Blog 3

There are 3 semesters, autumn, spring and summer. Summer courses are typically offered for graduate students. For written exams, the first 2 semesters consist of 12 weeks of teaching, a three week examination period and a vacation period. Instead of classes, they have “modules” which are assigned at particular levels. The level is an expression of the demand and complexity of the course. 10 hours of student effort equate to one credit point. Usually, one credit in the US will equate to 4 credits at Ulster University. I will need approximately 4-5 courses to be considered a full time student, which is similar to MC. Also, they usually offer 5 levels per class. I don’t think our classes exceed 2-3 levels of the same topic. Classes are typically pass-fail in the UK. Normally, students take 30 credits per semester, which equates to 36-42 hours of studying per week, as said on the website. One can have a major honors, major/minor honors, double major, or combined honors that equates to minoring in 3 subjects. Other than the combined honors, they have the same system. As for grades, an A is 70% or higher, B is 60-69%, C is 50-59%, and D is 40-49%. This is very different since I am used to getting 90’s+ to achieve an A. Typically, a heavy amount of your grade is determined on the final examination. The faculty student relation-ship is relatively good. The average class size is large, but science classes typically require a lab that consists of a smaller class size so that you can get immediate, personal help. However, it appears that less effort is required of a student in Ulster compared to Maryville College. Ulster University assigns non-European international students with a study advisor, which is the option that we have here as well.

Overall, the system isn’t too foreign.