Teaching
The structure of the MPhil in Environmental Policy programme is modular. To complete the programme, students are required to complete eight modules (four modules in the Michaelmas term and four others in the Lent term) and to submit a compulsory dissertation in the Easter term.
The modules on International Law, Climate Change and the Environment and on Environmental Economics and Policy are compulsory. Students are also required to take a dedicated module on Research Methods developing research skills and are required to attend an additional (non-examinable) Dissertation, Research Design and Structure (DRDS) module. The dissertation is supervised on an individual basis by a member of staff and is supported by the Research Methods module and the DRDS module.
In addition, students may choose from a selection of other optional modules on offer in the Department of Land Economy. The optional modules are confirmed on an annual basis but may include the following:
• Energy and Climate Change
• National, Comparative, and European Environmental Law and Policy
• Further Topics in Quantitative Methods
• Spatial Analysis and Modelling
• Spatial Economics
• Institutions and Development
• Place-based Policy
• Urban Regeneration and Regional Transformation
• Migration: Theories, Evidence, and Policy
• Real Estate Development
• The Macroeconomy and Housing
• Legal Issues in Land Use and Finance
| One to one supervision |
Group supervisions are offered for certain core modules. Students can expect to receive at least four hours of supervision per term. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes |
The Department offers a weekly seminar programme for all students during term time, which postgraduate students are encouraged to attend. These seminars are typically one hour long, equating to eight hours per term. The Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance (CEENRG) offers weekly seminars during term time on a range of environmental policy issues. In addition to the regular seminars, the course director may arrange ad hoc seminars across the year. |
| Lectures |
Typically two hours per module per week. Students take four modules per term (in Michaelmas Term and Lent Term), equating to eight hours per week (128 hours per year). |
| Small group teaching |
Certain core modules offer small group teaching in the form of workshops (two hours per term). |
| Posters and Presentations |
A presentation is required as part of the module: Dissertation, Research Design and Structure |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Taught
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Feedback
Students are offered several opportunities to monitor their progress:
• Provisional marks for Michaelmas Term assignments are provided to students in Lent Term.
• Students at risk of failing the course are also alerted – along with their tutor and supervisor – in order to ensure they are provided with the proper help they require.
• Staff provide guidance, support and formative feedback during supervisions for core modules, to help prepare students for assignments.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The thesis (10,000-12,000 words) allows students to engage with a research topic of their choice.
Essays
See ‘Other assessment’ below
Written examination
See ‘Other assessment’ below
Other
Examination of the Michaelmas Term’s modules takes place in December and January by a variety of methods. These may include preparation of course work, project work or extended essay. The Lent Term modules are likewise examined by varied methods which include coursework and written examination in April.