Teaching
Teaching is delivered through a series of seven intensive residential weeks in Cambridge, interspersed through the two years of the course. These weeks involve group project work, individual supervisions, and lectures, workshops and seminars delivered by experts from industry, academia and government.
Students have the added benefit of attending optional research talks, seminars and guest lectures that are held within the Department of Engineering and wider University throughout the year.
| One to one supervision |
In year one, students will typically receive two to three hours of supervisory support per assignment. In year two, students typically receive eight hours of supervisory support for their research dissertations. In addition, each student meets with the Director of Studies assigned to that student during most residential weeks. |
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| Seminars & classes |
The course is delivered via lectures, small-group teaching, seminars, supervisions and meetings with the Director of Studies over the two-year period. Residential weeks typically involve sessions that run between the hours of 9am to 6pm each day, with some evening sessions and events. |
| Lectures |
Lectures during the residential weeks form a regular part of the course, as outlined above. |
| Small group teaching |
Small group teaching forms a regular part of the course as part of the lecturing, as outlined above. |
| Literature Reviews |
All assignments including the dissertation require literature reviews. |
| Posters and Presentations |
Presentations form part of students' activities during residential weeks. In the second year, this will include giving a presentation on the subject matter of their dissertation project. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Research
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Feedback
Students are regularly provided with feedback on their performance via individual face-to-face and written exchanges with supervisors and the Director of Studies. Written feedback is provided on submitted assignments.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students are required to complete a research dissertation (up to 15,000 words) during the second year of the course. Part of the assessment is based on a dissertation presentation. At the discretion of the examiners, there may be an oral examination (viva).
Essays
There are three pieces of written assessment in the first year of the course:
- a written case study (up to 5,000 words) based on one of the topics covered by the "Built Environment" module;
- one written essay of 3,000 words based on one of the topics covered in the "Design for Value" module;
- one written essay of 3,000 words based on one of the topics covered in the "Research and Innovation" module.
At the discretion of the examiners, there may be an oral examination.
Other
Full and active participation in all elements of the course is required, including attendance at residential weeks, participation in group projects, and presentations for the dissertation.