DCU was the first university in Ireland to introduce the modular system. Nine years ago, in 1996, DCU revised the structure of its degree programmes, offering students the option of studying core modules that apply specifically to their chosen programme, while also allowing them to choose from a ‘menu’ of optional modules.

A typical full-time undergraduate programme involves twelve modules per year (i.e. six per semester). Students register for all of their selected modules at the beginning of the academic year, but may change their module choices within a specified period at the beginning of Semester 1 and again at the beginning of Semester 2. Each module is a self-contained unit of study and, once a module is passed, a student is exempted from any further examination in it.

The modular system also allows students the option of spreading their assessment and examination workload across the academic year, thereby reducing pressure at the end of the year.

The DCU modular system also facilitates greater mobility of students between institutions, particularly within the European Union, as DCU conforms fully to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This has benefits for both DCU students who wish to travel abroad and for EU students who wish to study at DCU, allowing them to dovetail their studies in both their ‘home’ university and their university abroad. DCU is a member of a pilot group which initiated work on the Diploma Supplement, a document which is designed to enable transparent understanding of higher education qualifications across different countries.

Now that modularisation has been in operation for a number of years, DCU is examining ways in which it can be further refined to benefit students. This second phase of development is under discussion at present. Current students will, of course, continue to benefit from the flexibility offered by the system.