Courses are taught in a combination of formal lectures, seminars, laboratories, classes, tutorials and personal studies. The number of timetabled hours and the style of instruction will vary between subjects. Generally, technical subjects have more timetabled hours including laboratories, while other subjects require more personal study. Assessment takes the form of formal examinations, course work and group and individual projects. All full year students are assigned to a personal tutor who follows their academic progress and is available for help and guidance throughout the year.
All students have free access to e-mail and the Internet.
The computer laboratories are open 12 hours a day with an 'extended hours' room available up to 24 hours a day. The new library houses close to 350,000 volumes and lists of the bookstock and periodicals can be accessed from anywhere in the university via the computer network. There are also shops selling books and computer equipment on campus. In every department students will find a level of teaching and equipment to support and enhance their academic development. It would be impossible to give details of every department here but well known features include sound recording and radio journalism studios, a collection of and early musical instruments, a flight simulator, wind tunnels and wave tanks.