Course unit development

There are several reasons to amend an existing course unit:

• as part of a comprehensive programme review
• to revamp part of a programme–optional units, for example
• to check that a unit still meets the demands of industry and continues to offer the latest subject-specific knowledge/research
• in response to student feedback
• as a result of action research
• to enhance or change unit assessments
• to adapt or update a unit’s syllabus
• to diversify a unit or programme to increase its viability

You can book a learning design consultation for support and advice for any course amendment.

You want to create a new course unit. Where should you start?

First, you should talk to your departmental Head, then to TLSE/TLO (Teaching and Learning Officer) for your school. Once you’ve got the green light, you might consider forming a small group of colleagues to brainstorm initial ideas about syllabus content and begin the process of writing aims and learning outcomes. You will also need to write a Course Unit Descriptor, talk to timetabling, and consider what practical resources you will need to run this unit.

Learning Design can help with many of these areas. As well as helping you with. Course unit design, they can also provide guidance about embedding sustainability, employability, digital capabilities and EDI into your unit, to ensure that it is fully compliant with the UoM goals and guidelines.

You can book a learning design consultation for support and advice.

If you’re considering involving students in evaluating or redesigning your course unit, that’s fantastic! This approach offers many benefits for both student experience and teaching quality.

For further information and guidance, please see our student co-creation page or book a consultation to get you started on your co-creation journey.