Choosing a module

Choosing a module

One of the major attractions of the BA, BSc (Hons) Undergraduate Modular Scheme (UMS) degree is that it allows you the flexibility to select from a wide range of modules both within and outside of your chosen subject/s. As with most things, however, there are pros and cons to this level of flexibility. The pros are that you can shape your degree to reflect your interests, enhance your employability or choose modules that will enable you to attend classes around other commitments such as paid employment, your family or social life. The cons are, if you are not careful, you could end up with a degree that fails to demonstrate a logical progression or one that lacks focus.

 

Mandatory modules 

Some modules are mandatory; this means that you will have to select them. If you really don’t want to do them it may be worth considering changing pathways or courses. Contact a Programme Advisor. They will be able to discuss your options and explain any implications making such changes may have. Details of which modules are mandatory can be found in your course handbook and on the SOLE page.

How many modules?

If you are a full time student you will need to select eight modules per academic year; four in each semester. If you are a part time student you will need to select a maximum of six modules per academic year, so anything from one to three modules per semester. 

If you are a level 4 or 5 student studying for a Single Honours degree you must select six modules from your single subject. You can then select two “free” modules to make up the total of eight per academic year.

If you are a level 4 or 5 student studying for a Joint Honours degree you must select at least 3 modules for each of your two subjects. You can then select two “free” modules to make up the total of eight per academic year.

If you are a level 6 student studying for a Single Honours degree you must take the double independent study module plus six other modules from your subject.

If you are a level 6 student studying for a Joint Honours degree you must take the double independent study module plus another six modules: three from each subject.

When to select modules?

Each year Registry Services sets a date when continuing or returning students can select their modules. It is usually in the second week in April. Further information on this can be found on your SOLE Page. Go to “Course information” select “Personal Module Selection,” and then, “Select Modules”.  Course Information will also include details of the deadline for Module choice. This is normally in May.

Remember that places on all modules are limited. The earlier you select your modules the greater choice you will have.

Module availability
 
To find out the availability of modules refer to “Module Availability" and your Personal Module Directory. These are available via your SOLE Page.
If you are not sure which modules to select; consult a Programme Advisor. Careers Advisors may also be able to offer you some information regarding which module choices might be required or useful for certain types of employment.

Ways of choosing

  • If you have a particular career in mind it might be worth contacting one of the Careers Advisors to ask whether they feel certain modules would be more appropriate than others. Person Specifications and Job Descriptions of the types of jobs that you would be interested in applying for when you leave university can also provide a useful starting point in highlighting essential or desirable skills. Certain modules may enable you to demonstrate these more effectively than others.
  • You might want to concentrate on the now rather than careers for the future and pick modules that you know you will enjoy or ones that are of particular interest.
  • Your life and other commitments may restrict your module choices. For instance, if you have a job where you work Tuesdays then you are not going to be able to select Tuesday modules. Likewise if you have children who need picking up from school early afternoon, morning modules may make this easier.  Even if you don’t have other commitments you may just want to make good use of your time and money by picking modules that are on the same days. This could reduce the number of days that you have to attend university to perhaps one or two a week. Do pay close attention to days and times of modules as the majority of courses have little, if any, flexibility in terms of attendance or leaving early or arriving late.
  • Some modules naturally follow on from others and if you have enjoyed them or have done well in the first one, choosing the second one is usually a good move. Do remember though that despite your UMS degree being made up of different modules all of them, regardless of subject, interconnect enabling you to transfer knowledge, skills and experience from one to another. Don’t just work on a module, pass it and then forget everything that you have learnt from it. Keep your assignments, notes etc. as you never know when they will come in useful again, e.g. your independent study might refer to a subject that you studied in a first year module or a topic that came up in one module may appear in a different module.