A short introduction on why programme and course design is important, and an overview of how to navigate these webpages. What is programme and course design? Programme and course design - thinking about an overall structure for a programme of study - provides the vital foundation for pedagogical success, which involves far more than just adding content to a course structure. Designing programmes and courses thoughtfully and rigorously provides a framework for sustainable and effective teaching and learning, which leads to successful student outcomes.This involves thinking critically, innovatively, and in a connected manner about elements such as assessment and feedback, student experience, and teaching.Programme and course design, or curriculum design, is best approached holistically and iteratively. Using this these webpages These webpages will help you design and develop your programmes and courses by signposting you to high-impact teaching practices, which are founded in evidence-based learning and teaching scholarship. These include: University of Edinburgh-supported resources, design techniques, good practice examples, case studies, quick tips, toolkits, and reflective prompts.These webpages are not meant to be prescriptive nor a how-to guide; their aim is to provide you with a compilation of resources and information provided by a range of colleagues across the University of Edinburgh, as well as from external sources, to guide you on whatever stage you are at in programme and course design. Feel free to pick and choose what is of most use to you.The options listed on the side menu are themes integral to ‘good’ teaching, which should be consulted when designing courses and programmes, for example, Universal Design, Sustainability, and Reflection. For each menu option, there is a main core elements page to give an overview, plus currently two further pages per topic. A page on embedding in practice (including tips, reflection prompts, and case studies), and a page of additional resources such as blogs, videos, articles, etc. This article was published on 2026-07-24
