Teaching and module selection

Semester structure and dates

We have two 16-week semesters in each academic year. All our modules are taught and assessed within one semester, so it's easy for Visiting Students to plan their studies.

You can study at York for:

• One semester: starting in September or February
• One academic year (two semesters): starting in September

Teaching methods

Our teaching incorporates a blend of:

• Lectures: these serve as the backbone of study units and provide a stimulus for further reading and research
• Tutorials: discussions between a tutor and one or a small number of students, often centred on essays or problems
• Seminars: collaborative group exercises involving 5 to 15 students discussing presentations prepared by the students.
• Practical Work: this includes laboratory work, fieldwork, or computer assignments.

British universities emphasize independent study, especially in arts and social sciences, where there may be relatively few formal contact hours each week. Your supervisors and tutors should be able to advise on study methods and planning, and we also offer study skills courses to help you get started.  

Credits and modules

At York, a full workload is represented by:

• 120 credits (60 ECTS) for a full academic year
• 60 credits (30 ECTS) for one semester

Each semester, you must take three 20-credit (10 ECTS) modules. Modules are usually taught and assessed in one semester and are available in specific departments.

ECTS scheme

Under the ECTS scheme, 20 York credits equal 10 ECTS. Students must ensure their module choices meet the credit requirements of their home university. Foreign language courses and other specialized programmes may involve additional charges or restrictions on eligibility for academic credit.

Module levels

We offer modules at various levels. You can work out which level a module is suitable for by looking for the following suffixes:

• Stage 1: C (Certificate)
• Stage 2: I (Intermediate)
• Stage 3: H (Honours)
• Masters: M (Masters)*

You may select modules at different levels if you can demonstrate the required ability. It’s common for students from four-year degree systems to select modules at earlier stages compared to their home university level. Most of our academic departments provide descriptions of their modules to help you select the appropriate ones. 

*Masters-level modules are not available to undergraduate students.

Choosing departments and modules

• Undergraduate students can apply for modules in up to two departments per semester or a maximum of three departments in an academic year
• Postgraduate taught students can apply to one department and study for a maximum of two semesters (equivalent to one full academic year)

Your module combinations might be limited by timetable constraints, and we give priority to modules taught by the same department and level of study. Your module registration is confirmed either during the vacation period before your arrival or at the start of your first semester. Module availability may vary annually, and we cannot guarantee admission to specific modules.