Block learning
We are transforming the way we teach with our innovative block learning approach. This student-focused model is designed around you, and will help you get the most out of your studies.
What is block learning?
Block learning typically allows you to focus on one subject at a time. This gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the topic and learn your subject in-depth. For most of our block learning courses, you’ll attend classes on three fixed days each week, for up to six hours a day.
You will have more regular assessments rather than one big exam or assessment at the end of the year, meaning you'll get feedback early to see how you're doing. You'll be able to incorporate this into your upcoming assessments and get the support to succeed, when you need it. This allows for teaching to take place in blocks, ultimately giving you a positive study life balance to achieve your goals.
Balanced learning, designed for real life
Enjoy a simple and focused timetable. You'll have the space you need to succeed in your subject and enjoy everything that university life has to offer. This will give you the flexibility to balance your studies with personal and work commitments outside of university.
Block learning is designed to reflect real-world scenarios. You'll learn critical time management skills and self-discipline, preparing you for future workplace success.
Deeper learning, regular assessment and more frequent feedback
Planning ahead is easy with our consistent, reliable schedule. Most of our block learning courses allow you to focus on one subject at a time, using a variety of teaching methods. In some cases, you may study two subjects at once, but you'll have longer to explore them.
With continual feedback and support whenever you need it, you'll better understand your abilities and identify areas for improvement. You'll always be in control of your progress and outcomes.
Make lifelong connections
Belonging is at the heart of your university experience. With our focused approach, you’ll normally spend each block with the same group of students from diverse backgrounds. This helps you get to know each other quickly. You'll form friendships and a strong support network, both academically and personally.
How does block learning work?
On courses that follow the standard block learning format, you’ll study one subject at a time in focused teaching blocks. You'll also stay with the same course mates throughout your studies.
However, the structure may vary depending on whether you're studying full-time or part-time, what level you're studying at, and when your course starts.
If you're studying a full-time undergraduate degree starting in September, you'll complete 120 credits each academic year. This is just like the traditional model.
With block learning, you'll usually study one module at a time over a dedicated seven-week block. You'll study four 30-credit modules in total.
Some block learning courses follow a slightly different format, where you'll study two modules at a time over 14 weeks. There may be other variants depending on your start date.
With part-time undergraduate block learning, you'll study one module at a time over two blocks, rather than one. You'll cover the same material as a full-time student, but rather than taking three years, it will take six years to complete.
If you study a postgraduate degree full-time, you'll normally study over six blocks, rather than four - completing 180 credits in total. This structure allows you to focus fully on one area of study at a time.
As with our undergraduate courses, some full-time postgraduate courses involve studying two modules at once. Each module will last longer to allow you to study the subject in-depth.
As with part-time undergraduate study, studying part-time at postgraduate level means that you have longer to complete your studies as each module will span two learning blocks, rather than one.
Our Degree Apprenticeships follow a unique learning model. Please visit our Degree Apprenticeships webpages for more information.
Subjects with block learning courses
Frequently asked questions
Block learning (also known as block teaching) is an innovative way of studying where you focus on one or two subjects at a time instead of several at once. This lets you fully immerse yourself in the topic and gain a deeper understanding.
You’ll complete regular assessments throughout each block, not just one final assessment at the end of the year. This means you get early feedback to help you improve and stay on track.
By delivering teaching in focused blocks, this approach supports a better balance between study and life. This helps you achieve your goals more effectively.
Block learning lets you focus on one or two subjects at a time with a simple, reliable timetable. This helps you dive deeper into your studies while balancing university life and other commitments.
You’ll still experience a wide range of teaching, such as lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions - depending on your course. Assessments will be scheduled during the block and may be spread out or take place at the end of the block.
Our block learning model doesn’t reduce your total learning hours or the number of credits earned. Instead, it structures your learning into a more focused timetable (usually over three days).
You'll get the same amount of teaching as a traditional model, but in a condensed and flexible format. You'll also have full access to our facilities and learning support services throughout your studies, including evenings and weekends.
With block learning, your timetabled sessions will typically take place over three set days each week, for up to six hours per day. But you’re still expected to study independently outside your scheduled teaching days - usually around 40 hours a week in total for full-time study.
All assessments are completed within the block and scheduled on the same days that your teaching take place. This means you won't need to come in on extra days just for assessments. Depending on the module, assessments may happen continuously or scheduled at specific points during the block.
If you fail an assessment, you'll have opportunities to retake it - just like on a traditional course. You’ll also receive support to help you succeed and continue your studies with confidence.
You will get your timetable when you enrol, which is the same as the traditional model. At the start of each intake, you'll also have access to all Welcome Week activities. This will help you settle in, meet others, and get ready for your studies.
With block learning, you’ll usually have a set timetable of three-days teaching - but that doesn’t mean less study time. You’re still expected to study for around 40 hours a week, just as you would with the traditional model. Independent study outside the classroom is essential to your success.
A predictable timetable with set days of study means you can better plan your week. Whether it's a part-time job, sports, hobbies, volunteering or joining a society, block learning gives you more flexibility. This means you can make the most of university life beyond the classroom.
Thinking about living at home and commuting to class? With fewer days on campus you could reduce your travel time and costs. This could help you save money while balancing study with other responsibilities.
You'll have time in your schedule to access any support you need, helping you make the most out of your university experience.
The Student Centre is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 9pm, offering advice and guidance on a wide range of areas. From accommodation and careers to counselling and mental health, disability services, visa support, and more.
Our opening hours mean you’ll be able to access support services on the same days you’re already on campus. This makes it easier to get the help you need without extra trips.
Our Students’ Union also offers an independent advice service if you ever need help.
As a student, you'll have full access to our facilities and learning support services. This includes our Careers Service, where you can get expert advice and guidance to help you achieve your goals. They can also help with getting a part-time job during your studies - which block learning will give you the flexibility to do.
If you have caring or parental responsibilities, block learning can help you manage your time more easily. With a predictable routine and fewer days on campus, you'll find it easier to balance studies with life's other demands.
Block learning removes barriers to study, making a degree more accessible to more people
Block learning is being introduced gradually. Look for specific information on your course page to see if this teaching method applies to your degree.
Our phased approach means that not all courses will move to block learning at the same time. The move to block learning doesn’t affect your application or the way in which our offers are processed. You’re just as likely to get a place on a block learning course as a traditional one.
If things don't go to plan there is support available for you. If you fail an assessment, you'll have opportunities to retake it so you can continue your studies.
After your first year, you'll also be able to change to another degree programme if it feels a better fit for you. This is subject to existing restrictions such as course availability and entry requirements.
The predictability of your timetable will enable you to work part-time alongside your learning should you wish. Having certainty around your availability may help your employer plan their shifts too.
Our Careers Service can help you find local roles, or on-campus jobs like Student Ambassador or SU opportunities.
Yes. Undergraduates will still have Wednesday afternoons free for sports and Students’ Union activities. The structure of block learning may also allow you to take part in SU activities more fully on other days of the week too.
A phased approach
We are phasing the introduction of block learning at the University. This means we can focus on continuing to provide an excellent experience for our students, both in our teaching and wider university life. Courses taught through block learning will be clearly identified, just look out for the information on the individual course pages.
