Understanding Credit Units, Course Load and Core vs Elective Courses

Understanding Credit Units, Course Load and Core vs Elective Courses

Who is this for?  All learners planning their studies.

Understanding how your programme is structured helps you plan your studies and monitor your progress. This article explains credit units, course load, and the difference between core and elective courses.

Credit units

Credit units indicate the academic value of a course and represent the amount of learning needed to complete it. Each course carries a set number of units that count towards the total required for graduation. You can view the credit units for each course in your course or results section on the SIS.

Course load

Your course load is the total number of credit units you register in a semester. For both undergraduate and postgraduate learners, the recommended load is between 18 and 24 credit units per semester. Registering an appropriate load keeps you progressing steadily towards graduation.

Core and elective courses

Core courses are compulsory: every learner must complete them to graduate. Elective courses are optional and let you explore an area of interest or broaden your knowledge beyond the core curriculum.

Where electives form part of an undergraduate programme, if two electives are offered in a semester you choose and complete one of them; if only one is offered, you may choose whether to register for it, depending on your programme requirements and plan.

Related articles:  Course Requirements for Each Semester   •   Reduced Course Load and Extended Study Duration   •   Registering Your Courses for a New Semester   •   Understanding the Grading System and Grade Point Scale

Need help?  Contact your Success Advisor at success@miva.university, reach the Success Advisory WhatsApp channel, or raise a ticket on the Support Portal.


    • Related Articles

    • Reduced Course Load and Extended Study Duration

      Who is this for? Learners considering registering fewer courses in a semester. The recommended course load for both undergraduate and postgraduate learners is 18 to 24 credit units per semester. You may choose to reduce your load, but it helps to ...
    • Repeating a Course (Carryover): Process and Requirements

      Who is this for? Learners who need to retake a course they did not complete. A carryover course is any course a student did not successfully complete and must retake in a later semester. You must formally request registration for it and complete all ...
    • Registering Your Courses for a New Semester

      Who is this for? All learners registering for a semester. Registering for a new semester is straightforward. Log in to your student portal and click Pay and Enrol to reach the payment portal and complete your tuition payment. Once payment succeeds, ...
    • Understanding the Grading System and Grade Point Scale

      Who is this for? All learners tracking their academic progress. Understanding how grading works helps you track your progress, set goals, and make sense of your overall performance. A grade is the score you earn from assessments such as mid-semester ...
    • Degree Programmes Offered at Miva

      Who is this for? Prospective and current learners exploring Miva's academic offering. Miva offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed for success in a fast-changing world. Whether your interest is technology, ...