The largest part of the course is spent in private study. Students read, reflect and write assignments in their own time, but with guidance. Some are short pieces of work, often aimed at testing communications skills. Others are longer essays, reports or projects. Students receive detailed and constructive comments on drafts of their assignments from the staff.
Students have a personal tutor for their three years on the course.
They have an interview each term with this tutor to review overall progress. Working in Groups Because NOC students spend a lot of time in private study, care is taken to ensure that group work is a positive and constructive experience. Interaction with other people is necessary for the learning process. Moreover, as Christians, we share a faith that is properly learnt and lived in a corporate setting. The weekly evening sessions and residential weekends allow students to experience learning in a variety of groups.