Course overview
Teaching and learning
Study methods
One to two-week block delivery each for the four taught modules, and remainder of the time on 120 credit research project
All students study two core modules which provide essential study skills for postgraduate level. *The remaining two modules are chosen from our full range of postgraduate modules to complement your area of research.
Course delivery
We have a virtual learning environment where students can access module reading, podcasts of lectures and other educational resources.
Courses are delivered as a series of taught modules starting in October at the beginning of the academic year and are generally complete by the end of March, although a small number of modules take place until June.
Modules are taught as an intensive short course taught typically over a one-week block, with a maximum of 5 days per 15 credit module providing approximately 35 hours of contact time per week. Some modules are taught in two-week blocks.
Teaching in the four taught modules may include formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical exercises, laboratory sessions, study visits and guest speakers.
Students also undertake further study in their own time, completing tutorial exercises, written assignments and, if required, exam preparation.
Course materials include text, tutorial exercises and readings. In addition to the reading specified in module descriptors, module tutors will also provide an up-to-date list of specified journal/conference proceeding references prior to the start of each module to allow students to brief themselves with the latest developments in their field of study.
Every student will have a supervisor to provide guidance and support for their research projects. All research projects are subject to a formal approval process. Students are expected to engage regularly with their supervisors. Supervisors also advise to students on their personal and professional development.
Assessment
Students are mostly assessed through coursework though some modules will include an exam. Assessment methods include literature review-based essays, problem-based assignments, sponsored industry projects requiring oral and business written reports, portfolios, individual and team scenario exercises, and experimental work. Students will be provided with prompt written feedback from written assignments. Exams can be both closed and open book.