Appendix One – Programme handbook template
Programme Handbook Template
Trinity College Dublin
Full Title of Programme Here
School/Faculty and Relevant Years
Please note that a word version of this document is available from state
where on request.
1. Throughout the handbook use san serif fonts (e.g. Verdana,
Arial).
2. If possible use font 14 and larger. Do not go below 12.
3. Keep a word copy that can be distributed to students who may
need to manipulate the format to be able to clearly read it.
4. Follow clear print guidelines.
Table of contents
A Note on this Handbook
Explain the role of the handbook in a student friendly manner (noting
that the handbook does not supersede the University regulations in the
College Calendar)
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For Example:
This handbook applies to all students taking [Programme name]. It provides a
guide to what is expected of you on this programme, and the academic and
personal support available to you. Please retain for future reference.
The information provided in this handbook is accurate at time of preparation.
Any necessary revisions will be notified to students via [give methods]. Please
note that, in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the General
Regulations published in the University Calendar and information contained in
course handbooks, the provisions of the General Regulations will prevail.
Introduction
General Introduction/welcome from the Head of School/Programme
director.
Staff Contacts
Give the Contact details of all relevant staff.
-
Include e-mail, telephone, and location.
-
Give programme office opening hours.
-
Research interests can be useful in post-graduate handbooks.
Specify who is:

Director of Teaching & Learning,

Head of School/Programme,

Programme Administrator / EO

Any other important figures.
General School Information
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Relevant information regarding the school / department.
Possible Suggestions:

School History and research interests,

School specific facilities (e.g. subject library, computer lab),

School website and location of notice boards,

School structure and student representation.
Programme Overview

Programme aims / outcomes (if completed),

Programme structure (e.g route options if applicable, mandatory and
optional modules).

Study Abroad if applicable,

Placement information if applicable,

Professional body/registration details if applicable.

Any further information you may wish to add.
Description of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
The ECTS is an academic credit transfer and accumulation system
representing the student workload required to achieve the specified objectives
of a study programme.
The ECTS weighting for a module is a measure of the student input or
workload required for that module, based on factors such as the number of
contact hours, the number and length of written or verbally presented
assessment exercises, class preparation and private study time, laboratory
classes, examinations, clinical attendance, professional training placements,
and so on as appropriate. There is no intrinsic relationship between the
credit volume of a module and its level of difficulty.
In College, 1 ECTS unit is defined as 20-25 hours of student input so a 103
credit module will be designed to require 200-250 hours of student input
including class contact time and assessments.
(Select as appropriate for handbook)
-
The College norm for full-time study over one academic year at
undergraduate level is XX credits.
-
The College norm for full-time study over one academic year at postgraduate Diploma level is XX credits.
-
The College norm for full-time study over one academic year at masters’
level is XX credits (inclusive of the Masters research dissertation normally
of XX ECTS weight).
-
The College norm for part-time study over two academic years at
masters’ level is XX credits (inclusive of the Masters research
dissertation normally of XX ECTS weight).
ECTS credits are awarded to a student only upon successful completion
of the course year. Progression from one year to the next is determined by
the course regulations. Students who fail a year of their course will not obtain
credit for that year even if they have passed certain component courses.
Exceptions to this rule are one-year and part-year visiting students, who are
awarded credit for individual modules successfully completed.
Programme Regulations
Any relevant regulations e.g.:

Assessment and progression procedures,

Plagiarism,

Prizes and awards if applicable.
Modules
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For each module include the following information:
Module Information:
-
Module title, code, ECTS credits,
-
Term in which module is being offered,
-
Prerequisites, if applicable,
-
Brief course description inc. aims,
-
Learning Outcomes (if completed).
Teaching Information:
-
Primary module instructor, inc. contact details, office hours,
-
Any other teaching staff,
-
Amount of class hours and expected learner guided hours,
-
List of teaching methods employed (e.g. lectures, labs, PBL).
-
List of key texts,
-
Assessment methods and submission/exam dates – including
weighting for each component as a percentage of the total mark.
General Guidelines
Additional information that will be of help to students
At minimum:

Referencing style (What style is to be used and brief guidelines on
use),

Grading criteria (e.g. what constitutes a I, II.I etc.).
Other good practice suggestions:

Explanation of teaching methods,

Study guidelines (how to study at third level, how it differs from
second level),

Guidelines for main assessment techniques,
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
Rationale and use of Turnitin software (if applicable),

Dissertation guidelines.
Information on Academic Resources
Good Practice Suggestion:

Library facilities,

IT facilities,

Any others of relevance to the course?
Health and Safety
Safety Information if applicable:

Chemical safety,

Laboratory safety,

Field trip guidelines,

Out of hours' policy.
Student Supports
Good Practice Suggestion
Include brief overview / contacts for student support services

Tutorial service,

Student Counselling Service / Learning Support and Development,

Disability Service,

Careers Advisory Service,

Any others you feel may be applicable to your students.
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