Difference between curriculum and syllabus

Have you ever wondered how the terms ‘curriculum’ and ‘syllabus’ differ and why so many people confuse the two?

Well, the terms ‘syllabus’ and ‘curriculum’ both have distinct meanings and serve different purposes, even though they are often used interchangeably in education. It is crucial for teachers, students as well as educational institutions at large to understand the difference between curriculum and syllabus. 

This article explores these two terms nuancedly with a view of their place in shaping our experiences while learning.

What is a curriculum?

An establishment’s curriculum is an overall system of education which guides all teaching processes. It is like a master plan that defines the general objectives and learning outcomes for students at different stages of their education levels. Aiming at the holistic development of learners, it encompasses classroom work, sports and games.

Key features of a curriculum:

• Covering many subjects that are related to life in general.
• Incorporating different areas of knowledge.
• Dealing with future-based educational processes. This means that it is more systematic and comprehensive than a syllabus, which is less definite.
• Contains directions on how teaching methods should be used, presents patterns of examination and is involved in skill training programs.

In a curriculum in higher education, for instance, there can be modules such as research methodology and professional ethics, as well as electives.

Also Read: How to Assess the Credibility of an Online Program?

What is a syllabus?

On the other hand, there is an intricate document called a syllabus. It gives a detailed description of topics, concepts or assignments covered by a given course or subject at some point in time, such as one semester or year. Hence, it serves as a plan for both students and teachers in order to maintain focus and structure in the course being taught.

Key features of a syllabus:

• It focuses less on variety and so is narrower than a curriculum. 
• It is limited to one subject for consideration during a given task or period.
• This is done by submitting details about each chapter or topic separately.
• The criteria for evaluation are given alongside the references that may assist students when researching them. Schedules are also included, among other things, such as recommended reading.
• Over a whole semester, an accounting course’s syllabus may contain items on financial statements analysis, cost accounting and tax legislation. 

Curriculum vs. syllabus: A comparative analysis

Feature	Curriculum	Syllabus
Scope and focus	Broad and overarching scope with a focus on long-term educational outcomes	Narrow and subject-specific scope with focus on short-term course outcomes
Purpose	Outlines overall learning goals	Details topics within the course
Time frame	Spans across an entire program	Limited to a semester
Components	Includes objectives, activities and teaching strategies	Lists topics, assignments and resources

Why is it significant to distinguish between curriculum and syllabus?

Various stakeholders in education need to comprehend the difference between curriculum and syllabus:

• Students: It helps them grasp their learning process holistically and prepare effectively for specific subjects.
• Educators: It enables them to synchronize teaching techniques with overall objectives or minute subject needs.
• Institutions: Thus, better planning, assessment, and enhancement of schooling programs are possible.

This way, the curriculum vs syllabus distinction would make students as well as teachers develop a more structured goal oriented approach towards learning.

Online Manipal’s role in narrowing the gap

During consideration on higher education avenues, online educational platforms such as Online Manipal have made it possible for learners to access UGC-entitled online programs from reputable institutions like Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) or Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). With its strong academic and course framework, Online Manipal meets modern, academic and professional demands both in syllabus and curriculum development of its courses.

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers an online MBA program meant for the working professionals, which consists of various subjects — leadership and strategic decision-making. Similarly, there is an online MBA program from MUJ that includes an elaborate syllabus designed specifically for those who desire to have a flexible yet comprehensive management education.

Online Manipal, thus, seeks to ensure that learners receive a comprehensive education based on equal proportions of advanced technological applications and expertly designed courses for the attainment of academic as well as professional goals.

How can I select the right curriculum and syllabus?

Choosing the right curriculum and syllabus is key to achieving desired educational outcomes. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Align with career goals: This will give you a sense of purpose. For instance, most online MBA degrees must have units in leadership, finance and data analytics.
• Flexibility in mind: A well-structured syllabus should be able to accommodate various learning speeds and styles especially among online students.
• Institutional reputation: Choose schools that are synonymous with excellent quality, like those found within the confines of Online Manipal.

Check Out: The true impact of an MBA on career and leadership

The bottom line

Understanding the differences between curriculum and syllabus helps build academic success and is a must path for anyone taking an academic endeavor seriously. From a larger perspective, the syllabus is the small picture and is more detailed, ensuring objectives are met.

At Online Manipal, we seek to equip our students with relevant skills in the industry by allowing them access to different accredited institutions across India. Feel like advancing in your career? Discover various online programs offered by Online Manipal today!

Unlock opportunities with our top online degree programs

Bachelor’s Degree	Master’s Degree
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)	Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)	Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)	MSc in Data Science (MSc-DS)
Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM)- MUJ	Master of Commerce (MCOM)
Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM)- SMU	Master of Arts in English (MA)