Structure of the Academic Year

Stage 2, January – June 2005

Background for Working Groups

Stage 1 (Jan-Dec 04)• Rationale for a 2 block structure (consultation through Schools, PME,

Senate and Boards of PME)

Stage 2 (Jan-May 05)

• Propose a revised structural model• Develop academic benefits • Consider the change process and business benefits

• Final proposal • Decision

Process of review

Primary objective

to enhance student learning

Secondary objective

to improve business opportunities

Objectives of 2 BlockStructure

A 2-block structure with long study periods and large modules

develops skills relating to understanding, analysis and application

provides scope for timely and informative feedback

produces more cohesive and integrated courses with greater emphasis on course objectives (as opposed to module content)

affords opportunities for different types of assessment

accommodates different learning styles

Background Research and Experiences of other HEIs – Academic Benefits

2 block structure – why?

External

Semesters are the preferred model: locally, nationally & internationally

Increased scope for collaborations and student/teacher mobility

Concentrated teaching period provides more uninterrupted time for research, conferences etc

Internal Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of admin and information

systems and of space utilisation

Background Research and Experiences of other HEIs – Business Benefits

Preferred Model*

11 T 11 T 6A2A

Stages 1 & 2

Academic year – 30 weeks of 40 hours = 1200 SEH

3 (x 200 SEH) modules

Xmas - ? wks Easter -? wks

3 (x 200 SEH) modules

Block 1 Block 2

2 (x 300 SEH) modules2 (x 300 SEH) modules Stages 3 - 5

*University of Edinburgh/University of Dundee

100 SEH as exception

No more than 4 modules per block

Modules probably 200 and 300 SEH, but 100 exceptionally permitted

Modules can be full year or half year

Block 1 assessments should be completed before Christmas

Course teams should review each course as part of the change

Implementation date should not impact on the RAE

(From: PME, Senate, LTB, RCB, Students Association)

Emerging Areas of Consensus

Implementation?

• Principal wants the planning process to consider Oct 2006

• View from Senate and RCB: no impact on RAE, ie October 2007

• Sufficient time for staff to undertake curriculum review and redesign (otherwise it becomes a form-filling process)

• New student information system will not be implemented in October 2006 (as originally planned; no date set)

Steering Group on the Structure of the Academic Year (reports to Learning and Teaching Board; LTB tasked by PME to take forward development of business & implementation plan)

3 working groups tasked with stage 2 activities (report to Steering Group)

Business Plan: to produce a business plan on the management process of moving to a 2 block structure

Academic Structure: to develop the structural model & academic infrastructure

Pedagogical Advice: to provide guidance on how the academic benefits (enhanced student learning, improved retention ..) can be realised

Stage 2

Key Dates

10 Feb interim reports from each of 3 groups to Steering Group

17 Feb interim reports from each of 3 groups, plus Steering Group report, to Learning and Teaching Board

7 March final reports from each of 3 groups to Steering Group

17 March draft final report (integrated version of 3 group reports) from Steering Group to Learning and Teaching Board

14 April finalised report from Steering Group to Learning and Teaching Board

21 April/14 May/18 May

finalised report (from LTB) to PME & Senate for decision