Most programmes are made up of:
- Compulsory modules: modules you must take that are added automatically
- Optional modules: modules you can choose
You can select your optional modules during Online Module Selection (OMS):
- when you register for your first year of study
- in March for the next academic year starting in September
Online Module Selection is accessed through the Student Record System (SRS) and will be available only when OMS is open.
To make your choices, you need to prepare some information before completing Online Module Selection.
You do not need to do this if your programme:
- does not have optional modules
- has other methods of selecting. You will be contacted if you need to use another process
What you need to know
Information about your programme
You need to look at your programme structure to see:
- how many optional modules you need to select
- what options are available or recommended
Some available options, for example modules from another subject, might not be listed on the programme structure but all available modules for you will be available on the Online Module Selection form. If you have any queries, please contact your Programme Director or Info Point.
Information about the modules you want to take
You will need to know the following:
- module name
- module code
- module credit value
- the discipline the module belongs to
You can find this information in the module descriptor within the Study Information section.
Module codes start with letters denoting the discipline, for example ‘PSY’ for Psychology. This is followed by either a number or letter denoting the year of study, for example ‘1’ indicates Undergraduate Stage 1, and ‘M’ indicates Postgraduate Masters. Then the last 3 digits are an identifier for the module.
It is important to understand you can usually only take modules at or below the Stage you are studying. Undergraduates can only take up to 30 credits of the year below. Exceptions to this will be listed on the module descriptors or programme specifications.
Selecting modules from years below is often restricted to Module Change so that the year group it belongs to gets the first chance to take it.
The module description will also show you:
- if the module has any rules, such as
- Pre-requisites: modules that must be taken before the module you want
- Co-requisites: modules that must be taken together
- Non-requisites: modules that can't be taken together because their content is too similar
- what the module covers
- how you will be assessed.
You will not be able to select and submit choices that include modules where you do not meet the rules. Check the rules of the modules you are trying to select.
For more information about module selection please see this guidance.
Extra considerations
Balance your workload
Try to spread credits evenly across terms to avoid overload.
Taking modules outside of your main discipline
This is called modularity. Available options will appear in the OMS selection form.
Browse the module lists for Streatham and St Luke's or Penryn to find out more about the modules on your campus that have no pre/co-requisites and accept students from other disciplines.
It might be possible to add a Minor to your degree, see Minors: Future Skills Pathways for more information.
What happens if you do not complete module selection
You will be sent reminders to complete online module selection. If you miss the deadline:
- modules will be chosen for you
- you may not get your preferred options
- changes later may be limited
Complete your selection on time to avoid this.
Changing modules later
You can request changes during module change periods at the start of each term. Learn more about requesting a module change.