Key Dates:
- Start Date: 25th April 2012
- Application Deadline: 5th March 2012
For further information on start dates and application deadlines please click on Key Dates
The online experience
New to online learning? Don’t panic! The York MPA has been designed to be highly motivational, ensuring frequent contact with your tutor, supervisor and fellow participants. A central part of the curriculum is the use of weekly module discussion groups, which are supported and led by your tutor. This ensures that your experience is far removed from the ‘lonely long distance learning’ courses of the past.
To help you understand a little more about the experience of online learning, we have attempted to answer some commonly asked questions below. But don’t just take our word for it - often the best people to ask are the students themselves. If you would like to contact one of our current students, please contact the Programme Manager on: spsw-online@york.ac.uk who would be happy to put you in touch.
The misconceptions and realities of online learning
Misconception: Studying online must be a rather dull and lonely experience?
Reality: On the contrary, studying online at York is an academically rich and socially engaging experience. The course materials are varied and stimulating and online students interact with the learning materials, fellow students, their tutor and personal supervisor. Group work is integral to the curriculum.
A helpdesk ensures students are only an e-mail or phone call away from the team at York, providing one-to-one support and guidance.
Misconception: Online learning is ‘easier’ and therefore less well respected as an academic qualification
Reality: Whilst a common perception during the internet boom, this view is (thankfully!) not an accurate reflection of online learning today. Whilst studying online provides for greater flexibility, it is equally intensive and as academically rigorous as traditional means of study. Students should therefore be prepared to devote equal time and energy to their degree.
Misconception: Online learning must require a high level of technical ‘know-how’
Reality: Whilst it is advantageous to have some basic IT skills (a working knowledge of standard office packages such as Microsoft Word, e-mail and Internet Explorer, for example), the virtual learning environment has been designed to be so user-friendly, you won’t notice it’s there! As part of your programme we provide a four-week online induction which, amongst other things, provides an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the Virtual Learning Environment prior to the start of term.