What are the catalogues?
The University of Leeds publishes its taught curriculum on web pages called the programme and module catalogues.
Catalogue web pages
- Undergraduate Module Catalogue
- Undergraduate Programme Catalogue
- Postgraduate Module Catalogue
- Postgraduate Programme Catalogue
The curricular information that is published on the web catalogues is the “true record” of our programme and module specifications. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that this information is kept accurate and up to date.
These web pages also provide a historical record of what had been taught at a particular time. For example, the 2016/17 programme catalogue entry for BA English displays the programme structure for each level of this degree programme in 2016/17.
Backend content management system
The curricular information is held on two backend content management systems: the module catalogue & the programme catalogue. These use Banner functionality, but the information is held in a separate database. As some curricular information is stored in the actual Banner database, it is crucial for data quality to ensure that the two sources of information are kept accurate and synchronised.
Systems the catalogue impacts
Timetabling
The catalogues have an impact on the timetabling system, as the specification of the module’s maximum class size is used by the timetabling team when allocating rooms for taught activities.
Coursefinder
The University has an external facing “CourseSearch” system that prospective students can use to find degree programmes they are interested in studying. Information about programme content on this page pulls directly from the programme catalogue.
Online module enrolment
Current students enrol on their module choices online. The structure of their programme and the available optional modules guide the choices that students can make in this system. This structure is written and maintained in the programme catalogue.
As module enrolment operates on a “first-come, first-served” basis, getting data quality in the catalogues right is crucially important. Failing to do so can have significant negative impact on the student experience.