What does this research mean for the field?

Block Mode delivery in postgraduate courses significantly improves student academic performance and pass rates compared to traditional semester delivery, although it is associated with lower student satisfaction. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate differences in academic achievement and student satisfaction between traditional semester delivery and three sub-variants of block mode delivery in postgraduate courses.

August 23, 2026Active Learning in Higher EducationOpen Access

An Examination of Postgraduate Student Academic Success and Satisfaction Outcomes Across Unit of Study Block Delivery Modes

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Authors

AWAnthony WattVictoria School of Management DLDaniel LotonThe University of Melbourne MSMichael SpittleVictoria University

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Implication

Comparative study shows higher academic achievement but reduced satisfaction in postgraduate block mode courses, indicating adjustment challenges to intensive learning.

Key Points

To evaluate differences in academic achievement and student satisfaction between traditional semester delivery and three sub-variants of block mode delivery in postgraduate courses.
Compared academic marks, pass rates, and satisfaction metrics between traditional 12-week semester units and three block mode sub-variants at Victoria University.
Analyzed three block formats: 4-week single-unit (12 credit points), 8-week single-unit (24 credit points), and 8-week dual-unit (12 credit points) models.
Students in block mode delivery achieved significantly higher marks (p < .05) and were significantly more likely to pass units (p < .05) than those in semester mode.
Students in the 4-week and 8-week single-unit formats achieved higher marks than students in both semester mode and the simultaneous 8-week dual-unit format.
Student satisfaction ratings were significantly lower (p < .05) in block mode delivery compared to traditional semester delivery.

Cite This Study

Watt et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8aadb47677a341144460f2 https://doi.org/10.1177/14697874261472897

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Implication

Comparative study shows higher academic achievement but reduced satisfaction in postgraduate block mode courses, indicating adjustment challenges to intensive learning.

An Examination of Postgraduate Student Academic Success and Satisfaction Outcomes Across Unit of Study Block Delivery Modes

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

An Examination of Postgraduate Student Academic Success and Satisfaction Outcomes Across Unit of Study Block Delivery Modes

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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