Block teaching

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At DMU, it’s our goal to help every student reach their goal, and you deserve a positive teaching and learning experience. With this in mind, the majority of our undergraduate and postgraduate students will get to enjoy an innovative approach to learning known as block teaching. This allows you to focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once, with more regular assessments and a better study‑life balance. DMU is one of the few universities in the country to offer the block teaching method.

With block teaching, not only will you have more time to learn your subject in depth, but you will also benefit from a simple timetable with space to enjoy all that university life has to offer such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. For postgraduate students, this means more time for work, professional development, caring responsibilities, and everything else that's important to you.

Our block-taught courses are informed by industry knowledge and practice, with many accredited by professional bodies. These carefully designed courses are delivered by passionate and talented academics, who will help you develop the skills to achieve your goals and get you started on your career path. In fact, our teaching and facilities are among the reasons we are rated ‘Excellent’ Five Star by QS Top Universities.

*Of course, one size doesn’t fit all, and there will be variations based on the professional requirements of your course. Rest assured you will still benefit from the same excellent learning experience.

What makes us special?

Don’t just take our word for it, our students and independent organisations have awarded us several accolades. Students voted us into the top 30 best UK universities [25th in Uni Compare rankings and 27th in WhatUni Student Choice Awards], we’re in the top 10 for sustainability and, demonstrating our inclusivity, we’re the first university to achieve a silver Race Equality Charter award.

Student satisfaction

92 Felt singular focus supported their work/life balance and lifestyle

93 Of surveyed students stated that they enjoy focusing on one module at a time*

^{*Source: Student Pulse Survey – November 2022}

I have been able to build a stronger relationship with staff, it has helped me do better in my assessments and learn more.

How block teaching works

Find out more about block teaching in your level of study.

What are the benefits of block learning and teaching?

Block learning and teaching benefits include:

Learn one thing at time: You will have the space to properly focus on and understand each module before moving on to the next. A simplified timetable makes it easier to attend all classes and scheduled learning.

Dedicated teacher contact time: Your tutors are able to be more responsive to your needs and can easily identify if you need additional support.

Regular assessment and faster feedback: You will complete your assessments and receive your feedback following each block, with some exceptions for postgraduate students who undertake a dissertation. This means that you don’t have to remember content from multiple modules for a big summer exam. Regular feedback from tutors helps you to track your progress and incorporate feedback into every assessment for continuous improvement throughout your course.

Build friendships and get to know your tutors: You’ll be with the same tutors and students for each block, so you'll really benefit from a sense of belonging. You will work closely with your tutors and get to know others on your course, helping you to build friendships and feel part of the learning community.

A better study-life balance and improved wellbeing: Block teaching allows you to fit in your learning around your other life commitments. You will have more time for work, a social life, caring responsibilities, sport, and everything else that’s important to you.

More opportunities to develop your skills: There will be more opportunities for you to develop wider skills including entrepreneurial, wellbeing and life skills. There will be more opportunities for you to develop wider skills including entrepreneurial, wellbeing and life skills. Our dedicated lecturers will help you develop the right skills to achieve your goals and get you started on, or continue to climb, your career ladder.

What our students say

LLB Law student, Zainab, credits block teaching for enabling her to balance her career as a Paralegal while studying at the same time.

Psychology student, Violet, found the perfect balance at DMU where block teaching gave her the flexibility to balance study, career and motherhood.

Our new way of teaching enables students to study one module at a time instead of several at once. Our Performing Arts students and their programme leader explain why block learning works for them.

Glynis Wright, Chair of the Advisory Board for Business and Law at DMU, explains how the business community helped shape our block teaching approach and how it embeds the skills employers are looking for.

Jenny Cross, CEO at Cross Productions, discusses how block teaching meets the needs of students and helps prepare them for future employment.