Guides
How to Choose Your University Modules
By James Whitfield · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Choose university modules by balancing genuine interest, your strengths, the workload and assessment style, and where the modules might lead — for later modules, dissertations or careers. Read the module descriptions carefully, check any prerequisites, and get advice, since some choices open or close later options.
Choices that shape your degree
Many degrees let you choose some modules, and these choices shape what you study and sometimes what you can do later. Taking the decision seriously, rather than choosing casually, is worthwhile.
Module choices are more consequential than they first appear, affecting your experience, your results and occasionally your future options.
Follow interest and strength
Genuine interest and where your strengths lie should weigh heavily, because you will engage more and do better in modules you find interesting and are suited to.
As with choosing a course, engagement drives results. A module you find fascinating usually produces better work than one chosen for the wrong reasons.
Read the descriptions carefully
Module titles can be misleading, so read the full descriptions — what is covered, how it is taught and assessed. A module may be very different from what its name suggests.
Understanding what you are actually signing up for, including the assessment style, prevents unpleasant surprises and helps you choose modules that suit you.
Consider the workload and assessment
Modules differ in workload and how they are assessed — exams, coursework, presentations, projects. Balancing these across your choices, and playing to your assessment strengths, is sensible.
A term of all exam-assessed modules, or all with deadlines clustered together, can be gruelling. Considering the balance is part of choosing well.
Think about where they lead
Some modules are prerequisites for later ones, or relevant to a dissertation or career direction. Considering where a module leads, not just the module itself, keeps your options open.
Checking prerequisites and thinking ahead prevents finding later that a module you wanted requires one you did not take.
Get advice
Academic advisers, tutors and students who have taken the modules can offer useful perspective on what a module is really like and how choices fit together.
A short conversation with someone who knows the modules can save you from a poor choice and highlight options you had not considered.
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose university modules?+
Balance genuine interest, your strengths, the workload and assessment style, and where the modules lead — for later modules, dissertations or careers. Read the descriptions carefully and check any prerequisites.
Why does interest matter in choosing modules?+
Because you engage more and do better in modules you find interesting and are suited to. As with choosing a course, engagement drives results, so a module you find fascinating usually produces better work.
Should I trust the module title?+
No — titles can be misleading, so read the full descriptions of what is covered and how it is assessed. A module may be very different from what its name suggests, so understand what you are signing up for.
Do module choices affect my future?+
Sometimes — some modules are prerequisites for later ones or relevant to a dissertation or career direction. Considering where a module leads, and checking prerequisites, keeps your options open.
Where can I get advice on modules?+
From academic advisers, tutors, and students who have taken the modules. A short conversation with someone who knows them can save you from a poor choice and highlight options you had not considered.
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