Managing modules

Guidance on changing a module

When making a change to a module you need to consider whether the change:

  • needs to be approved and,
  • results in the creation of a new module (with a new code in the SITS student records system) or a modification to an existing module (code in SITS remains the same)

The approvals process

Unless the change to a module is minor (e.g. updating a reading/resource list or minor changes to the detailed content of individual teaching sessions), it must be approved and recorded by your department (either by the Board of Studies or sub-committee with delegated power).

Some changes to modules may also require the approval of the University Teaching Committee (e.g. changes affecting a current cohort, changes that impact upon a programme’s intended learning outcomes, the offering of a module at two different levels or modules that are marked on a pass/fail basis, are non-compensatable or non-reassessable). The addition of standalone modules, for credit, also requires UTC approval. Please check the procedure below.

Changes to modules which do not need UTC approval should be sent directly to the Student Systems Team (sits-support@york.ac.uk) so that the changes can be made in SITS.

Procedures and forms

Is this a new module or modification to an existing module?

Please find below guidance as to when a change to a module may require the creation of a new module with a new module code.

Changes to module
New module required?
Aims Normally yes
Learning outcomes
Normally yes
Syllabus/content  Depends
Resources No (unless associated with other
changes)
Mode of delivery
Depends
Title
No (unless associated with other
changes)
Contact time
Depends
Assessment
Depends
Credit value
Yes
Level
Yes
Module leader
No (unless associated with other
changes)
Compulsory, optional or elective No
Term taught No
Pre and co-requisites, and prohibited
combinations		 No
Reading and resource lists No (unless associated with other
changes)
 
(c) John Houlihan

Contacts for further advice