FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does a distance learning course work?
Most of the course materials, student support and general study guidance and resources are provided via a teaching platform called Blackboard. Students download digital versions of their teaching materials (e.g. illustrated documents, podcasts, practical instructions) at the start of each week and work through them at their own convenience. Coursework (e.g. projects, tests etc.) is also submitted via Blackboard. Unlike a traditional classroom environment, students studying online use communication mechanisms such as discussion boards, chat rooms or video-conference tools to interact with staff and other students, and are not required to attend the campus at any time during the course (though they are welcome to visit the university to use its facilities or meet with staff if they wish).
Many students choose to study by distance learning because they do not have the option of enrolling for an on-campus course, while others prefer the flexibility of time and location afforded by studying online over the face-to-face teaching and interaction of an on-campus course.
What help is available for people studying by distance learning?
The course is supported by the academic responsible for each module and by one or more e-tutors (who are experienced GIS graduates). Students are encouraged to use the Blackboard forums to discuss course-related matters with staff and other students and to seek help when required, and can also contact us via email, phone, Skype, or in person, as preferred. General information about the course, contact details for relevant staff, study skills advice and links to other resources are provided through Blackboard, and our course administrator will assist you with any non-academic issues or direct you to the appropriate person, if you need assistance with things like enrolment, access to the University's electronic journals and ebooks, technical queries etc.
How is the course assessed?
Each PgDip module is assessed entirely by coursework – there are no formal university exams. Coursework consists of a mixture of assignments such as project reports, practical write-ups, presentations and online quizzes and tests. We place strong emphasis in coursework on developing and enhancing practical GIS and data analysis abilities, as well as academic and professional skills such as report-writing. The Masters project is written up in the form of a research paper.
How many hours a week does the course take?
In addition to working through course materials, students need to spend time reading and preparing for tests and assignments. The amount of time taken up each week depends on various things including aptitude, experience and motivation, but as a general guide, full-time students should expect to spend in the region of 35-40 hours per week on the course, and part-time students around 17-20 hours.
The semester 1 teaching term runs from late September to mid-December, and semester 2 from late January to the end of April (coursework deadlines may extend a few weeks beyond the teaching terms). No teaching take place during the summer, though full-time students undertake their Masters during this time.
Part-time students who are unable to study at the standard part-time rate can opt for a reduced pace of study, taking one module per semester instead of two.
How does a distance learning course work?
Most of the course materials, student support and general study guidance and resources are provided via a teaching platform called Blackboard. Students download digital versions of their teaching materials (e.g. illustrated documents, podcasts, practical instructions) at the start of each week and work through them at their own convenience. Coursework (e.g. projects, tests etc.) is also submitted via Blackboard. Unlike a traditional classroom environment, students studying online use communication mechanisms such as discussion boards, chat rooms or video-conference tools to interact with staff and other students, and are not required to attend the campus at any time during the course (though they are welcome to visit the university to use its facilities or meet with staff if they wish).
Many students choose to study by distance learning because they do not have the option of enrolling for an on-campus course, while others prefer the flexibility of time and location afforded by studying online over the face-to-face teaching and interaction of an on-campus course.
What help is available for people studying by distance learning?
The course is supported by the academic responsible for each module and by one or more e-tutors (who are experienced GIS graduates). Students are encouraged to use the Blackboard forums to discuss course-related matters with staff and other students and to seek help when required, and can also contact us via email, phone, Skype, or in person, as preferred. General information about the course, contact details for relevant staff, study skills advice and links to other resources are provided through Blackboard, and our course administrator will assist you with any non-academic issues or direct you to the appropriate person, if you need assistance with things like enrolment, access to the University's electronic journals and ebooks, technical queries etc.
How is the course assessed?
Each PgDip module is assessed entirely by coursework – there are no formal university exams. Coursework consists of a mixture of assignments such as project reports, practical write-ups, presentations and online quizzes and tests. We place strong emphasis in coursework on developing and enhancing practical GIS and data analysis abilities, as well as academic and professional skills such as report-writing. The Masters project is written up in the form of a research paper.
How many hours a week does the course take?
In addition to working through course materials, students need to spend time reading and preparing for tests and assignments. The amount of time taken up each week depends on various things including aptitude, experience and motivation, but as a general guide, full-time students should expect to spend in the region of 35-40 hours per week on the course, and part-time students around 17-20 hours.
The semester 1 teaching term runs from late September to mid-December, and semester 2 from late January to the end of April (coursework deadlines may extend a few weeks beyond the teaching terms). No teaching take place during the summer, though full-time students undertake their Masters during this time.
Part-time students who are unable to study at the standard part-time rate can opt for a reduced pace of study, taking one module per semester instead of two.