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Teaching and module selection

Find out how you will be taught and assessed as an undergraduate or postgraduate taught visiting student at York.

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
  • 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 emphasise 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 York credits for two semesters
  • 60 York credits for one semester

Each semester, you must take three modules worth 20 York credits each. 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. Elective language courses and other specialised 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:

  • Undergraduate Stage 1: C (Certificate)
  • Undergraduate Stage 2: I (Intermediate)
  • Undergraduate 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 institution level. 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. Students studying with us for two semesters can apply for a maximum of three departments, provided that their 'home' department at York remains the same across both semesters.
  • Postgraduate taught students can apply to one department and study for a maximum of two semesters.

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.

How to use the module catalogue to choose your modules
  1. Open the Module catalogue
  2. Use the ‘Academic year’ drop down to select the academic year of your study period at York
  3. Click on ‘Show advanced filters‘ to reveal more filtering options:
    • Tick the ‘Visiting student module‘ checkbox
    • Use the ‘Department‘ drop down to select the Department you are interested in
    • Use the ‘Teaching period‘ drop down to select the semester you will be studying in York 
    • Use the ‘Credit Level‘ drop down to select the module level which is appropriate for you
  4. Click the purple ‘Search‘ button 
  5. Use ‘Reset all‘  button to search for modules in a different department, during a different teaching period or at a different credit level

Assessment

Our assessment methods vary by department and module. Assessments may be formative or summative:

Formative: assessing during learning, and providing feedback, to develop students’ learning. Formative assessments do not usually form part of the final module mark.

Summative: assessment at the end of teaching to evaluate what the student has learned. Summative assessments form part or all of the final module mark.

Examples of summative assessments may include:

  • Essays, assignments, coursework, oral presentation
  • Closed/in-person Exam (centrally scheduled requiring in-person attendance)
  • Online Exam-less than 24hrs (centrally scheduled)

If you will be leaving York before scheduled examinations, you may request an alternative assessment, however, this is not guaranteed.

Supervision and support

When you start at York, you will be assigned a personal academic supervisor who is responsible for your academic progress and personal welfare. Your supervisor will help you design a module programme that aligns with your academic interests and abilities.

We have support systems in place to assist international students in adapting to studying in a new country. These include academic guidance, personal support, and resources to help you settle into life at York.

Visiting Student Guide
Find key information about studying abroad as a visiting student at York.
Read key information (PDF)
International student guide
Find everything you need to know as an international student applying to York.
Read student guide (PDF)
Welcome to York Guide
Plan for your first few weeks as an international student at the University of York.
Prepare for arrival  
Higher Education Providers guide
Find out how we can offer an international experience to your students.
Explore collaborations