In addition, there may be workshops and classes. We adjust the teaching methods to the needs of the particular course and in light of the differing backgrounds of students. For example, the Economics Workshop includes small tutorials of 4-5 students, usually meeting in the tutor's office. Classes for Microeconomics and Macroeconomics in the second year are larger, although additional help sessions and tutorials are provided. For the quantitative methods courses, teaching varies from classes of about 20, meeting in the computer laboratory, to individual tutorial sessions.
Assessment is primarily by end of year exams.
Students are required to submit written work for each course, but in most courses this is to help them in their studying and revising, and to provide an opportunity for advice and comments, rather than to be part of the assessment process itself. In the quantitative methods courses, continuous assessment in the form of in-class tests and a project provides a large component of the overall mark. For the Economics Workshop, assessment is by two long essays. The Department believes very strongly in a traditional university education and the examination process, where students simultaneously revise their subjects during a concentrated examination period, serves a fundamental purpose in this. During the period of revision, students can integrate the different courses they have studied over the year and this brings together their knowledge and understanding of Economics.