Planning your degree

The University operates under its Academic Credit Framework, which is in line with national norms.  The QMACF ensures that your degree is easily recognisable worldwide by reference to the National Qualifications Framework, as set out by the UK's Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

 In the University's terminology your overall degree is called a 'programme of study'.  A specific element of study (e.g. French Feminist Theories; Spanish Cinema;) is a 'module'.  Each module is run by a 'Module Organiser', who is the member of staff responsible for all aspects of the module.  In many cases, this will also be the sole teacher of the module, but some modules may involve more than one teacher.  The Module Organiser is named on MySIS and on QMplus, and is the person to approach in case of any queries about the module. 

Each module has a weight or 'credit' value attached to it, which is a multiple of 15. Students choose combinations of modules for the required value of 120 credits per year. There is a programme specification for each programme of study which will inform you of the requirements you must meet in order to qualify for a degree in a particular subject.  It is strongly recommended that you take 60 credits each semester. Of the modules available, most are valued at 15 credits. These generally run for one semester and require a quarter of your time for that semester. (Note that only a part of this time will be spent in classes; most of it will be spent on self-directed study.) Some modules are valued at 30 credits. Generally, these last all year and require a quarter of your time during each semester.