Module information

Guidance on when and how to choose your modules.

How to choose your modules

You will be encouraged to give feedback on your modules. The module team will give you opportunity to provide feedback either in class or through a survey. You can also speak directly to the module team, your Programme Leader or Student Representatives. Every student will also be asked to complete a survey on their programme experience during their studies to provide you with an opportunity to feedback anonymously.

Credits are gained when modules are successfully completed, and modules are usually designed to be between 5 and 60 credits. The number of credits you work toward with each module is based on learning hours, for example, the number of hours you are expected to study for, on average, to achieve the learning outcomes. 1 credit usually equals 10 hours of learning, through lectures and self-directed study.

Each module/short course is worth a specific amount of credit. The amount of credit is dependent on the amount of study/learning required to achieve the module outcomes. 

When you achieve a certain number of credits then you are eligible for an award (for example, an Honours degree or Master’s degree).

Here’s an example: Andrew is registered on the BSc(Hons) Psychology.

In one year, he studies modules worth 120 credits. To be eligible for the degree, he needs to pass 360 credits. After 3 years of studying 120 credits a year, he has achieved enough module credits to be eligible for his degree.

The number of credits you pass at specific levels determines which award you are eligible for, but the marks you achieve determine the level of classification you are awarded e.g. a first class honours degree.

In order to gain a postgraduate award you would usually need:

• Postgraduate Certificate – 60 Level 7 credits
• Postgraduate Diploma – 120 Level 7 credits
• Master’s – 180 Level 7 Credits

Individual pieces of work or exams are known as assessment tasks. You must pass all individual assessment tasks.

Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 requirements

The pass mark for modules at these levels is 40%. You must pass all assessment tasks with:

• A minimum of 40% for each numerically assessed task.
• Or a pass for each pass/fail task. 

Level 7 requirements

The pass mark for modules at  this level is 50%. You must pass all assessment tasks with:

• A minimum of 50% for each numerically assessed task.
• Or pass for each pass/fail task. 

Number of attempts allowed

A student normally has the right to two attempts. Within each they have one sit and one resit, normally taken within the same academic session. There are some exceptions to this, for example those taking a professional practice module.

Check Blackboard to find out:

• the amount of attempts you will be eligible for
• when a re-sit will take place and what you have to do.

You can also speak to the module leader for information.

Marks and associated credit for all modules are considered and confirmed ahead of a meeting of the Examining Board, which decides upon a student’s progression to the next level and will decide their final award classification.

Compensation

If you fail a module, the Exam Board may consider compensation. This is a process that can allow you to be awarded the credit without further reassessment. If offered and accepted, you keep the mark you achieved and you do not need to resit or retake that module.

When can compensation be considered?

An Exam Board can consider where all of the following apply:

• your overall average for the level meets the pass mark (40% for Levels 3-6 and 50% for Level 7), and
• it can be demonstrated that you have met the learning outcomes for the failed module elsewhere in the programme, and
• it is permitted in your Programme Specification including within the rules of any Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements.

When is compensation applied?

Compensation is usually offered at resit. However, it may be permitted at first sit in the following circumstances.

• For Levels 3 and 4: where you are deemed sufficiently prepared to progress to the next level based on your first-sit achievement across the level.
• Any level where the compensating credit would allow you to complete your target award.

How much credit can be compensated?

• Up to 30 credits at Level 3
• Up to 30 credits at Level 4
• Up to 45 credits across Levels 5 and 6 combined
• Up to 30 credits at Level 7

Interim Awards

You may be eligible for an interim award if you have completed the necessary academic requirements and where:

• it is an option in the approved programme specification, and
• you are not eligible to progress to a higher-level award, or
• you choose to withdraw registration from the higher-level award.

Progression to the next level

You cannot progress to the next level if you have failed more than 30 credits at the previous level. This applies to students who registered on a programme from 1 August 2022 onwards.

Students who started before this date should refer to the relevant academic regulations of their year of registration.