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Deeper learning and better results with block teaching

At DMU, your child will benefit from our innovative teaching method called block teaching. We’re one of only a few universities in the country to use this approach where students study one subject at a time for deeper learning and better results.

What is block teaching?

Block teaching is our distinctive approach to teaching where students study subjects in blocks and are assessed on each subject before moving on to the next one.

The straightforward timetable means students study modules in blocks – one block lasts six/seven weeks with two blocks per semester and four blocks per year. Students complete assessments at the end of each teaching block and receive quick feedback, helping them make progress and improve throughout the course.

What are the benefits of block teaching?

  • By focusing on one subject at a time, your child will develop a deeper understanding of it as they are not juggling multiple modules.
  • More regular assessments and feedback means they can evaluate their progress throughout the year and don’t have the stress of lots of exams all at once.
  • The simple timetable means they will be able to get to know their tutors and coursemates well and have a better study-life balance.
  • It often reflects how workplace projects are structured so it’ll help your child build the problem-solving, time-management and collaboration skills that employers value.
  • Our blocks are designed around professional requirements, so placements are built in without disrupting learning.
  • In certain subjects, professional requirements may mean the teaching methods differ slightly to accommodate the requirements of the course. Even so, your child will continue to receive the same high-quality learning experience.

What students think of it

Block teaching is a different way of learning for most students – particularly if they’ve done A Levels where they study several subjects at the same time and have exams at the end of the year.

90 of students said they enjoyed focusing on one module at a time
86 felt it supported their work/life balance (Student Experience Tracker Survey 2024)

Block teaching explainer

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