Teaching and assessment
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Teaching format
This course makes use of an innovative and student-oriented teaching format. In addition to traditional lectures, you'll have seminars that are student-led, with the assistance of a tutor.
One core module per year is taught using problem-based learning: small groups of students address a designed problem every week focusing on social justice, sustainability, or well-being and equality in different contexts around the world. Problem-based learning is a student-led method which promotes critical thinking and analysis, leadership skills, learning and working together as a team, and setting and researching individual learning goals. Lectures delivered by an interdisciplinary team provide you with the necessary context to each week's problem. You'll also develop communication and project management skills that will enhance your effectiveness in your civic and professional life.
Timetabled activities
In your first year, you can expect:
| Lectures |
7-8 hours per week |
| Seminars |
8-10 hours per week |
| Workshops |
Included in some option modules |
| Practicals |
Included in some option modules |
| Field trips |
Included in some option modules |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
Teaching location
Depending your module choices, your time will be split between the Department of Environment and Geography, Department of History and Department of Politics and International Relations, all on Campus West. Most of your teaching will take place nearby.
About our campus
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
Assessment and feedback
For your core modules you'll be assessed through a group presentation, research report, public-facing blog, individual essay, your dissertation and in-seminar participation. These assessments reflect the degree's real-world orientation to prepare students well for their professional and civic lives. Assessments for option modules may take a variety of formats ranging from reflection to a podcast, but are typically geared towards individual assessments such as essays or exams.
During your studies, you are encouraged to speak to teaching staff and your personal supervisor about your progress during feedback and guidance hours. You are also welcome to engage with departmental seminars and student societies.
.jpg)
