Teaching Formats and Methods of Assessment

A module is a self-contained block or unit of study with its own individual lectures, small group teaching, examination and/or other modes of assessment. There are two semesters timetabled across a late-September to late-June normal academic year, each consisting of 12 teaching weeks, plus a period for revision and examinations.

In each semester a student normally takes six modules, each contributing 10 credits to the total of 120 credits attributed to each year of study. Some of these modules are compulsory to a particular degree course, with others comprising optional choices. Whilst most of our undergraduates choose their options from within the Business School, there is also the opportunity to take some modules from other schools across the University. Typically our undergraduates select external modules in psychology, economics, mathematics, computing or social studies. In addition, language modules are also popular with many Business School students, and are available at a wide range of levels from the University Language Centre. As a result, many students find it possible to follow an optional language throughout their University career if they so wish.

These are then supported with tutorials, computer labs, examples classes, case study workshops and presentation sessions as appropriate. In addition to lectures and small group teaching, students are also strongly encouraged to discuss topics of concern -- academic or otherwise -- with their lecturers and tutors in order to further their understanding and to enhance their academic careers. Online resources are also used to support all undergraduate teaching, available from our dedicated Nexus virtual learning environment.

Whilst some modules are assessed wholly via formal examination, many incorporate a degree of coursework, which in some cases comprises 100 per cent of the assessment for the module. Some such coursework will be in the form of a traditional essay, whilst other assignments involve projects, case studies, accounting and mathematical exercises, business reports, and assessed presentations. Some coursework is also set as groupwork in order that students in the Business School develop those teamworking skills vital for both gaining employment and working effectively in modern business.

In arriving at the final degree classification for the BA degrees, Year Two carries a weighting of 30 per cent and the Final Year 70 per cent (the Final Year being the third for all of the Business School's BA degrees aside from Management Studies with Languages, in which the third year is spent abroad and the Final Year is hence year four). The weighting for the Joint Honours BSc degrees offered by the Business School follows the pattern for Single Honours in the relevant science department, and varies across subject areas.