The LUBS guide to University Jargon

Every large organisation has a lot of strange words and acronyms which it uses to describe its daily workings, and this is often referred to as "jargon". Encountering a lot of jargon can be confusing when you are new, so we've compiled this list of common terms you will read and hear during your time at University.

Have a read through the entries below, which are listed alphabetically. If you see a word in bold it means that term also has its own entry in the list. If you would like to search for a particular jargon word you have encountered, use the standard keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + F" to open your browser search box.

It's a growing list, so if you encounter a word or phrase which you think needs to be added please send us an email with your suggestion

Academic Personal Tutor (APT)

When you start at Leeds you will be allocated an Academic Personal Tutor who will be able to:

• Assist you in reviewing your academic progress, helping you to develop independent learning skills

• Encourage you to reflect on your learning, both within and beyond the formal curriculum, and to consider how it contributes to your future development and career

• Support your personal and professional development providing initial advice and signposting to careers guidance, co-curricular opportunities and other services

• Listen. Adjusting to University life can be challenging. There may be times when you would like support in relation to circumstances impacting on your studies. If you are feeling stressed or anxious you can turn to your Academic Personal Tutor, they will be able to make referrals to other services in the Faculty and wider University as appropriate.

Additional Consideration

Additional Consideration is a request to the School for your circumstances to be taken into account at the next Special Cases Committee meeting. It differs from an Extension request because Additional Consideration is usually applied for after the assessment has taken place.

Credits

Each module is worth a certain number of credits, which are put towards the total number of credits you would need to study to complete a level.

When you successfully pass a module you will be awarded that number of credits.

Discovery Modules

If you are studying for an undergraduate degree programme you will be required to take some modules as an essential requirement of your degree, and you may also have a choice of options.

In addition, you can choose some modules, known as Discovery Modules, from a very broad range of subjects across the University that are of more general interest.

Extensions

If you are affected by circumstances that will have a short-term impact on your ability to complete coursework assessments such as illness, you can make an application for an extension to a coursework deadline. If approved, this will give you extra time to complete your work.

Lecture

A lecture is a talk on a specialised subject which usually takes place in a large classroom, with a teacher speaking at the front whilst students take notes.

Level

This refers to the level of difficulty of the module or programme, starting at level 0 for foundation and preparatory programmes and ranging up to level 3 for the highest undergraduate level.

For full-time students, each level is roughly the same as one year. For part-time students, each level may take two years.

Minerva

Minerva is the University of Leeds’ virtual learning environment. It gives you easy access to all your learning resources and links to essential services such as your email, timetable and much more.

Mitigating circumstance (MIT CIRCS)

Mitigating circumstances are normally exceptional, short term, unforeseen and unpreventable events that may have a significantly disruptive effect on your ability to take assessments.

There are two routes of mitigation (extra help) available: Extensions to Coursework Deadlines and Additional Consideration.

Module

Programmes are usually divided into units of study known as modules. Each module will cover a particular theme or topic.

Each programme consists of several modules focusing on different aspects of the programme. You take a set number of modules each year to build up to your final qualification.

Read further information about modules here

Programme

A programme (or programme of study to give the full title) is another word for your course.

The terms programme and course are often used interchangeably. At the University, qualifications and courses are usually referred to as programmes of study and are broken down into individual levels. The number of levels you need to complete a programme depends on the qualification you are aiming for.

Registration

Whether you’re a new or returning student you will need to complete student registration at the start of each academic year.

Registration helps us check information such as your course, how you will pay your tuition fees, the legal documents you need and your identity.

Seminar

A classroom set-up of students with a tutor where they discuss a topic from the module.

Seminars are an opportunity to share opinions, ideas, research and interact with other students.

StREAM@Leeds

StREAM@Leeds is the University's learning analytics system. It is a tool for you to take ownership of the way you engage with digital systems and services at the University, as well as enhance your Academic Personal Tutoring meetings.

How you use StREAM@Leeds is up to you! Whilst providing access to your Learning Analytics data will be hugely beneficial to many, how and when you consult your StREAM@Leeds dashboard is always your choice and shouldn't be considered a compulsory element of your time at Leeds.

Whilst your Academic Personal Tutor and Student Support staff in your School will also have access to the system in order to provide you support where needed, it is you who chooses how much and often you consult the data in StREAM@Leeds.

Terms and Semesters

Although the academic year is broken into terms as at school, most teaching takes place over longer time periods referred to as semesters.

These run from September through to January, and February through to June. Some programmes also have summer schools or courses.

Read further information on 2023/24 term and semester dates here

Timetables

All of our students have their own personal timetable which can be accessed through Minerva or our UniLeeds app.

tutorial

A tutorial is an academic meeting where a small group meets to discuss their work and general course issues with each other and their tutor.

Tutorials can also be on an individual basis with a student discussing their work with a tutor.