Moodle Modules Guide
Before you start: If your module has run before and the structure will stay broadly the same, you may be able to import content from a previous course. Before importing, check that your headings match the current minimum standards template and that the course format is compatible.
Important: If you are a London Campus tutor, do not activate Moodle modules until you have been notified by the London team. If you are unsure, contact IT Staff Support.
What this guide covers
How to activate a credit-bearing Moodle module using Moodle Modules
How to keep your course hidden from students while you are building it
How to import content from an earlier course
How to choose a suitable course format
Where to find further support and related guidance
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Activate your Moodle module
Moodle module spaces for credit-bearing modules are requested through https://intranet.yorksj.ac.uk/moodlemodules/. This tells the system which module spaces are needed and helps ensure the correct staff and students can access them.
Who should do this? Module Directors should normally be responsible for selecting and activating modules in Moodle Modules.
Log in to Moodle Modules using your YSJ username and password.
Find the module you need by scrolling, filtering by school or department, or using Ctrl+F to search for the module code.
Click the module code to open the module details.
Tick Select next to the correct Module Instance Code.
Check the Tutors field. If needed, add yourself and any teaching staff using YSJ usernames separated by commas.
Click Save.
Only official credit-bearing module codes automatically generate Moodle courses. If you need a non-credit-bearing course, request one separately through Moodle support routes.
Do not add administrative staff as tutors. Administrative staff have a different route for accessing Moodle modules.
After saving, the systems sync regularly. If your module appears in My Modules within Moodle Modules but not yet on your Moodle home page, wait for the next sync and then log out and back in again.
All courses are created in Moodle using the Minimum Standards Template
Keep the course hidden while you build
Course settings are set to hidden by default, and it is good practice to hide the content until the content is ready.
To unhide your content go to:
Course Management --> Edit Course Settings.
In the General section, find Course Visibility.
Select Show.
Click Save and Display.
Tip: Hiding the course during setup helps prevent students from seeing incomplete content, draft resources, or placeholder activities.
Import content from a previous course
Once your new module has been created, you can reuse content from another Moodle course where you have editing permissions. This is useful when the structure and materials are still relevant.
Check before importing: Make sure the destination course uses the same or a compatible structure as the source course. If headings differ, you may need to reorganise content before or after the import.
Importing can save time, but it should be done carefully.
Import teaching materials, pages, files, and activities that are still current.
Do not import outdated resources that will need immediate replacement.
Do not import announcement forums.
Do not import historical student data or forum posts, as these are not carried over in the import process.
Do not import old Moodle, Turnitin or PebblePad submission points. These often contain outdated settings and can cause submission issues. Create all assignment submission points afresh in your new Moodle course.
For full instructions, refer to the Importing Guide.
Choose the right course format
After activation, decide how the module should be organised for staff and students. The course format affects how content is grouped and navigated.
Common formats may include topics-based layouts, grid views, or collapsed sections. The most suitable choice depends on how your teaching materials are structured and how you want students to move through the course.
For guidance on selecting and applying a format, see Moodle Module Formats.
Useful checks before teaching starts
Before making the module visible to students, review the course to make sure it is complete, clear, and ready to use.
Need help? If you are unsure which course to activate, need support with importing, or want advice on course structure, contact the TEL team through IT Staff Support. It is much easier to resolve questions before the wrong course is activated.