A tutorial is a less formal meeting of a tutor with a small group of students. The effectiveness of a tutorial depends on the participation of the students in the group, all of whom are expected to prepare for the meeting and to contribute to the discussion. Because a tutorial is essentially a team effort, attendance at tutorials is normally a requirement. Any student who is unable to attend a tutorial should inform his or her tutor as a matter of urgency especially if he or she is due to submit a paper or take a leading part in the discussion. In the Centre for Applied Language Studies, all classes are compulsory.
Some courses also hold workshops and practicals.
It is not possible to cover more than a portion of a subject through lectures and tutorials and students must be prepared to undertake a considerable amount of private reading or, if they are studying a language, a prescribed amount of private study. Lists of recommended reading will be issued by departments at the start of term. The nature of arts and social science subjects taught on the MA calls for an ability to evaluate conflicting views and to present one s conclusions in writing concisely and logically. For this reason essays play an important role in the educational process for a student in this Faculty. If a student is unable to submit an essay or other written work by the requested date, he or she should see the member of staff concerned immediately to explain the cause of the delay.