Most programmes start in October. Other programmes, typically in Business, Education and Medicine may start in January or April. All taught programmes are offered in modular form. Assessment Methods of assessment vary between programmes. Where practical work is involved, reports may have to be submitted for evaluation.
Long essays are a common form of assessment and formal examination papers are often set.
Students may be required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of some chosen topic by presenting a clear and coherent account based on material from various sources. On some programmes incorporation of the results of the student's own practical work may be an important element in the dissertation. The overall assessment may include an oral examination. All applications are given careful consideration on academic grounds and, in most cases, applicants will receive a decision within two months. An application can be processed more quickly if it is clearly written or typed, if all the relevant sections are accurately and fully completed, and if it is accompanied by all the necessary supporting documents, including, where available, full transcripts of academic performance in first degrees and, for students whose first language is not English, evidence of any study in English.