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Degree Structure
The University of Stirling was the first UK university to introduce a semester system. The 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. Taught postgraduate degrees in the UK cover a full year of intensive study.
The Semester System
The University's academic year takes place over two semesters (rather than the traditional three terms). As a student at the ISC, you will follow the International Study Centre's own timetable during your first year. An Undergraduate Honours degree programme comprises eight semesters of full-time study.
Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate you will progress to the second year – Semester 3 – of your chosen degree programme and continue for the next three years to complete the Undergraduate Honours degree.
Upon successful completion of the Pre-Masters you will progress to Semester 1 of your chosen degree programme and continue for the next year to complete the Masters 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 you enter your degree programme you will continue by taking a series of academic modules. Typically there will be some core (compulsory) modules, and some elective modules, which you can choose according to your particular areas of interest. Degrees at the University of Stirling are obtained through credit accumulation: you will be awarded credit each semester for the modules you have successfully completed.
Flexibility
A popular feature of the University of Stirling's degree structure is its flexibility. On the Undergraduate Certificate, you choose modules from three routes (Business and Arts, Sciences, and Computing) that will specifically prepare you for further studies in your chosen degree. While we expect that you will be very happy with your subject choice, there may be flexibility to change to a different subject, within your available options, up to the end of Semester 3.Undergraduate Degree Types
Single Honours Degree: a four-year (eight-semester) degree programme with one main specialist subject of study in Semesters 5–8. See the Single Honours degree programmes which lead from the Undergraduate Certificate.
Combined Honours Degree: a four-year (eight-semester) degree programme with two (or occasionally three) specialist subjects of study in Semesters 5-8. See the Combined Honours degree programmes which lead from the Undergraduate Certificate.
Bachelor degree: a three-year (six-semester) programme with specialisation in a single subject, although still covering 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.
Masters Degrees
Stirling's Master of Science (MSc) postgraduate programmes are taught courses, normally of 12 months' duration, studied on a full-time basis. The final months of the course are devoted to the production of a dissertation on an agreed topic of your choice.
Teaching and Assessment
Find out about the teaching methods and assessment you will experience on your degree.
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