A Guide to Course Handbooks
By Chloe Burke from the Library Student Team
This blog is a brief guide on what content to expect and how to navigate your course handbook. These handbooks will be your go to source for information on your modules including learning outcomes, teaching, and assessments.
Where can I find my course handbook?
Course handbooks can be found on the relevant module’s Blackboard page, usually under Course Information then Course Content. These pages are formatted under your lecturer’s discretion and differ from module to module, so it helps to get familiar with exploring the Blackboard pages!
You will also be given a school handbook, however these vary broadly depending on your faculty. These can also be found on Blackboard and will likely be emailed to you by your programme leader.
Why should I use my course handbook?
They are a central tool that supports your planning, time management, and overall study experience. They provide essential information that answers frequently asked questions by students around course structure, important institutional policies, and key dates to remember. Although these documents aim to cover everything and should be your first place to look, do not be afraid to email your course convenor with any further questions or clarifications.
Let’s look in more detail at what your course handbook will include:
TITLE PAGE
The title page will have key information such as your programme title, the course title, the course code (e.g. SALC00000), the date/time and location of your classes, along with the names, contact details, and office hours of your course convenors and seminar tutors.
OVERVIEW, AIMS and OBJECTIVES
There will likely be a section dedicated to welcoming you to the course. This will provide a general overview of what you will be learning, the aims of the course, the intended learning outcomes and transferable skills. This section can be super helpful when writing your CV!
TEACHING and SCHEDULES
Depending on your programme and how in-depth the handbook is, there may also be several sections that go over weekly expectations and teaching practices for your course.
There will likely be a planned schedule including what subject and key questions each lecture and seminar will address, so you can be prepared for the weeks ahead.
There will also be a brief on the teaching and learning delivery methods that you can expect, such as weekly lectures and seminars, fieldwork, group study, presentations, guest speakers, field trips etc.
GUIDELINES and EXPECTATIONS
This may either be an individual section or the information may be scattered throughout the document. Your course handbook will include key policies around attendance, engagement, behavioural expectations, word counts and formatting, key terminology, and guidance on independent and group working.
READING and RESOURCES
There will likely also be a list of key reading for your course. This will include the compulsory readings for each week, along with other general reading and additional resources to help widen your understanding. This section is really helpful for planning ahead and getting an idea of the subjects before your classes.
ASSESSMENTS
Arguably the most important section of the course handbook, the assessment criteria. This section will have all the information you need on what is expected of you for your assessments. For coursework essays for example this will include possible titles, things to include (e.g. literature review, methodology, case studies etc.), word counts, and key dates such as proposal and submission deadlines.
Make sure to also check out Blackboard for any past examples of your assignments!
Now you know where to find your course handbook, what information they contain, and why they are so important to your learning experience.
Please do forward any key concerns or questions to your programme leader, course convenor, or your seminar tutor.
Good luck and enjoy your studies at Manchester!
