UMF Staff Handbook

Almost all the programmes at the University of Northampton are organised within the University Modular Framework (UMF), which regulates taught programmes at levels 4-8. Some modules that are provided for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) do not lead to an award, but still fit into the Framework.

The UMF is a modular framework; it divides the content of each programme into discrete units of study called modules. Each module is credit rated and as students successfully complete modules they accumulate credit towards particular awards. The principal purpose of the UMF is to provide a framework for the design, structure, assessment and regulation of programmes of study. The Framework promotes efficiency in the development of new programmes and the use of teaching and learning resources. It ensures equity of experience and treatment for students in terms of study hours, assessment etc.  

This Handbook is divided into 4 parts.

• The first part, the Framework day to day, is concerned with how the Framework influences the day to day activity of academic staff. It aims to explain the issues that are relevant to working with students.
• The second part, The Framework and Design, is intended to provide guidance for the development of modules or programmes
• The third part, Writing Learning Outcomes, aims to provide guidance about writing module specifications and learning outcomes.
• The last part, The Appendices,  is a resource and contains a glossary of terms