How you study
The study year commences in February and modules are examined in
October. The study time required
for each module is, on average, 7-8 hours per week over a period
of 30 weeks (plus 4 weeks for revision). Some students may find
that the study time required is longer than indicated,
especially at the beginning, until they become more familiar
with the subject matter and the mode of study.
Study
materials
Once
registered, you will be sent a comprehensive study package for
each of your chosen modules. This includes:
-
A detailed study guide.
Composed of ten units, this incorporates exercises,
assignments and other activities into the study text, which
will take you through your programme of self-directed study.
Most module study guides are now provided in electronic,
CD-ROM format.
-
An indicative study calendar.
This will assist you in planning your study, as well as
highlighting deadlines such as those for Tutor Marked
Assignments.
-
Books and other published materials.
Generally textbooks, these are
acquired on your behalf and should provide background as
well as key extracts necessary for study of the module.
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Integrated volumes of key readings.
These are drawn from a wide range of
sources and are provided as required readings. Information
is also supplied regarding sources of further reading as
well as weblinks, for students to look into should they so
wish.
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Supplementary study materials.
These are included where appropriate, and include items
such as computer software.
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A student handbook.
This booklet contains useful administrative
information, as well as a CD with study tips and advice.
Library access
You will be
issued with an Athens password to gain access to the University
of London’s online library resources.
Study support
There are
numerous opportunities for receiving support from tutors and
CeDEP staff throughout the study year. Communication is
increasingly carried out via email and the CeDEP's tailor-made
Online Learning Environment (OLE).
It is now
easier than ever for students to contact tutors and their peers
electronically to gain help and support. Tutors are allocated to
each module and are available to answer queries, promote
discussion and offer feedback during the study year (February to
October).
CeDEP
tutors also provide a monthly update, to summarise activity on
the OLE, answer any frequently asked questions and draw
attention to topical events which relate to their module. These
are posted on the OLE and also emailed to all students to ensure
they reach those with poor internet connectivity.
An opportunity
for specific tutorial feedback on students' understanding and
interpretation of the subject matter is offered in the form of
Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). These are two
substantial assignments which you can complete voluntarily for
informal assessment. In the case of the research methods module
(R106), assignments are assessed and make up the final module
marks.
The Online
Learning Environment (OLE)
The OLE
provides you with the opportunity to extend your studies by
discussing both academic and non-academic issues with tutors and
fellow students through the Internet.
The OLE
provides easy access to study resources, as well as to fast and
efficient academic and administrative support. It also enables
you to be part of a learning community in a way in which
distance learners have seldom been accustomed in the past.
The OLE
includes a number of learning support features:
-
student-student and student-tutor interaction
-
links to
relevant resources
-
course-specific discussion rooms where you can debate and
find solutions to queries about your course
-
assignment
submission and tutor feedback area
-
administrative and technical help areas
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electronic
course documentation to download and print
-
notice
boards where you will be informed of any important events,
deadlines and new resources
-
student
café where you can meet and talk to your fellow students
socially
-
point of
contact with the Study Director.
