In general this would involve part-time attendance for one or two terms. The student registers with the Open University Validating Service. This scheme exists for examining and granting degrees to students studying in establishments which are not themselves degree-granting bodies. This scheme normally applies only to students who are self-financing. Very exceptionally, the student becomes an external student at one of the other nearby universities with whom we have research collaborations.
Supervisory arrangements vary from one establishment to another.
D., with transfer of registration to Ph.D. being made during the second year. As well as attending and participating in lectures and seminars at the Institute, students are required to undertake formalised coursework organised by the Director of Studies. This ranges from a series of techniques seminars to more specialised courses on research areas of current interest. Distinguished visitors as well as members of the staff contribute to frequent Institute colloquia. There is an extensive programme of research seminars arranged on a divisional basis to which students contribute in due course.