The programme is wholly online which means that all the material you need to complete the programme can be accessed by you at home on your computer. There is no need to come to York.

Online learning is a highly motivational and interactive experience with frequent contact between your tutors, supervisor and fellow participants. This unique and innovative design ensures that the programme is far removed from the more traditional 'lonely long distance learner' courses of old.

A structure is in place whereby you are required to contribute to weekly online discussions and share ideas with other students.

• More information for students about online study

You will be assigned a personal supervisor for the duration of the programme, providing both pastoral and academic support. For each module you will also be assigned a tutor who will support your study on that module. Tutor and end of module assignment phone calls are also an optional part of the module support available to you. You will also have the support of the programme team and your fellow colleagues.

• More information for students about online study

Yes, providing you have professional experience in a discipline relevant to the course.

Check the 'Entry requirements' tab on the degree programme web page.

Ocasionally the Admissions Committee will wish to have a short Skype or telephone interview with you to clarify issues within your application.

It is possible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for up to 40 credits of the total York award. This is a discretionary arrangement made on a case by case basis and only applies to previous study at a Postgraduate level. The exemption does not apply to the first two modules taken at Certificate level. Informal enquiries should be directed to the Programme Manager in the first instance at: spsw-online@york.ac.uk

Each module is assessed by one or two pieces of written work, due for submission approximately three weeks after completion of the module. There are no closed examinations. Candidates must successfully pass each module before being allowed to move onto the next.

If English is not your first language you need to have studied a first degree taught in English or have passed the IELTS test with a grade of 6.5 in both the written and oral assessment.

Check the 'Entry requirements' tab on the degree programme web page.

All of the material you need for the programme is available online with the exception of the module text books, which will be sent to you by post/courier.

Yes, it is possible to study two modules at once and complete the programme in less than two years. This requires a heavy time commitment (approximately 15 hours per week for each module) so it is not recommended if you are in full time employment.

Approximately 15 hours per week.

Yes. The qualification is no different from other Masters Degrees offered by the University of York.

No. The final award will simply state the degree title and your classification, i.e. pass or distinction.

No, initial enrolment is to the Certificate stage of the programme, after successful completion you would progress to the Diploma and Masters stages.

Yes. We recognise that working professionals may need breaks at various points during their period of study, and it is possible to 'manage' this within the programme.

Because there is no requirement to attend seminars or classes the programme is extremely flexible. You can study at any time of the day or night!

Yes, your tutor, supervisor and the programme team are all on hand to provide advice and guidance whatever the problem. One of the key factors in the success of the programme is the rapid response students can expect from University Staff.

You need access to a personal (home) computer or a Mac with internet access minimum speed of 56k dialup. Students will also need to be familiar with the internet, e-mail and Word.

Most of the software you need is standard with your computer. You will need an up to date internet browser (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0; Firefox 2.0 or 3.0). An office suite compatible with Word and Excel formats is required. Assignments must be submitted in Word .doc format. A PDF reader such as Adobe Reader is required. Some modules have audio/video content which uses QuickTime, however a transcript is always available.

Yes, please do contact us if you have any questions or queries. The team can be contacted via e-mail on: spsw-online@york.ac.uk or by phone: +44 (0)1904 32 1273.