Teaching
The MSt in Climate, Environmental, and Urban Policy is a two-year, part-time master's programme. It has a modular design and is delivered through a combination of distance learning, including online learning through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and attendance at five residential blocks of intensive in-person study in Cambridge (eight weeks in total; three of two weeks and two of one week) over two academic years. The part-time, modular format allows participants to continue in full-time employment alongside their studies.
The course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, project work, case studies, and group exercises. The residential weeks provide opportunities for collaborative learning, enabling students to learn from one another as well as from the course delivery team and external speakers.
Students present their project work and case studies to the cohort of students at the residential blocks and to external reviewers. Skills in researching and writing are developed through the progression of individual written assignments and project work, each supported by a supervisor who is a subject specialist.
Support and facilitation for students is provided by a team of faculty, tutors, and supervisors from within the University.
Attendance at all of the residential sessions and full and active participation in all elements of the course are compulsory.
| One to one supervision |
Each student will be allocated a supervisor at the start of their first year of study and a dissertation supervisor in the second year of study. Supervisors provide general academic advice to students and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation. Supervision is a regular and important part of the course and students can expect to receive up to five hours of one-to-one supervision per year (ten hours in total over the two-year course). |
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| Seminars & classes |
Seminars are part of most modules and have largely been included in the residential sessions. In addition to those included in the residential sessions, there are 16 hours of online seminars, including distinguished guest speakers, masterclasses, and academic skill clinics. |
| Lectures |
There are approximately 120 hours of lectures and a minimum of 6 hours of seminars over the two years of the course. The number of hours may vary slightly as the course is constantly evolving in order to meet developments in the sector and in response to student and industry feedback. The lectures and seminars are largely intended to function as interactive discussions with the lecturer. |
| Practicals |
Practical exercises and group work are, additionally, embedded within the residential sessions. |
| Small group teaching |
Small-group teaching forms an occasional part of the hours delivered and is included as part of the residential periods. |
| Literature Reviews |
All case studies, critical essays, and the dissertation require literature reviews. |
| Posters and Presentations |
Students present various pieces of work during the residential blocks. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Equal Taught/Research
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Feedback
Students receive regular summative and formative feedback throughout the course, in a variety of formats: formal and informal, individual and group, during face-to-face supervisions and through written exchanges with their supervisors and/or the module leaders. Each student is assigned a first-year supervisor who completes progress reports at the end of each term and provides ongoing support throughout the year. Dissertation supervisors are assigned in the second year. They may or may not be the same as the first-year supervisor as reallocation might take place depending on expertise and availability. Dissertation supervisors also complete termly progress reports, as well as providing support and regular feedback on written work as needed. Students also receive feedback on the presentation of their projects and case studies during the residential sessions.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Dissertation of 12,000 words maximum (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography), to be completed during the second year of the course.
Other
Assessment will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations, and projects.