What will I learn on this module?
This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one semester as part of your programme.
This is a 60 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a semester of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).
Your study abroad semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as an additional 60 credits for Engineering and Environment Study Abroad Semester.
How will I learn on this module?
This will vary according to the partner University and their programme of study.
It is recommended that you keep a record of your activities with reflections, as at the end of the study abroad semester you will be required to undertake a presentation to the module tutor and your supervisor.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Pre-departure: students attend relevant presentations (including a Health and Safety briefing) and meet with the Module Tutor/Faculty staff to satisfy their specific requirements.
On Study Abroad: Support will be provided by the host University. Additionally, you will be allocated a Supervisor who is able to provide academic and pastoral support, and the Module Tutor and other relevant Faculty staff will maintain contact with you throughout the study abroad semester.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: To acquire a broader, international and interculturally informed understanding of your subject discipline
Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO2: To experience different cultural approaches to learning, study and academic development
• MLO3: To acquire intercultural competence, cross-cultural literacy, and (where relevant) to practice foreign-language skills
Personal Values Attributes:
• MLO4: To develop enhanced, culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: This will vary according to host University
Summative assessment:
Transcript of Results (80%)
The module assesses your academic performance on modules studied at the host University and is graded on a pass/fail basis. In order to pass the module, you have to take and pass the equivalent of 60 Northumbria credits at the host institution (as documented by the transcript).
Presentation (20%)
You must undertake a 10 minute presentation after completing the Study Abroad semester. The presentation will be given to the Module Tutor and your supervisor and must form an account of your Study Abroad semester as well as containing reference to any issues/observations of an organisational, institutional, linguistic or cultural nature experienced during the placement.
Feedback: This will vary according to host University
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
The module aims to introduce you to the experience of academic study in a different country, and you will be expected to develop resilience and flexibility as you adapt to different teaching styles and different administrative procedures, and to living in a new country. Regardless of the language of study, you are expected to develop your communication skills and gain a perspective by comparing your experiences.
The aim of the presentation assessment is to focus awareness of the impact of the time spent studying abroad, comparing expectations with realities and developing an awareness of the cultural and intellectual differences involved. You will be encouraged to critically engage with the academic practices and various modes of study within the host university, and to reflect on their educational development in the context of the challenges posed by everyday life in an unfamiliar social and economic environment.
Course info
UCAS Code W251
Credits 60
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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