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Teaching modules at different academic levels

1. The UK Quality Code for Higher Education expects teaching activities, assessment criteria, assessment methods and learning outcomes to align with the academic level of study for a module. Each approved module has one academic level at Birkbeck, University of London (the College); 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.

2. The College may approve content to be taught in modules at more than one academic level provided that:

  • (a) There is a separate identifying code and approved specification for each module.
  • (b) The title of the modules references both the module content and its academic level, so it is clear the content is taught at more than one academic level (e.g. Italian Film: From Neorealism to Fellini [Level 5]).
  • (c) There are differential learning outcomes and assessment criteria with assessment methods, aligned to the relevant academic level of study.
  • (d) Each module has a separate shell in Moodle, which meets the requirements of the Birkbeck Baseline: Minimum Moodle Standards.
  • (e) The relationship between the modules is recorded in the Module and Programme System (MaPS).

Programmes of study should normally be designed so that students studying modules at different levels are taught separately. However, there may be some exceptions where a Faculty Education Committee (FEC) considers it pedagogically suitable and strategically desirable for distinct modules to share elements of common delivery. This is permissible provided points 2 (a) to (e) above are met, with the additional requirement that:

  • (f) Module convenors must have addressed how the teaching approaches will be designed and organised, to ensure that students are adequately prepared to meet the learning outcomes at their respective levels. Shared interactive teaching sessions should not normally occur across more than two consecutive levels, unless a very clear pedagogic rationale has been provided, discussed with the respective Head of Education and Student Experience and approved by the FEC. Advice can also be sought from the College’s Academic Standards and Quality Office.

3. Where programmes of study include module content taught at more than one academic level, programme information should advise students that they may only study the content once, at one of the levels.

Policy review

  • Created: June 2021
  • Latest update: June 2021
  • Date of next review: 2026-27 academic year
  • Owner: Quality and Regulations Manager
  • SLT owner: DVC Education and Student Experience
  • Committee oversight: Education and Student Experience Committee for Academic Board