Teaching
Upon arrival, students will take a pre-course Introduction to Microeconomics module and participate in an orientation programme where they will hear from alumni and other decision-makers.
Over the three academic terms, students are required to take six core modules, six electives and carry out a final group project. At the beginning of the Easter term, students will attend a field trip to the European Union institutions for meetings with European officials and others involved in European technology policy. Later in Easter term, they will produce a written report for their final group project, which will be based on a placement at a major public or private sector technology-intensive organisation and they will present the results of their project to their host organisation.
Students will have the opportunity to take part in regular policy seminars led by speakers from both public and private sector organisations, drawing on visiting fellows of Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP) and other leading policy makers working on technology policy.
| One to one supervision |
Supervisors will provide general academic advice to students, and subject-specific advice relating to the Final Group Project. Students and supervisors will meet regularly to discuss progress. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. One-on-one supervision is not provided. Students do not engage in independent research. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
Students will attend weekly classes (lectures and tutorials), as well as some workshops and guest speaker events provided by experienced industry practitioners. Students are normally expected to undertake pre-reading in order to participate in classes and tutorials, contribute to group work, and deliver individual or group presentations where required. |
| Lectures |
Students will normally attend an average of ten hours of lectures per week, although this will vary depending on the choice of elective modules. Some elective modules will be scheduled outside of Term dates. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Taught
|
Placements
Students will undertake a Final Group Project (FGP). The FGP will be based on a placement at a relevant branch of government or a private technology-intensive organisation. Assessment is based on a group report, produced under faculty supervision, and a client presentation.
More information is available here.
Feedback
Every effort is made to provide students with provisional marks and feedback on their coursework performance throughout the academic year. Marks will be given as a percentage and no ranking will be provided.
The nature and extent of the feedback given will vary from lecturer to lecturer, but students may reasonably expect to receive some indication of the strengths and weaknesses of any work submitted. All marks and feedback provided during the year are informal and provisional. Final marks are only determined at the end of the academic year by the Board of Examiners. In some cases, the University or other departmental rules prevent us from providing even provisional grades before the Examiners' meeting.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A dissertation is not required.
Other
Assessment of taught modules will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, debates, quizzes, presentations and projects.