Coventry University revolutionises Degree Delivery with Flexible Six-Intake Academic Model

Coventry University is set to implement major reforms to its course delivery model, introducing a flexible, student-centric approach that departs from traditional academic structures.

Starting this September, the university will transition all postgraduate taught courses across the Coventry University Group to a six-intake model per academic year. Undergraduate courses are scheduled to follow in September 2026. This shift will see teaching delivered in six-week blocks, followed by an assessment week, marking a significant departure from the conventional term and semester framework used across much of the UK higher education sector.

The move positions Coventry University as a trailblazer in flexible learning, building upon its established success with block teaching at its CU campuses in Coventry, Scarborough, and London (Dagenham and Greenwich). While other institutions have adopted the block teaching method, Coventry University is scaling the approach across its entire academic offering.

With the new model, students will no longer be limited to a single start date in September. Instead, they can begin their studies at multiple points throughout the year, offering enhanced flexibility and accessibility. The carousel-style delivery of modules allows students to start their programmes at a time that suits them best, supporting different life circumstances and educational pathways.

This change enables more personalised learning journeys and provides the university with greater agility to continue offering smaller, specialist courses that may otherwise be discontinued at other institutions.

Commenting on the development, Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Group Chief Executive Officer of Coventry University, said:

“These changes are all about giving added flexibility to students who want to benefit from the qualifications Coventry University Group is able to help them achieve. While our CU locations have long offered six-week teaching blocks, we are now rolling out this model across all of our campuses, having seen how popular and effective this approach has proved.

“Our key focus is preparing our students for a fulfilling and productive career in their chosen field, and we believe these changes help us to do that, while offering a huge degree of flexibility for those exploring the incredible life-transforming opportunities higher education can offer.”

Coventry University has a longstanding reputation for innovation in teaching and learning. With this latest transformation, the institution reaffirms its commitment to student success, progression, and satisfaction—empowering learners with greater choice and a more dynamic academic experience.