Freedom to choose a combination of modules to suit you.
The opportunity to select seven choices from approximately 20 in a continuously developing programme of short courses allows considerable freedom to tailor study to suit individual interests and requirements. Part-time students may start at any time in the academic year, working at your own pace and selecting the topics which interest you. Part-time students can also achieve a degree in two years or spread their modules out over a maximum of six years, according to personal circumstances.
The four module types
The MSc programme is based on four different kinds of module. Credits are awarded for the successful completion of each module. Some full-time students choose Guided Studies to replace one or two of their Short Course modules; part-time students may choose an Independent Study in place of a Project, plus two additional Short Course modules.
These are the main building blocks of the MSc. Usually lasting one week, they are intensive - typically 30 contact hours. They give thorough coverage of the topic at postgraduate level. The week usually includes lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and laboratory work. At the end of each short course an assessment package is given to students. The work is to be handed in for assessment within six weeks for full-time students and six months for part-time students.
This is normally undertaken in the student's place of work, but may be undertaken by arrangement in University laboratories. The project report is submitted as a bound thesis. Projects are assessed on the written report, the approach and practical application of the student.
A topic is chosen by the student in conjunction with the Course Director. A typical study might consist of a critical, 10,000-word dissertation on a materials topic of current interest. An independent study must be undertaken if for any reason it is not possible to undertake a project. The report is submitted as a bound thesis and an oral examination may be held.
As quite a number of the short courses run in alternate years, not all are available to full-time students who are at the University for 1 year. Such students are therefore offered the option of selecting one or two of the short courses that are not running during their stay. They are given the notes and assessment packages. (This is an important option for full-time students, enabling them to include subjects of importance to them irrespective of their being offered in their year of study).
