Staff and students at Oxford Brookes University are being consulted on plans for an American system of semesters instead of terms .

Two 15-week terms could replace the current system of three ten-week terms by 2002, if the idea gets the thumbs-up.

A review group has been set up to look at the issue over the next year.

The idea first came up a few years ago but was rejected. But concern has been growing over the past year that what is effectively becoming an eight-week teaching term because there is a reading week and an exams week is not well-suited to the course structure at Brookes.

The review group will look at whether it is better to end the first semester before or after Christmas and what the consequences for the modular programme would be.

John Perkins, Pro Vice-Chancellor, of Academic Development, told the Oxford Mail: "Oxford Brookes University is reviewing the length and structure of the academic year as part of a wider review which is intended to lay the foundations of the next phase of the university's development.

"There will be wide consultation across the university involving staff and students and the group will examine and consult with other universities and

institutions, which operate a semester system."