The University of Suffolk Academic Framework
The University of Suffolk is adopting a new academic framework. The new framework is under development, and it is expected that all courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level will be redesigned and delivered through this framework by academic year 2026/27. the new framework has many benefits for students and staff at the University. These include:
- a standardised University of Suffolk Block and Blend model.
- opportunity for in-year recovery in embedded block breaks.
- one standard academic calendar which can be published up to five years in advance for all entry points.
- a standard period for welcome and freshers events for autumn and spring starts.
- simpler assessment board processes.
The new framework also provides us with opportunities to reimagine our approach to timetabling. This approach will see adoption of a consistent and persistent approach, meaning that students will know which days there expected to be on campus for each year of study even before the apply for a programme of study at our University. In addition, the timetables will enable students to have access to peers studying at the next level - e.g., level 4 students will have opportunities to meet with Level 5, Level 5 student with Level 6, and Level 6 with Level 7 where provision exists.
We believe that in time, this new framework will release staff time for other pursuits including curriculum enhancement, professional development and research and knowledge exchange activities.
Work in this area aligns to PSF 2023 and could be used as part of applications for fellowship: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, K1,K2, K3, K4, K5
What does the new academic framework include?
In our new academic framework, there will be:
- a standard module of 30 credits.
- opportunity for 15 credits by exception. Exceptions for undenclude optional modules, noting that for undergraduate courses there are no optional modules at Level 4.
- it is expected that any optional modules are delivered in pairs - with two 15 credit modules delivered sequentially, within one block, or delivered in parallel over one block.
- each block has a duration of 6 teaching weeks plus one week for assessment.
- throughout the year enrichment weeks are embedded. Some of these might be used for co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, others may be used as block breaks.
Delivering block through the year
We recognise that many students find it hard to engage with additional activities where they are not embedded into the academic year, and timetables. To try and facilitate engagement with this valuable activities, we have embedded enrichment weeks into the calendar. The scheduling these is standardised through the year and across each year, providing opportunity for cross-year peer learning. Here is an example of how these will appear through the year:
