Credits, core, compulsory and option modules

Explanations of credits, core, compulsory and option modules

As an undergraduate student, you will undertake 120 credits of study in each academic year, these are usually broken down into 20, 40 or 60 credit modules.  Each 10 credits equates to approximately 100 hours of study (supervised and unsupervised).  So, throughout this year, you will be expected to complete 1200 hours of study over about 30 weeks. 

This means that, on average, you will need to allow at least 40 hours per week (including attendance at lectures etc) to dedicate time to your full time studies. You should bear this in mind when you organise any part-time work or other regular activities.  To achieve your full potential, and the Degree Classification you are capable of, you must be prepared to work hard and ‘put the time in’.

Core, compulsory and optional modules

Modules can be:

• compulsory (in which case you must undertake and pass the module to complete the course).
• core (in which case you must undertake the module, but the module can be condoned subject to certain conditions being met).
• optional (in which case you may choose the module from a pool of alternatives and the module can be condoned subject to certain conditions being met).

For more information see the Student Handbook of Regulations.

If there are optional modules on your courses, you will be asked to make your selections (for the next Academic Year) in the second term.  Your course team will provide more information nearer the time and the options selection process is usually online.

Your course handbook will provide further details regarding which option modules are available and you can view module specifications online.