Curriculum

Introduction 

Curricula are essential in Classter’s Higher Education mode.  

Each Curriculum: 

• Is associated with one or more _Grades_.

• At the same time, a single Grade can be linked to multiple Curricula. 

• _Students_ are automatically assigned to their Curriculum based on the above associations. 

Each Curriculum also defines _subject_ enrollment rules, including: 

• Based on the student’s academic path within the Program (e.g., current Semester or Specialization). 

• Depending on the subject’s classification (e.g., Mandatory or Elective). 

• Considering other subjects as prerequisites. 

• Fulfilling credit/hour prerequisites. 

Each Curriculum defines graduation eligibility criteria, such as: 

• Completion of the required _subjects_, credits, or instructional hours. 

• Adherence to limits on total duration (Years/Semesters), number of failed subjects, and absences. 

• Achieving a minimum required GPA. 

Curricula are also used for: 

• Bulk auto-enrollment in Mandatory subjects. 

• Online self-enrollment in _subjects_. 

• Promotion control (e.g., progression to the next academic year or semester). 

• Academic reporting (e.g., transcript generation). 

Pre-requisites & Important Info 

Main Entities 

Before creating the Curricula, it is essential to have your basic Educational Programs structure configured.  

• _Locations_ (e.g., Campuses, Faculties, or Departments) 

• _Grade_ (e.g., Foundation Year, BA, MBA, MSc, Certificates, Non-Degree Programs) 

• _Stream_ (e.g., _Students_ academic progress/path in the curriculum) 

• _Educational Program Category_ /Specialization (e.g., options/tracks within the Program, or Shifts such as Online, Hybrid etc. 

These entities must be defined to support Curriculum-based operations and _Student_ enrollment. 

List of Subjects 

Before building the Curricula, all _Subjects_ must be created in the central list of subjects found in Main Settings. This master list serves as the foundation for Curriculum-specific customization. 

Each _Subject_ includes a set of default properties, such as the following: 

• Abbreviation 

• Description 

• Subject Category 

• _Grade_ (required default linkage; can be linked to multiple Programs) 

• _Stream_ 

• Prerequisite _Subjects_ 

• ECTS or Credit Value 

• Weekly Hours 

These defaults are informational only and may be customized per Curriculum. What is used in practice are the Curriculum-specific values of each _Subject_. 

Common Subjects Across Curricula 

If the same _Subject_ is used in multiple Curricula (e.g., co-teaching across Programs), it should only be added once to the central list and then get connected to multiple Curricula. 

When adding _Subjects_ to a curriculum classification, each subject can be customized to reflect curriculum-specific properties: 

Basic Data 

• Subject Custom Abbreviation for This Curriculum: Allows a localized abbreviation different from the master subject list, suitable for internal codes or specific cohort identifiers. 

• Subject Custom Title for This Curriculum: Enables renaming the _Subject_ as it appears in this curriculum, without altering its master record title. 

• Subject Default Abbreviation, Title, Code: Displays the original information from the central subject list for reference (e.g., ABY 151, Introduction to Christian and Byzantine Archaeology). 

• Allow Enrollment of This as an Additional Subject (Interested Only): If enabled, students can enroll in this subject optionally, beyond their core requirements. 

• Subject Category: Defines whether the subject is Mandatory, Optional, Elective, etc., which affects enrollment rules. 

• It Replaces the Following Subjects: Lists any subjects this one supersedes, used for equivalency handling during curriculum transitions. If the original subject is marked as reserved, the new subject will also be considered as reserved/passed. 

• Alternative Subject: Used in specific cases for parallel programs offered by different providers. 

• Exclude from Transcript Calculations: If checked, the subject will not be factored into transcript summaries (e.g., GPA, total credits). 

• Exclude from Marks Calculation (Degree Marks & GPA): Omits the subject’s marks from degree classification and GPA calculations. 

Hours & Credits 

• Labs / Lab2: Defines the number of lab hours associated with the subject. 

• Total Hours: The cumulative instructional hours for the subject within this curriculum. 

• Credits 1 / Credits 2: Specifies the subject’s credit values, used for academic credit tracking and graduation requirements. (Credits 2 is used only in reporting) 

Prerequisites 

• Prerequisite Hours: Minimum hours required before enrolling in this subject. 

• Credits: Minimum earned credits required as a prerequisite. 

• Prerequisite Subjects Number: Indicates how many prerequisite subjects must be completed. 

• Prerequisite Subject: Lists specific subjects that must be completed/passed prior to enrolling in this one. 

• Prerequisite GPA Mark: The minimum cumulative GPA a student must have to enroll in this subject. 

Properties when used in Qualification Curriculum in Admission 

• Multiplier: A weight applied during qualification calculations (e.g., admission scoring). 

• Enable Maximum / Minimum Mark Limit: Activates mark thresholds for this subject. 

• Minimum Mark: The lowest acceptable mark. 

• Maximum Mark: The highest possible mark allowed. 

This setup enables institutions to: 

• Maintain a unified list of academic _Subjects_ 

• Reuse shared content across different Curricula and _Grades_ 

• Connect _Subjects_ to LMSs and integrations using consistent subject codes 

• Customize each Curriculum’s academic requirements while using common teaching components 

Other Notes 

• _Groups_ (e.g., lab sessions or class sections) are configured separately from Curricula. 

• A _Subject_ can have one or more _Groups_ assigned. 

• Enrollments begin from the Curriculum, and the _Group_ assignment follows based on configuration or manual selection. 

Typical Curriculum Structures 

Curricula can follow various structures based on academic policy. Examples below reflect business school models: 

✔️ Example A: Standard structure with academic years and semesters 

 Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA) 

• Year 1 
  • Semester 1: Introduction to Business, Business Communication 
  • Semester 2: Financial Accounting, Microeconomics 

• Year 2 
  • Semester 1: Marketing Principles, Organizational Behavior 
  • Semester 2: Business Analytics, International Business Strategy 

(This is a hierarchical structure where classifications contain other nested classifications.) 

✔️ Example B: Term-based structure 

 MBA Full-Time Program 

• Year 1 – Semester / Quarter / Term 1: Strategic Management, Quantitative Methods 

• Year 1 – Semester / Quarter / Term 2: Managerial Finance, Operations Management 

(This is a simple structure consisting of a single classification that directly groups subjects.) 

✔️ Example C: Mixed Mandatory and Optional 

 MSc in Digital Marketing 

• Semester 1 
  • Mandatory: Digital Marketing Foundations, Consumer Behavior 
  • Optional: E-Commerce Technologies, Web Analytics 

• Semester 2 
  • Mandatory: Campaign Strategy, Social Media Marketing 

(This is a hierarchical structure where classifications contain other nested classifications.) 

✔️ Example D: Categorized modular layout 

• Semester 1 – Mandatory: Business Ethics, Data Analysis for Managers 

• Semester 1 – Optional: Leadership Lab, Business Simulation 

(This is a simple structure consisting of a single classification that directly groups subjects.) 

Or 

• Year 2 – Semester 1 – Mandatory: Innovation Strategy, Strategic HR Management 

• Year 2 – Semester 1 – Optional: Sustainable Finance, Emerging Markets Analysis 

(This is a simple structure consisting of a single classification that directly groups subjects.) 

✔️ Simple Structure 

Certificate in Entrepreneurship (flexible, non-sequenced program) 

• Mandatory: Business Plan Development, Startup Financing 

• Optional: Entrepreneurial Law, Innovation Management 

(This is a simple structure consisting of a single classification that directly groups subjects.) 

Note! Such structures allow flexibility without enforcing a predefined academic path. Rules like prerequisites or minimum ECTS per Subject still apply. 

Configuration Steps 

1. Define the Classifications in your Curriculum (e.g., Year → Semester → Category) 

2. Add _Subjects_ or other Classifications under the proper Classification 

3. Set properties for each _Subject_ within the Curriculum:
   •  Title 
   • ECTS / Credits 
   • Weekly Hours 
   • Prerequisites 
   • Code / Abbreviation 
   • Subject Category 

These values will be used during _Student_ enrollment, academic tracking, and reporting. 

Step 1: Create your Curriculum 

Navigate to Main Settings > Educational Programs > Curriculum > Create New 

Set the appropriate and necessary properties and continue to create the curriculum structure.  

General Data & Rules 

• Active (checkbox): Enables or disables the Curriculum. Only active Curricula are available for use in enrollments and academic operations. 

• Title: The name of the Curriculum, typically aligned with the academic program it supports. 

• Description: A brief summary providing additional context or details about the Curriculum. 

• Duration: Standard duration of the Curriculum, expressed in academic years or semesters. 

• Max allowed duration: The maximum time a student can remain enrolled in the Curriculum. 

• Total absences limit: The allowable total number of absences across the entire Curriculum. 

• Unauthorized absences limit: The maximum number of absences including those not formally justified. 

• Annual Result: Select a predefined annual results model to apply for academic evaluation. The annual result model also defines the given Curriculum. 

• Auto assign Subjects in Classifications with no filtering values (checkbox): During the automated enrollment of subjects this will override the enrollment constraints at curriculum level. 

Graduation Eligibility 

These fields determine whether a student qualifies for graduation: 

• Graduation Eligibility Based on: Choose the primary criteria used to calculate eligibility (subjects, hours, or credits). 

• Required Number Of Subjects: Total subjects a student must pass to graduate. 

• Required hours: Total instructional hours required for graduation. 

• Required Credits: Total credit units (e.g., ECTS) needed for graduation. 

• Max num of Credits: Sets a ceiling for the number of credits a student can take within this Curriculum. 

• Limit for failed Subjects: The maximum number of failed subjects allowed for graduation eligibility. 

• Required GPA mark: The minimum cumulative GPA a student must achieve. 

• Special Subject mark: Select a specific subject whose passing mark is critical for graduation even if it is not included in the official transcript. 

• Distinction mark: Threshold mark for achieving graduation with distinction. 

• Distinction GPA mark: GPA level needed to graduate with distinction. 

• Distinction mark of required Subject: A higher threshold grade for a key subject that distinguishes honors graduates. 

Enrollment Rules for Students self-enrollment 

Define the constraints for students who self-enroll online: 

• Enrollments period: Choose whether self-enrollment rules and constraints are managed per Curriculum or per academic period. 

• Min Subjects: Minimum number of subjects a student must enroll in during the (enrollment) period. 

• Max Subjects: Maximum number of subjects a student can enroll in during the (enrollment) period. 

• Min new Subjects: Minimum number of new subjects (not previously enrolled) required per period. 

• Allowed credits per enrolment Period: The maximum credits a student can take during a single (enrollment) period. 

Certifications Setup 

• Marking Range: Select a predefined scale (e.g., 0–100, A–F) used for subject assessment and transcript generation. 

Custom Fields  

Use this section to apply any additional custom fields that are specific to your institution’s reporting or compliance needs. 

• My Custom Curriculum Field: A configurable dropdown to categorize Curricula using internal custom parameters (e.g., funding stream, academic division). 

• Option 1, Option 2: Sample selectable values defined by the institution. 

Step 2: Create a Structure  

The first step in building a Curriculum is to define the Classifications that represent the structural hierarchy of your _Subjects_. These Classifications help group subjects into meaningful categories based on how your institution organizes its academic offerings. 

There are two common approaches to structuring a Curriculum using Classifications: 

• A direct list of _Subjects_ (Simple Structure) 

• A structured set of Classifications grouping _Subjects_ by your institution’s categories. (Structure With Classifications) 

NOTE: At least one classification must exist in order to add subjects 

Simple Structure 

For example, in the image below, we see a list of _Subjects_ grouped under the  

• “Mandatory”  

• “Optional” 

To begin, you can Add or Create a new Classification pressing the blue button on the upper – left corner of the Curriculum screen.  

(This is a simple structure consisting of a single classification that directly groups subjects.) 

A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to configure the new Classification. Each Classification reflects a type of academic requirement, such as Mandatory and Optional, and defines how its included subjects behave in terms of enrollment rules. 

Add a new Classification pressing the blue button on the upper left corner or Edit an existing one pressing the pencil icon.  

Let us see it as a diagram to better understand the structure. Classification properties are fully explained in the next step below. 

(This is a simple structure consisting of a single classification that directly groups subjects.) 

Structure With Classifications 

A Curriculum is structured using a hierarchy of Classifications—organized groupings of _Subjects_ that typically follow the academic progression of the Program, such as: Year → Semester → Subjects. 

In the example below, the Classification titled Year 1 (Mandatory Core) is divided into two sub-Classifications: 

• Semester 1 

• Semester 2 

(This is a hierarchical structure where classifications contain other nested classifications.) 

Each Semester contains a group of 6 subjects, totaling 12 subjects for Year 1. This total is defined in the configuration settings of the Year 1 (Mandatory Core) Classification. 

This hierarchical structure allows for a clear and scalable organization of subjects across years and semesters, supporting flexible rules for enrollment and progression.  

Step 3: Create your Classifications 

These Classifications help structure content logically, ensuring clarity and compliance with academic requirements. 

Examples of Classifications include: 

• Academic Year (e.g., Year 1, Year 2) 

• {Semester} or {Term} (e.g., Semester 1, Term 2) 

• _Subject_ Category (e.g., Mandatory, Optional, Elective) 

You can nest Classifications to reflect your institution’s progression and categorization. For example: 

📘 Year 1 > 

• Semester 1 >  
  • Mandatory 
  • Optional  

Additional examples of Classification uses include: 

• Specialization paths (e.g., Marketing Track, Finance Track) 

• Course types (e.g., Labs, Workshops, Thesis) 

Below, we will begin by creating classifications of subjects and any additional groupings needed for your Curriculum. 

1. Add your first Classifications 

To add a new Classification, click the blue Add Classification button located in the upper-left corner of the Curriculum screen. 

A configuration pop-up will appear, allowing you to: 

• Add a new Classification using the blue Add New button. 

• Edit an existing Classification by clicking the pencil icon next to it. 

In the pop-up window, fill in the appropriate fields to define the Classification: 

This is an example of a parent Classification that serves as a top-level category and will contain additional nested sub-Classifications beneath it, such as Semester 3 and Semester 4 under Year 2. 

• Enter a Description to label the Classification clearly  

• Select the appropriate _Educational Program Category _/Specialization (this links the Classification to a specific academic track or department). 

• It is very important to define the type of Classification: whether this is a parent Classification (containing other Classifications) or a Classification of Subjects. This determines how the Curriculum hierarchy is structured. 

• Check the Mandatory box if this group includes subjects that _Students_ are required to enroll. This setting works in conjunction with the enrollment rules defined below. 

• Select the Count Type (subjects, credits, or hours) to define how enrollment rules will be applied. 
  • Number of Subjects – used in simpler structures 
  • Credit-based – for ECTS-aligned Programs 
  • Hours – useful for attendance-based tracking  

• Once a Count Type is selected, fill in the corresponding field(s) below to define minimum and/or maximum values. 

• Optionally, configure additional parameters such as _Grade_ or _Stream_ to further specify where this Classification applies within the broader Curriculum. 

Once you have defined the structure of parent Classifications (e.g., Year 1, Year 2), you can continue by configuring the individual Classifications that will contain subjects. 

These subject-level Classifications (such as Semester 3, Semester 4) define the actual academic content that _Students_ can be enrolled in. Within each of these, you can: 

• Add a clear Description and select the appropriate _Educational Program Category_/Specialization to associate the group with a specific academic track. 

• Apply enrollment rules based on credits, number of subjects, or hours. 

• Specify whether the Classification is Mandatory or Optional for _Student_ enrollment. 

• Define how many subjects (or credits/hours) _Students_ must select or complete from this group. 

• Optionally, configure additional parameters such as _Grade_ or _Stream_ to further refine how and where this Classification applies. 

This structure enables full control over the student’s academic path while supporting flexible enrollment and graduation policies. 

Note: Never forget to set the ‘Classification of’ property to either ‘Subjects’ or ‘Other Classifications’ when adding a new Classification—this is essential for the hierarchy to function correctly. 

2. Create a structure for your classifications 

To add a new Classification to your Curriculum Structure, first determine its appropriate place within the hierarchy—for example, under a specific Year or Semester. 

Once the target level is identified, click the Add button. 

A window will appear displaying all existing Classifications. From there, you can select one or more Classifications to nest under the selected parent Classification. Do not forget to press the Add Selected button. 

This step ensures that your Curriculum hierarchy remains organized and accurately reflects the academic structure of your Programs. 

✅At this point, you should have your academic structure defined (e.g., Year 2 > Semester 3), ready to be populated with subjects. 

Note: Never forget to set the ‘Classification of’ property to either ‘Subjects’ or ‘Other Classifications’ when adding a new Classification—this is essential for the hierarchy to function correctly. 

Step 4: Add Subjects to Classifications 

Semesters 3 and 4 are Classifications of subjects, so the next step is to add the appropriate subjects under each one by following the same process used previously. Click the Add button within the desired Classification. 

A pop-up window will appear, displaying all available subjects. You can use the built-in filters—such as _Grade_, _Stream_, or _Subject_ Category_—to narrow down the list and select the relevant subjects to include in this Classification.  

Once you have found the subjects, select one or more from the list and click the Add Selected button to include them in the Classification. 

The selected subjects will automatically appear under the corresponding Semester Classification where they were added, reflecting their placement within the Curriculum structure. 

(This is a hierarchical structure where classifications contain other nested classifications.) 

Conclusion 

A well-configured Curriculum is the foundation of all academic processes in Classter. It governs enrollment, progression, grading, and graduation eligibility. By following the steps in this guide, you ensure that your Programs are structured, compliant, and ready to support both _Students_ and staff.