These FAQs are here to help you find the information you need, when you need it, but you can always contact AskBU if you’d like to talk to someone in person, by phone or email, or if you have feedback about the FAQs.
How is the timetable planned?
Building timetables for the next academic year usually begins in October.
The timetabling team work closely with academic colleagues to collate delivery information for 400+ Programmes and 1,500+ Units across all four Faculties.
The delivery information is input into the timetabling system from which a schedule is prepared to accommodate approximately 20,000 events. The timetable is manually adjusted to resolve clashes for class groups and staff where identified, and to ensure that allocated rooms are suitable for the planned activities.
The timetabling process seeks to minimise the number of early starts and late finishes occurring on the same day. Every effort is made to have no more than three hours of consecutive timetabled learning/teaching in the same day with no more than two free hours between timetabled sessions in the same day wherever possible.
In addition, subject to individual programmes, the timetabling process will endeavour to keep one day clear of scheduled teaching for each student.
Timetabling is complex and unfortunately it isn’t possible to bespoke everyone's individual timetable.
However, if you do have any issues with your timetable, please contact your Programme Support Officer. If you do not know who this is, please contact AskBU.