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  4. How your timetable is made

How your timetable is made

Array of timetabling activity being delivered. From classroom based sessions, to laboratory based sessions.

Behind every timetable is a bigger picture.

Video

See how we timetable 22,000 unique schedules.

Ever wondered how your university timetable comes together? 

It might feel like magic, but behind the scenes, it’s a giant puzzle – and fitting the pieces together is no easy task. 

A lot needs to be taken into account when designing your timetable. Here are five unique factors for consideration when creating the timetables of everyone at Swansea University.

  1. People
  2. Buildings
  3. Hours
  4. Accessibility Needs
  5. Changes to Class Sizes

Timetables can change right up to and including the first few weeks of each semester. This can be for several reasons but is mainly done to balance seminar group sizes or because module selections change impacting class sizes.

Still have questions about your timetable? Check out our FAQs page here.

People

At our university, we have around 20,000 students, over 2,000 academic staff and 10’s of technicians.

That’s over 22,000 unique schedules to manage, every semester each year.

Buildings

In addition to this, we also work across 3 campuses, have around 350 teaching spaces – each with its own set of unique buildings, classrooms, and specialist labs. Some lectures need bigger spaces, while others need specialist equipment – we need to match these together just right.

Hours

Then there are the hours. Teaching happens between 9AM and 6PM, but not every lecturer or student is available at the same time. If one student can't attend the session, we would need to find a new time and place entirely.

Accessibility Needs

We also prioritise accessibility for both students and staff. Whether it’s ensuring wheelchair access or accommodating other needs, we need to find a room that suits everyone. It all has to fit into the puzzle.

Changes to Class Sizes

Just when we think the timetable is complete, clearing or module selection can change everything. When new students join or when you pick your modules, class sizes can grow. Bigger classes means needing larger rooms – which impacts the entire timetable, that’s why your timetable might change after it’s been released.

Block vs Spread Out Schedules

We know that some students would prefer block teaching schedules, and some would prefer to spread out schedules. But with 22,000 schedules to manage and changes happening closer to term starting, this isn't possible. Every adjustment helps us create a stronger timetable that works for as many people as possible.

Please keep this in mind when viewing your timetable or experience changes. We know changes aren’t always easy and we thank you for your understanding. Remember – it’s not just a schedule; behind every timetable there’s a bigger picture.