Module choice

You select your study and modular blocks before the beginning of each year, and your tutor will advise you on the most appropriate options available, based on your interest. You can find module details for each course on the relevant pages within this prospectus. Up-to-date details can also be found within the programme specifications which are included on our online course pages.

Credits

All Brunel’s courses are made up of study, assessment and modular blocks, each worth between 0–45 credits. The final year usually includes a major project worth up to 40 credits. Overall, you’ll normally take at least 120 credits per year to complete a minimum of 360 credits for the award of an Honours Bachelor degree.

There are some exceptions:

• Placements attract 120 further credits, so you will complete at least 480 credits in total. This structure leads to a separate degree award title such as ‘with Placement’. If this is relevant to the course you would like to study, you’ll find details on the online course pages.

• Students taking an MEng, MMath or MSci qualification will study for a further fourth year, or Level 5. This year will include advanced modules and group projects and you must complete at least 120 further credits.

• If you do not complete your degree programme, you may still be eligible to achieve a recognised qualification, depending on the number of credits you do complete. Since each module has a credit value, Brunel is able to participate in national and international credit accumulation and transfer schemes.

Teaching

Our teaching and learning methods are designed to develop the transferable skills that will increase your employability

Most study and modular blocks include formal lectures, seminars and tutorials. Courses in the applied sciences, health and engineering disciplines include substantial practical or laboratory-based activity, including individual or group project work.

Teaching methods are summarised on each course page. You’ll also be expected to learn on your own in private study or in groups. You may participate in external activities such as research projects with external agencies and companies or visits to and by professionals in your discipline.

Assessment

Each programme specification describes the learning outcomes for your course – what you are expected to know and what you should be able to do when you have completed it. Assessment methods are summarised on each course page. We want to test both your knowledge and skills. Therefore many courses are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, for example by essays, reports, practical reports and presentations; and end-of-year examinations. To progress from one year of a course to the next, you’ll need to fulfil the requirements for each year.

If you are taking a placement course, the Board of Examiners will also consider your performance on work placements. Professional practice in Education and Clinical Sciences degrees is also assessed. Your final undergraduate degree award classification is usually determined by your results at years 2 and 3. For MEng, MMath and MSci courses, your performance at years 2, 3 and 5 will count towards your degree classification.