Coventry University drops semester model in favor of year-round six-week teaching blocks

Move away from traditional semesters to allow greater flexibility and new entry points for students

Coventry University in the UK is set to introduce a major shift in course delivery, moving away from the traditional academic calendar in favor of a six-week block teaching model across all campuses.

The university group, which includes CU Coventry, CU Scarborough, and CU London, says the new system is intended to offer more flexibility and expand access to degree programs.

Coventry University Group delivers undergraduate and postgraduate education across several UK locations and has already implemented block teaching at its CU campuses. From September 2024, all postgraduate taught courses will move to this model, with undergraduate programs following in 2026.

Changes to course structure and calendar

The transition will see the academic year divided into six entry points, allowing students to begin their studies at various times rather than adhering to fixed-term starts. Each course will be delivered in six-week modules, followed by a dedicated assessment week. The modules will run on a carousel system, with students able to join at multiple stages.

The university says the changes are intended to improve flexibility, help sustain smaller course offerings, and potentially support accelerated degree pathways. These changes could also lead to increased enrollment capacity, but the shift marks a significant departure from how most UK institutions structure their courses.

Sector implications and institutional rationale

Coventry’s approach diverges from the traditional term and semester model followed by much of the higher education sector. While elements of block teaching have been adopted by other institutions, the scale of Coventry’s full transition across its campuses is notable.

Professor John Latham CBE, vice-chancellor and group CEO of Coventry University, says: “These changes are all about giving added flexibility to students who want to benefit from the qualifications Coventry University Group is able help them achieve. While our CU locations have long offered six-week teaching blocks, we are now rolling out this model across all of our campuses, having seen how popular and effective this approach has proved.”

Professor Latham adds: “Our key focus is preparing our students for a fulfilling and productive career in their chosen field and we believe these changes help us to do that, while offering a huge degree of flexibility for those exploring the incredible life-transforming opportunities higher education can offer.”