What you need to know about your course structure
Choosing the right degree is a big decision, and understanding how your course is structured can help you feel prepared.
At LIBF, we offer flexible study options tailored to fit your lifestyle. Whether you're studying an undergraduate degree, a foundation year course, or a postgraduate course, this page will explain how long a semester lasts, how many modules you'll study, and how assessments are organised.
Want to know more about studying with LIBF? Our webinars cover:
How our online degrees are structured, including study schedules, modules, and assessments.
Expert advice on the application process, funding options, and entry requirements.
How our online degrees work
At LIBF, we structure our academic year into semesters rather than traditional terms because our online degrees have no fixed start dates:
You can begin your studies on any day of the year and plan your breaks whenever it suits you – which means there are no set holidays or half-terms.
This semester-based approach allows you to focus on fewer topics at a time, helping you explore each subject in depth while maintaining control over your schedule.
How do semesters differ from terms?
Terms
Terms are periods when students are physically on campus, with set holiday breaks and half-terms.
At LIBF, we don’t follow a term-based system because our online degrees don’t require you to be on campus.
Semesters
Semesters refer to structured teaching blocks, focusing on specific modules.
They give you the flexibility to decide when to study, take breaks, or plan holidays.
Semester length
Each semester typically lasts six months, allowing you to focus on your studies while balancing other commitments.
Modules per semester
Depending on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, you’ll study 2 to 4 modules per semester.
Assessments
Every module includes one assessment, completed online. Explore our full guide to online assessment types.
Your course and module schedule explained
What is your course schedule?
Your course schedule is your guide to success, helping you plan and manage your study time effectively. It provides:
A breakdown of your modules and when they’ll be available, based on your study level and mode (full-time or part-time).
The number of credit points each module carries, so you can track your progress.
Details of the assessments required for each module.
How do modules work?
The modules you study per semester depends on your chosen study mode. Here’s what you need to know:
In most semesters, you’ll study 2 to 4 modules, depending on your pace.
The final semester may have a different structure, focusing on specific projects or fewer modules.
You’ll register for each module through myCampus.
If you’d like to adjust your study pace or access additional modules once you're a student, you can contact the Students Office to explore your options.
Explore the typical semester breakdown
Study mode | Semesters | Modules per semester | Final semester |
|---|---|---|---|
Undergraduate courses | |||
Full-time (36 months) | 6 semesters | 4x 15-credit modules | 2x 15-credit modules 1x 30-credit bachelor thesis |
Part-time I (48 months) | 8 semesters | 3x 15-credit modules | 1x 15-credit module 1x 30-credit bachelor thesis |
Part-time II (72 months) | 12 semesters | 2x 15-credit modules | 1x 30-credit bachelor thesis |
Integrated Foundation Year | |||
Full-time (12 months) | 2 semesters | 4x 15-credit modules | No difference |
Part-time I (18 months) | 3 semesters | 3x 15-credit modules | 2x 15-credit modules |
Part-time II (24 months) | 4 semesters | 2x 15-credit modules | No difference |
Postgraduate and MBA courses | |||
Full-time (12 months) | 2 semesters | 5x 15-credit modules | 4x 15-credit modules 1x 45-credit master thesis or MBA capstone project |
Part-time I (18 months) | 3 semesters | 4x 15-credit modules | 1x 15-credit module 1x 45-credit master thesis or MBA capstone project |
Part-time II (24 months) | 4 semesters | 3x 15-credit modules | 1x 45-credit master thesis or MBA capstone project |
How study hours are structured in our online degrees
Understanding how your study time is organised can help you plan your schedule and stay on track. Each 15-credit module takes about 150 hours to complete. These hours are split into two key areas: teaching contact and self-study.
Some modules, like projects or internships, may be a bit different:
Project-based modules: you’ll spend the full 150 hours doing hands-on work.
Theses or dissertations: these have fewer contact hours (around 10), with most of your time spent on independent research and writing.
Teaching contact hours (20 hours per module)
Live sessions: around 10 hours of live lectures or tutorials led by your lecturer.
Interactive learning: about 5 hours spent in group discussions or Q&A sessions with your classmates and tutors.
Recorded content: another 5 hours of videos and materials you can watch at your own pace.
Self-study hours (130 hours per module)
Reading: around 30 hours spent learning from course materials.
Assignments and projects: approximately 50 hours dedicated to completing coursework.
Exam preparation: about 40 hours revising for assessments.
Additional resources: another 10 hours using tools like Syntea, podcasts, or videos to deepen your understanding.
Weekly study hours for full-time and part-time students
Your weekly study hours will vary depending on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. The breakdown below will help you plan your weekly schedule and balance your studies with other commitments. Whether you prefer to study in short daily sessions or set aside longer blocks of time, you’ll have the flexibility to create a routine that works for you.
Study mode | Contact hours | Self-study hours | Total weekly hours |
|---|---|---|---|
Full-time | 5-7 | 25-33 | 30-40 |
Part-time I | 3-5 | 20-22 | 25 |
Part-time II | 2-3 | 12-13 | 15 |
How assessments work
Assessments are an essential part of your course structure, designed to test your understanding and help you track your progress. Our flexible approach means you can choose when to take your assessments once you’ve completed enough of the module to feel prepared.
Here’s what you need to know about planning your assessments
Frequency: you’ll complete one assessment for each module.
Availability: assessments are completed online and you can schedule them once you've completed a certain amount of your module first to make sure you’re ready.
Flexibility: you choose when to take your assessments within the available time frame, giving you control over your deadlines.
Assessment types: depending on your module, you might complete written assignments,, oral reports, or practical projects – assessments are tailored to suit the content and skills you've learned in the module.
Feedback: after submission, you’ll receive feedback to help you understand your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Want to know more? Visit our guide to assessments and exams for full details.
FAQs about course structure
Take the next step with confidence
You have dreams, ambitions, and the drive to achieve them. All you need are the right tools and support to make them a reality. Start your journey with us today. With LIBF, your future is just a click away.
Contact us about our online degrees
Any questions about our online degrees or studying at LIBF? Our Study Advisors are here to help.
Festive closure: our offices will be closed from 4.30pm on 23 December 2024, reopening at 8.00am on 2 January 2025 (UK time). We hope you have a wonderful festive season and look forward to supporting you in the new year
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 5.30pm UK time (excluding the festive closure period).
You’ll find everything you need to know about studying an online degree with us in our digital prospectus. To receive your personalised prospectus, please fill out the form below with a valid email address.
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