ABSTRACT
Educational programmes also known as degree courses in higher education come in all shapes, sizes and formats. They range from certificate courses through to higher degrees by research. A student must accumulate all the prescribed credit points as well as meet the course rules or criteria in order complete their course. Units of study within these coursework degree courses can be designed for individual learners, or for a small or a large group of learners. A main challenge for academics who are involved in unit design can be determining and aligning their own personal beliefs and philosophy of teaching, learning and assessment with that of others teaching in the degree course and establishing a common course philosophy and design principles. Teaching academics who are charged with leading unit design work are usually required to work within the framework of a course, and an agreed set of goals for which academic and administrative considerations can be key drivers.
