Teaching
Teaching of the modules will comprise in person lectures which will also be hybrid or recorded for part time students not able to be in attendance, although these students will be expected to attend the majority in person. Course materials will be provided on Moodle, and readings will be available online also. Additional material such as readings or formative exercises will be provided via Moodle. There will also be discussion boards made available on Moodle, and students will be encouraged to attend drop-in sessions and an informal student forum.
Teaching and learning outcomes will involve therefore:
- Lectures by professors and policy professionals who have recognised expertise
- Personal study and exploration of material
- Individual supervisions
- Masterclasses/seminars delivered by external speakers with specialist experience or knowledge
- Working with peers in small groups
- Materials provided online through Moodle and the University Library
| One to one supervision |
Typically, three supervisions are offered per term, either in-person or remotely. A key focus of supervisions will be the dissertation research and writing. 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 |
Individual modules will differ in how they are taught. Typically, modules are taught by interactive lectures, group activities, and practical exercises. There are additional workshops and drop-in sessions around specific skills e.g., statistics, media interviews. |
| Lectures |
Generally, there are four modules taught in Michaelmas Term and four modules taught in Lent Term. Each core module usually involves two hours of teaching per week, across eight weeks. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Taught
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Feedback
Feedback is given in a variety of ways. This can be either verbally in supervisions or in written form. Students can expect to receive an online feedback report at the end of each term and specific written feedback for individual assessed pieces of work normally within 4-6 weeks of submission.
Students are also highly encouraged to complete end of term feedback surveys based on the modules taught that term, which are used to evaluate staff performance and identify areas of concern.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A dissertation of not less than 10,000 words and not more than 15,000 words in length, including footnotes and appendices, but excluding bibliography, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee.
Essays
Assessment is by coursework and includes essays and policy briefs for individual taught modules. It may also include other formats of assessment as set out in the Assessment Ordinance.
Written examination
There are no formal, time-restricted, written examinations.
Other
Computer-based tests may be used to assess statistical skills and knowledge.
The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on any of the work submitted for the examination.