Academics in Northern Ireland

Academic Differences in Northern Ireland
Ariana Rector

In the UK, there tends to be a lot fewer assignments that count for a lot more percentage-wise in your grades. There are only 2-5 major assignments and one final exam in most courses. These major assignments are all due within a few weeks of each other near the end of the semester, so you need to be aware of all your coursework throughout the semester. There's also a lot of focus on independent study in UK schools over typical "homework". This independent study is, as it implies, more independent and less structured than American work.

Courses are with lecture are often optional to attend, and readings are generally suggested rather than required. The object of this more independent study style is individualistic learning and for students to be able to share their knowledge with each other and teach each other throughout the semester. Modules are usually one of a few categories lectures, which are sometimes completely optional; tutorials, in which a small number of students meet with the lecturer; and seminars, larger discussion classes often based upon seminar essays. Students should be aware that there is often less face time with professors. There is often less face time with professors in the UK than in the United States. Students often have more one-on-one contact with tutors than professors. Students are required to be much more hands on and proactive under the UK educational system.

Credits
Courses count between 10 and 40 credits at University of Ulster, while courses in America are usually 1-4 credits. Coursework counts for more percentage-wise in the UK than in the US because there's less coursework to be done. The US equivalency is
10 credits = 3 US credits
20 credits = 5 US credits
The hours per week a class meets generally corresponds to the credits, so 40 credit classes meet 4 hours a week.


Grades
Grades are the similar in Ireland as in the US, A-E, where an F is failing.
Passing grades range from 40-70. A grade higher than 70 is considered "with distinction" and is awarded rarely.


Support
Tutors are provided for each area at the University of Ulster.


Full Time Status
Typical students take 3 to 6 classes (modules) in a semester. In order to be a full time student in Ireland, you must take 60 credits for a semester. In American institutions, you must take 12 hours in order to be considered full time. 60 credits translates to 15 American credits, so that will be enough to fill both home and abroad requirements.