Module Guides & Descriptors
At the commencement of each occurrence of the module, students should be given (either in paper form or electronically) a Module Guide which expands on the information in the Module Descriptor. Typically, this will include:
- a teaching plan/schedule of activities;
- names and contact details of staff involved in module delivery;
- details of coursework assignments (e.g. one 2,000 word essay)
- plus one group report) and assessment criteria;
- course work deadlines, class test dates etc.
- methods and opportunities for reassessment;
- methods of communication (e.g. which notice board – electronic or otherwise – the students are expected to consult regularly).
The Module Information Directory (MID) is an on-line computer-based information system which enables students to access descriptions of any module from across the University. Module Leaders are responsible for ensuring that the Module Descriptor is accurate and up-to-date. The Module Leader should also ensure that the intended learning outcomes of the module are stated clearly, that the learning and teaching methods will enable students to achieve the intended learning outcomes, and that the methods of assessment will enable the student to demonstrate achievement of those outcomes. Amendments to Module Descriptors require approval by the Board of Study (BoS) (Chair’s Action is sufficient for minor changes). For further information consult your Faculty/School Registrar.
New Module Leaders should check with the Faculty/School Registrar as to whether there have been any approved changes which have not yet been incorporated into the module descriptor.
Module Boxes
The systematic maintenance of a ‘Module File’ or ‘Module Box’ for each module is regarded as good practice and is particularly valuable when preparing for external discipline audits. Such files/boxes should contain copies of any information relevant to the module concerned. You may inherit a Module File/Box when you become Module Leader, in which case it becomes your responsibility to maintain it. If a file does not exist, you are recommended to start one. It is important that the Module File/Box is accessible to other staff (e.g. the Chair of the Board of Study) and you should consult with your Head of Department and/or Faculty/School Registrar on local policy for the content and location of these files (central guidance is available) – in some Faculties/ Schools electronic storage is being developed and implemented. Module Boxes may be subject to scrutiny by internal or external auditors.