Postgraduate
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Managing Rural Development
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 30-31 weeks (plus 4-5 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 support
There are numerous
opportunities for receiving support from tutors and DLP staff throughout
the
study year. Communication is increasingly carried out via email and the
DLP'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).
DLP 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
-
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.
