Of particular note are the modular MSc Programmes offered by the Institute of Ecology and Resource Management, the Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Community Health Sciences. The programmes comprise two principal elements, coursework with examinations chosen to suit the circumstances and practice of the discipline and department concerned, followed by an independent research project normally written up as a dissertation. Most Masters and Diploma programmes have common coursework and students are normally registered concurrently for both qualifications. Progress towards the Masters degree is subject to students reaching a sufficiently high standard in coursework and examinations. Students who do not attain this required standard, but who are otherwise satisfactory, may be awarded the Diploma.
Some departments offer programmes leading to the award of a Diploma.
Most programmes are of nine months duration, beginning in October, but some extend to one or two years. Programmes are assessed by examination according to the department's requirements. Some Diplomas also require submission of a dissertation. The regulations for all categories of postgraduate study in the University are outlined in the University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Study Programme given to all students when they enrol. Such transfers would require the specific approval of the relevant Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee.