UGSC 08-06-16
UGSC 08.06.16 Programme Pathways Project update
PPP has uncovered a number of issues with degree programme coherence – next stage of
project will engage directly with degree programme structure, by working with schools to
improve the coherence of the degree offerings and to ensure that students combine
flexibility and specialisation from first year entry into the degree to transition into
employment or further education. The theory is that students should be able to create their
own pathways through their degree which should balance qualification and coherence with
choice and flexibility.
Single Honours Template
Outlined below is the new model that is currently being tested:
Each box represents 20 credits. Some combinations may involve smaller (10) or
larger (40) credit bearing courses, but the overall credit load should comply with
Year 1
A
A
AB
B
BC
C
Year 2
A
A
AB
B
BCD CD
Year 3
A
A
A
A
ABC
ABC
Year 4
A
A
A
A
ABC
ABC
the table.
Boxes with two or more letters represent choices; only one letter will be taken from
each box.
A
Main subject
(From subject area in home School)
B
Secondary subject, taken to create a ‘double’ in pre-honours
years. This should be outside the subject area (but not necessarily
outside the School?)
C
Outside subject and potential ‘treble’ subject in pre-honours years
(Outside the School and not normally specified)
D
Outside subject that can only be taken for one year (2nd)
(Outside the School)
The central goal is to clarify and simplify choice, so that students can easily
navigate the large number of degree programmes currently on offer and to plot
UGSC 08-06-16
pathways through their degree that offer them a unique Edinburgh experience that
facilitates depth of knowledge and an ingenuity that is exclusive to this University.
The model would also use the below criteria:
1. Maximum of 60 credits of main subject in 1st year
 This is to allow possible change of programme to another subject.
 Many programmes have a lesser requirement – 40 credits – in 1st year
and the table acknowledges this.
 40:40:40 is also accommodated, providing the possibility of three courses
being taken in both first and second year.
2. Pre-Honours credits
 Potential 120 credits in main subject and a mixture of other credits,
including 80 in a single subject
 Theoretically, a student would have a number of pathways open for
honours study:
o Single in A
o Possibly single in B or even C
o Combination of any of these?
3. ‘External’ subjects at honours level
 The template shows a possible 240 credits in main subject but also indicates
how variable amounts of other credit could be introduced.
 In the vast majority of cases this external credit would come from the other
two subjects taken in 1st and 2nd year
 This scenario shows a maximum of 80 credits being inserted into the
programme
 This is just short of joint degree (I think the minimum amount of credit in
one subject in a joint programme is 100)