The course is taught on a part time basis one day per week during the late afternoon and evening over a minimum of four semesters, ie, two years. Students may choose to register for shorter periods of study to obtain either a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma. Assessment Assessment is based exclusively on coursework. In order to gain the award of MSc students must submit and pass seven assignments of approximately 3,500 words. Three assignments must address the specialist area of study, where appropriate, and three must be related to policy issues.
Students also produce an independent study which takes the form of a report.
All students must take the Research Management Unit and submit a dissertation proposal on a relevant theme. Finally, all students must submit a dissertation of 12,000 words which meets the required standard. The normal requirement for the Programme is an Honours Degree of at least lower second standard in an appropriate subject. Non-graduates may be eligible for entry if they can demonstrate substantial achievement through professional qualifications and experience. The Centre for Postgraduate Studies is seeking to promote equality of opportunity in its activities.