Study arrangements

Following are some general guidelines relating to our certificates and short courses. Individual courses may differ from this, but you will find details on each course description.

Length of course

• Most modular certificates are flexible and are designed so that you can study at your own pace.
• Students usually take one module per term, and take a minimum of one-two years to complete. Programme certificates - where you sign up to the whole programme at once - also normally take a minimum of one-two years to complete.
• Check our certificate course descriptions for specific details.

Class attendance

• You will normally be required to attend class once a week, although some modules also include Saturday sessions. Most teaching takes place in the evenings, outside normal working hours, between 6pm and 9pm.
• Check our course descriptions for specific details.

Independent study time

• Independent private study is a vital part of preparing for classes, and following them up afterwards. The amount needed varies both with the topic being studied and with your own speed of work, but realistically you should plan to spend at least an hour in private study for each hour you spend in the classroom. Please bear this in mind when considering how many modules to take in any single year.
• Please note: practical classes and fieldwork play an important part in some programmes. Check our course descriptions for specific details.

Teaching methods

• All of our teaching methods are designed to meet the particular needs and circumstances of part-time students.
• Teaching in class may include lectures, practical classes and individual and group projects, presentations, problem-solving exercises and case studies.
• Check our course descriptions for specific details.

Assessment

• If you are taking a Certificate of Higher Education programme, you will be expected to submit coursework as part of the assessment process.
• A few modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and written examinations. Examinations take place during the day in most cases. Coursework may include reviews, reports, essays, oral presentations, case studies, journals, logs, scientific and mathematical exercises, audiotapes or videotapes, depending on the subject matter of the programme.
• Check our course descriptions for specific details.