Module, course, and programme are related terms used in education, but they have different meanings and contexts. While a module focuses on a specific topic, a course combines multiple modules to provide a broader educational experience, and a programme encompasses a collection of courses and modules forming a complete academic curriculum.
Module
A module refers to a self-contained unit of study within a larger academic programme or course. It is a discrete component that focuses on a specific topic or subject area. Modules are designed to provide in-depth exploration of a particular subject, often with specific learning objectives, content, and assessments. They are typically shorter in duration compared to a full course or programme and may span a few weeks or a semester. Modules are often combined to form a complete course or programme.
Course
A course is a structured unit of study that consists of multiple modules or lessons. It represents a broader educational experience in a specific subject or discipline. A course encompasses a series of learning activities, readings, lectures, assignments, and assessments that are designed to achieve specific learning outcomes. Courses can vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to an entire academic year. They may be part of a larger academic programme or offered as standalone educational offerings.
Programme
A programme refers to a comprehensive and structured set of courses and modules that together form a complete academic curriculum or qualification. It represents a broader educational experience and is often used interchangeably with the term "degree programme". A programme typically includes a range of courses, modules, or units of study that are carefully sequenced to provide a cohesive educational experience. It is designed to lead to a specific qualification or degree upon successful completion.
In summary, a module is a discrete unit of study within a course or programme, a course is a structured unit of study in a specific subject, and a programme represents a comprehensive set of courses and modules leading to a qualification or degree.
