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What's changing for module selection and why
Module selection continuous improvement
Context
In December 2022, we sought feedback from staff and students on their experience of the module selection process to gauge the impact of the module selection process / timing changes in 2022 as well as to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Student feedback was captured via a questionnaire to which we received over 840 responses and staff feedback was captured via workshops, involving 26 staff from a cross section of departments.
What we learned
Overall students reported a positive experience with 69% reporting that they were given their first module choices; 62% saying they were happy with their module allocation and 81% happy with their allocated timetable. In relation to the process, 88% felt that the module selection window provided enough time to make module selections, 59% said the module selection process was easy to navigate and 79% found it easy to make module selections on Portico. Areas for improvement included more visibility of modules available, more space on existing modules, more module information and accurate timetabling information to prevent clashes.
Staff reported overall positive views on the timing and duration of the end-to-end module selection process but with some concerns about the high volume of queries and re-selection requests which they felt was caused in part by the extended re-selection window. Staff felt that the module selection process works well for the majority of Undergraduate Students, but presents challenges for certain student groups: affiliate students / elective students / PGT and module flex students / interrupters. Last year, room availability and space issues resulted in many module rejections and the room change request process was cumbersome.
What we have done / plan to do
In response to this feedback, we have done the following:
Revised student module re-selection messaging to promote “select right first time” messaging with core re-selection window of 17-28 July:
- Module Selection emails to students revised to encourage students to make the right choice first time where possible with a 17 – 28 July re-selection window where they have not been allocated a place on their preferred module(s). Students will be advised that a limited number of re-selection requests may be approved after this date at their department's discretion up until term 1, week 3 with any changes after this date to be made in line with the Late Module Selection process. Students or staff will be able to make these changes on Portico.
- Clarification to Academic Manual, chapter 3, sections 2.4 and 2.5 (Deadlines for Module Selection and Late Module Selection) to reflect revised messaging.
Cross-referenced module catalogue restrictions and corresponding Portico rules to ensure restrictions are flagged to student when making selections.
Added a staff communication section to the module selection support page to show all module selection related communications to staff.
What Faculties / Departments can do
To enhance the module selection experience for their students, we are also asking faculties / departments to:
- Provide as much support as possible to students in making module selections. Where possible, provide opportunities for alumni discussions and pathways guidance / examples, demo / intro to subject and lecturers. Offer in-person / drop-in events where possible.
- Ensure module catalogue descriptions are up-to-date and consistent.
- Where available, provide additional information to help inform student choice including last year’s average grade; student feedback; reading lists; links to example assessments or lecture notes; profiles of students selecting module.
- Encourage students to make the right choice first time and use re-selection by exception rather than default.