There will also be days allocated for private study and tutorial support within the university. A variety of teaching methods is used including formal lectures, seminars and group discussions. There is also provision for an induction week and a week to prepare students for practice. Students are expected to contribute to modules by presenting seminar and workshop papers. The integration of academic and practice concerns is facilitated by the partnership between practice teachers and academic staff.
Every student has a personal tutor with whom learning needs and difficulties can be discussed.
Support is also available to black students, to students with disabilities and to gay and lesbian students through a student mentoring scheme. Where possible the particular needs of students with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities will be met. Specialist equipment to support visually and hearing impaired students is available and the university has a student welfare service which can assist in the identification of special needs. The Diploma therefore must be regarded as academically demanding. Assessment is undertaken through a combination of essays, assignments, open book examinations and the assessment of practice.