What is a module?

So, what actually is a ‘module’? It’s probably a word you’ve seen hundreds of times when reading about anything relating to university.

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss what they actually are and the differences between ‘core’ and ‘optional’ modules.

Think of a ‘module’ as being one of the ‘subjects’ or a ‘classes’ you take during your university studies. Modules all fit together to create your whole degree, For example, you might be completing a computer science degree and have a module in ‘Statistical computing’ or be studying a biology degree and have a module in ‘Fundamentals of molecular biology’. Each module is its own unit of study with its own learning outcomes and methods of assessment, and every module contributes a certain amount towards your final grade at the end of the year. Usually, each module is measured by a ‘credit system’. One credit equates to 10 hours of study (including lectures, independent study, labs etc.). When you study an undergraduate degree, you are expected to complete ‘120 credits’ per year. A module is normally worth either 15 or 30 credits, meaning that you’ll study up to 8 modules in the year. As such modules last for different amounts of time, some you might study for a whole year, some you might only study for a short period.

In some cases, you may see the words ‘core’ and ‘optional’ alongside modules. A core module is simply a module that you are automatically assigned to take as it may form a vital part of the course that you chose. These are usually non-negotiable to take as they’ll provide a useful foundation for any other modules that you may choose to study in the future. With optional modules, however, it is up to you to decide whether to take them or not. So have a think if you’ll enjoy the module, if it fits into your timetable without any clashes and if it’ll be useful for your future studies. This allows you to tailor the degree somewhat to your interests and future careers goals. It is worth noting that some courses do not have the option choose any optional modules and instead have only core modules.