Develop a new UCIL unit

We are always keen to develop a number of high profile interdisciplinary units which reflect the challenges faced by the 21st century.

If you have an idea for a unit which matches the following criteria, complete an initial course unit proposal form or contact us to arrange a meeting with the Academic Director.

Please consider the following as part of your proposal:

  • Is the unit truly interdisciplinary, drawing on appropriate teaching and research expertise from across the University?
  • Is the unit innovative in curriculum, assessment design and delivery?
  • Is the unit set at an appropriate, yet challenging, level to make it accessible to undergraduates from any discipline?

Our units have to be truly interdisciplinary in nature, developed and taught in partnership by a number of Schools and Faculties. In order to make units accessible to large numbers of students, we are particularly interested in developing units which are delivered online and via blended learning. However, we are open to considering any unit proposals which fit UCIL's vision.

The approval process for new units

Following on from a meeting with the Academic Director, staff proposing a new unit need to complete a more detailed course unit information form which is then sent to the Teaching and Learning Panel for approval.

Please note, all units must be approved by the relevant Head/s of School or equivalent before the form is considered by the Teaching and Learning Panel.

Teaching and Learning Panel

There may be occasions when the Teaching and Learning Panel approves a unit but requests some changes. In these instances, specific and detailed feedback will be given to the unit proposer.

Help available from UCIL to develop your unit

Offering an interdisciplinary unit brings its own specific challenges and the UCIL team are on hand to offer advice and support on developing your unit.

Assessment - We can help you to develop innovative assessment which is accessible to students from all disciplines.

Blackboard- We can offer UCIL templates and other hints and tips to set your unit up in Blackboard.

Marketing – We will promote your unit in the UCIL course unit guide, UCIL webpages and university course unit database as well as via social media and other marketing events. We will work with you to develop content which is engaging to students. We will also produce a short ‘talking head’ film in which unit convenors can tell students about the unit.

There may be occasions when the Teaching and Learning Panel approves a unit but requests some changes. In these instances, specific and detailed feedback will be given to the unit proposer.

Graduate Teaching Assistants

You may wish to consider employing Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) as part of your UCIL unit. UCIL does not provide GTAs centrally so it is the responsibility of the school or schools to recruit and train GTAs.