Module Descriptor Guidance
Module Descriptor Guidance
Aims
These are broad statements of intent which may use words relating to a process, such as enable, introduce,
review or facilitate. These are broad statements of educational intent, which can be summarised in a few
sentences (e.g. 1-3). A suitable beginning phrase is ‘The aim/purpose of this module is to....’ Normally, there
should be one or two stated aims for a single module.
NB For assistance with writing aims and learning outcomes, contact the Centre for Academic Practice
Learning outcomes
These are specific statements which describe what learners should know or be able to do upon successful
completion of the module. Outcomes must be measurable, realistic and relevant to the module.
The QMU Module Descriptor identifies the learning outcomes with the categories recommended by the QAA in the
Guidelines for Preparing Programme Specifications which may be found at
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Guidelines-for-preparing-
programme- specifications.aspx
The SCQF has five categories of learning outcomes at each level which have slightly different titles than the QMU
categories. Two of the SCQF categories are included within our ‘transferable skills’ category (D), as indicated in
the table below
Practical professional skills (SCQF category: practice: applied knowledge and skills)
Learning outcomes to address professionally related skills such as laboratory, clinical, creating products. This
category should be used for practical professional skills that are practised and applied as distinct from theoretical
study.
Transferable skills (SCQF categories: communication, ICT and numeracy skills; autonomy, accountability and
working with others)
Learning outcomes to address development of communication skills, numeracy, IT and information retrieval,
personal development and preparation for work (e.g. teamwork, valuing and managing own learning,
motivation and initiative, self-management, responsibility, creativity and self-appraisal)
Please indicate, with an asterisk, in the right-hand columns whether the outcomes are assessed in the module, and
in which of the categories the outcomes can be identified (may be more than one, especially at postgraduate level)
Learning experiences
Please list the types of learning experiences in which the students will be engaged including indicative hours, e.g.:
8 hours lectures 16 hours facilitated group work 16 hours computer-based simulation 60 hours self-directed study
Assessment pattern
Please give the method by which students will be assessed, including indicative length of written work, and the
relative weighting (%) which each assessed element carries.
Content
Please summarise content of the module within 60-80 words. This information will be added to ISIS and used by
students to assist them with online module choice.
Main Texts
Please cite indicative key texts (6-10) using the appropriate and accurate citation convention for the Division.
Other relevant details
Please give any additional explanatory information which may be specific to the module, such as uniqueness of
structure or delivery mode.
Further guidance on developing module descriptors is available on request from the Centre for Academic
Practice on 0131 474 0000.