programmes of study built up from smaller units or modules. Most academic programmes of study in the UK are currently modularised.

What is a module?

A module (or unit) is a basic segment of study. Successful completion of a basic single module carries 10 credit points for the appropriate level of study. The equivalent of six 10 credit modules is studied each semester. Most modules will be single modules (10 credit points) or but double modules (20 credit points). A double module is the equivalent of two single modules, with twice the weight of a single module (20 credit points) and twice the teaching time. Some double modules are taught entirely within one semester – 'short fat modules': others will span two consecutive semesters – 'long thin modules'.

The final year dissertation counts as a triple module (30 credit points).

A single module comprises a total of 100 hours of study in total over the semester. In year one 36 or 24 hours will take the form of formal lectures and seminars, and 64 or 76 hours should be devoted to private study. In years 2 and 3 (with the exception of the Dissertation/Project) 24 hours will usually be formal lectures and seminars and 76 hours should be devoted to private study. Double modules are based on 200 hours study – with twice the number of class contact hours and twice the number of private study hours.

It is easy to avoid facing the reality of the above – especially as a first year student! You should be working privately outside lectures and seminars for about 5 per week i.e. a total of about 30 hours per week.

Level of study

The level of study is now described by reference to the National Qualifications Framework i.e.

Year 1 of the course = level 4

Year 2 of the course = level 5

Year 3 of the course = level 6

And so on. For example, if you were to continue your studies at Master's level this would be level 7.

Module assessments

Currently, all modules are assessed at the end of the semester. Typically a single module will be examined by means of a two hour examination (there are exceptions to this) and a double module by means of a three hour examination. Where a double module spans two consecutive semesters there will be an element of in-course assessment (e.g. an assignment or multiple choice examination) during or at the end of the first semester.

Core modules

Many modules (particularly on a named route like the BA (Hons) Accountancy with its professional accreditation requirements) will be specific to the particular course. For example, the core Accounting modules are specific to this course and will usually be taken only by BA (Hons) Accounting students. Other modules will be taken by all the students from a number of courses (e.g. the Law and Quantitative Methods modules). Some modules (particularly options) will be taken only by some students from some routes. All first year Accounting modules are also taken by Financial Services students.

Class contact time

Class contact time for a single module in the first year is 3 [or two] hours. Typically this will be two [or one] lectures and one semester/workshop a week. As students progress from level to level so the class contact time per module may decrease slightly. This does not mean that students need to do less work. Quite the opposite, in fact; students will be expected to take a greater responsibility for managing their own learning.