University of Stirling International Study Centre

degree structure

The University of Stirling was the first UK university to introduce a semester system. Our four-year undergraduate degree structure has a broad-based curriculum early on, followed by specialisation in one or two subjects in the later part of the programme. This structure offers flexibility to students and ensures both breadth and depth of study,

The Semester System

The University’s academic year takes place over two semesters (rather than the traditional three terms). An Honours degree programme comprises eight semesters of full-time study. Students of the Undergraduate Certificate will follow the International Study Centre’s own timetable during their first year. Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate they will then progress to the second year – Semester 3 – of their chosen degree programme and continue for the next three years to complete the Honours degree.

Each semester is 15 weeks in duration, with a mid-semester break part way through. There is a reading/study period and a two-week exam period at the end of each semester, during which exams are held for some course modules.

The Autumn Semester usually runs from mid-September until late December. There is then a seven-week winter break. The Spring Semester runs from early February until the end of May, and is followed by a 15-week summer break.

Modular Study

Once students enter the second year (Semester 3) of their degree programme they will continue by taking a series of academic modules. Typically there will be some core (compulsory) modules, and some elective modules, which students can choose according to their particular areas of interest. Degrees at the University of Stirling are obtained through credit accumulation: students will be awarded credit each semester for the successful completion of the course modules taken that semester.

Flexible degree courses

A popular feature of the University of Stirling’s degree structure is its flexibility. Students of the Undergraduate Certificate will choose modules from three routes (Business & Arts, Sciences, and Computing), and their programme will be designed specifically to prepare them for further studies in their chosen degree subject. While we expect that students will be very happy with their degree choice, there may be some flexibility to change to a different subject within their available options up to the end of Semester 3, if required.

Degree Types:

• Single Honours Degree

Single Honours is a four-year (eight-semester) degree programme with one main specialist subject of study in Semesters 5 – 8.

• Combined Honours Degree

Combined Honours is a four-year degree (eight-semester) degree programme with two (or occasionally three) specialist subjects of study in Semesters 5-8.

• Bachelor Degree

A Bachelor degree is a three-year (six-semester) programme with a specialisation in a single subject, although it still combines study in a range of subjects in the early part of the course. Students also have the option of taking a three-year General degree which does not specialise in a particular subject and so allows for greater breadth of study.

 

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