Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What is I-Explore?

I-Explore is a broad portfolio of degree credit modules that launched in Oct 2020, providing an opportunity for you to broaden your knowledge and tackle a subject area outside of your core discipline.

In either Year 2 or 3 of your undergraduate degree (depending on your department), you will take an I-Explore Module. The module  you take will be integrated into your  programme  and will count  for  credit towards your degree.

What is the purpose of the modules?

Imperial College is committed to providing a broader and more inclusive education experience for all students. In the academic year 2019/20 we took a significant step forward in realising that ambition, with undergraduate students being offered a for-credit module from options outside of their core subject.

The university wants to help prepare you to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world by giving you educational experiences, skills, and knowledge which go beyond the traditional limits of a university curriculum. By taking part in challenging activities outside of your discipline, you will be able to apply your knowledge in a new context.

What are the types of modules I can choose from?

To make it easier to follow your interests, the I-Explore portfolio has been divided into four categories:

Imperial Horizons modules

Imperial Horizons gives you access to a wide range of options, including modules focused on humanities, social sciences, languages, and global challenges. There are opportunities to collaborate and work on projects with real-world impact.

Business for Professionals of Engineering and Science (BPES) modules

BPES modules, delivered by Imperial College Business School, give you the chance to gain a greater understanding of the financial, strategic and operational context of your core subject.

STEMM modules

These modules allow you to study areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) which are outside of your core curriculum. This will also include topical STEMM areas being pioneered by our researchers that are not currently offered within our undergraduate degrees.

Multidisciplinary project modules

Multidisciplinary Projects have collaboration at their heart. You will work in a team of students from other departments to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society. Together you will work on both developing and pitching your product or idea.

Is I-Explore a compulsory part of my degree, and can I opt-out if I have a good reason?

An I-Explore module in Year 2 or 3 is an integral part of your degree. Your Department will decide on which year you will take your chosen module.

There is no option to opt-out of taking an I-Explore module. The College considers it critical to your learning experience that you have the chance to broaden your knowledge and tackle a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules built into your degree.

Will I take my I-Explore module in my second or third year of study?

The following students take an I-Explore module in Year 2: 

  • Dyson School of Design Engineering
  • Life Sciences Department
  • Maths Department
  • Physics Department
  • School of Medicine - Students on the MBBS and BMB Programmes

The following students take an I-Explore module in Year 3: 

  • Chemistry Department
  • All Engineering departments*

*Except for the Dyson School of Design Engineering who take their I-Explore module in Year 2.

Are there any restrictions on which I-Explore modules I can apply for?

Please see Module restrictions for information on the general restrictions that apply when choosing your modules and any specific restrictions affecting students in your home department or on your degree programme. 

Are I-Explore modules first-come, first-served?

No, we do not use a first-come, first-served allocation system for I-Explore.

I-Explore modules are allocated via an algorithm which aims to maximise overall group happiness. It aims to provide all students with one of their highly-ranked modules. However, each module has a limited capacity and it is therefore possible that you will be assigned your fourth, fifth, or sixth choice. You should consider each of your choices carefully. 

You can submit or change your 6 preferences any time during the module selection period. All preferences submitted during the module selection period will be treated equally. If you miss the deadline to submit your choices, the selection of modules you can choose from may be limited.

How and when do I select my I-Explore module?

You will select your I-Explore module in the academic year before you take the module. Students taking their I-Explore module in Year 2 will select their module in Year 1, and students taking their I-Explore module in Year 3 will select their module in Year 2.

Please see Choosing your module preferences for more information on how and when to choose your module. 

You will be asked to select six I-Explore modules that you would be interested in taking and to rank them in order of preference. Our algorithm will allocate you one I-Explore module from your six choices. Your module allocation will be confirmed in August. 

*Please note that there may be a different selection period for students taking Horizons and BPES modules outside of I-Explore. More information can be found on the Imperial Horizons and Business School webpages. 

Can I switch my I-Explore module?

Please see the I-Explore Switching Policy.

When do the I-Explore modules run?

On campus and live online modules run in the following timeslots: 

  • Year 2 - Mondays - 16:00-18:00
  • Year 3 - Thursdays - 16:00-18:00

Classes commence in the second week of the Autumn and Spring terms. 

Please see Timetable and term dates for more information. 

Where do the modules take place?

Most face-to-face I-Explore modules will take place on our South Kensington campus. However, some modules may take place on our other campuses or in other locations (such as local schools or museums).

The module webpages and selection platform will provide an indication of how and where we expect the module to take place. Please note that the planned delivery modes and locations are indicative and may need to be changed in response to changing circumstances.

Online asynchronous modules often involve group work, which might require you to meet up with your peers.  

Do I-Explore modules contribute credits?

Yes, I-Explore modules contribute 5 ECTS to your main degree. This has been designed into your degree programme, giving you the space and time needed to engage with I-Explore modules. 

Imperial Horizons Languages module are worth 7.5 ECTS, however, only 5 ECTS will form part of your degree. The extra 2.5 ECTS is a permitted overshoot in credits.

Can I take I-Explore modules in multiple academic years?

No, an I-Explore module is intended to be an exploratory learning experience that complements your core subject, rather than a replacement for it. As such, I-Explore modules are available to you in one specific year of your degree.

Some of the modules available within the I-Explore portfolio are also available outside of I-Explore.

See the question below: ‘Why have I heard about some students taking Horizons and BPES modules outside of their I-Explore year?' for more information.

Why have I heard of some students taking Horizons and BPES modules outside of their I-Explore year?

Both the Imperial Horizons and BPES programmes existed before the launch of I-Explore and therefore have a longstanding tradition of offering modules to students throughout their time at Imperial. It is still possible to take Horizons and BPES modules outside of I-Explore.

More information can be found on the Imperial Horizons and Business School webpages. 

How will I-Explore complement my core subject?

I-Explore modules have been developed in areas that will encourage collaborative, imaginative and innovative ways of thinking, complementing your core subject by allowing you to apply your knowledge in a new context.

Your I-Explore module will not reduce your contact time with your lecturers or peers during your degree, nor does it limit what you will learn in your curriculum. In fact it does the opposite, as you will be interacting and learning with students from across the university and will have the opportunity to be taught by academic staff from outside of your home Department.

Are some I-Explore modules more work than others?

The ECTS value of a module represents the amount of work associated with that module. 

  • Language modules are 7.5 ECTS. This larger size is intended to enable students to progress from one language level to another (e.g. Language Level A2 to Language Level B1).
  • All other I-Explore modules are 5 ECTS. 

You may also want to consider the amount of time that I-Explore modules are taught over (either 10 weeks or 20 weeks). 

You’ll find that BPES, Multidisciplinary Project and STEMM modules are taught over 10 weeks and that Horizons modules are taught over 20 weeks. 

However, a 5 ECTS module taught over 20 weeks will carry the same overall workload as 5 ECTS module taught over 10 weeks. It is the balance of class time and independent work that differs (20 week modules require less work at home).

What is the level of difficulty of the modules?

FHEQ levels are used to represent the difficulty of modules at Imperial (and Universities generally). The modules you take in your second year of a degree programme are typically level 5, and typically level 6 in your third year.  

As a general rule, our I-Explore modules are either FHEQ level 5 or 6.  The FHEQ level of each I-Explore module is noted on the website and the module selection system. 

Language modules do not follow FHEQ levels. European languages map onto Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In order of ascending difficulty, the CEFR Levels are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

I-Explore language modules range from CEFR Level A2 – C1. A1 language modules (Level 1) are not available within the I-Explore Programme.

How will the modules be assessed?

You can find indicative details about how each module is assessed on our webpages (Year 2 modules and Year 3 modules). 

I-Explore modules are a compulsory part of your undergraduate curriculum. You will need to attend and pass your I-Explore module to gain enough credits to pass the year. 

You’ll also get a numerical mark that will go on your transcript. However, the numerical mark won't be included in the calculation of your final degree result.

What happens if I don't pass my I-Explore Module?

Please see the information on the following webpage: Compulsory/ Must-pass.

Is I-Explore open to all undergraduates?

I-Explore modules are built into most of our undergraduate degrees in either Year 2 or Year 3. 

However, I-Explore is not part of the following degree programmes:  

  • Chemical with Nuclear Engineering (H890) 
  • Chemistry with a Language for Science (F1R1, F1R2, F1R4)*
  • Chemical Sciences and Management (F1N2) 
  • Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Biotechnology with a Language for Science (C1R1, C1R2, C1R4, C7R1, C7R2, C7R4, J7R1, J7R2, J7R4)*

*Students taking a degree 'with a Language for Science' will take an Imperial Horizons language module as part of their main degree. 

Chemical Engineering and Earth Science Engineering students who are abroad in Year 3 should talk to their Director of Undergraduate Studies about selecting an I-Explore type module at their year abroad institution.

Who should I approach if I have any questions?

If you have questions around I-Explore and what it means for you and your studies, we recommend that you contact your Department's Undergraduate Office.

Once you are enrolled on an I-Explore module, we recommend you discuss any concerns with the module leader or your personal tutor.

For more general queries, please email iexplore@imperial.ac.uk.