Postgraduate

MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Epidemiology: Principles and Practice

After you register you will receive your study materials. These may include:

• subject guides

• readers

• textbooks

• CD-ROMS and other computer software

• audiocassettes

• past examination papers and examiners' reports

• regulations

• handbooks

• a copy of the Manager's Good Study Guide

You will need access to a calculator and cassette player, as these items are not provided. Students will also need a computer capable of running the software provided (please see Entrance requirements). A full specification is given in the prospectus however most computers capable of running Windows ME/XP machine will meet these requirements.

Although the programme is designed to be self-taught using the fully comprehensive study materials provided with a minimum of direct contact with academic staff, students receive support in several ways:

• Tutorial feedback and advice is provided on assignments submitted for assessment. This helps students review their progress and understanding and interpretation of the subject matter. Assignments come in various forms including essays, short-answer tests or case-studies.

• Web-boards: Students have access to, and are strongly encouraged to use, a web-based conferencing system which allows students to communicate with each other for mutual support and receive input from tutors.

• Student networks: Students are supplied with contact details of other distance learning students and are encouraged to set up their own support groups.

Time commitment: Because individuals differ in how many hours per week they need to devote to study, and how quickly they wish to complete the programme, it is difficult to be precise about how many hours you will require for your study. A rough guide, however, is that to complete in the minimum period (one year for the Postgraduate Diploma, two years for the MSc) you should be prepared for between 15 and 25 hours of study per week during the annual study calendar of 36 weeks.

Short courses: If you wish to take an individual unit or units, perhaps for professional updating or special interest, or you would like to ‘sample' the programme, you may take units as a short course student. Before applying for MSc or Diploma registration, applicants who do not have the usual academic qualifications may be required to take one unit as a short course student in order to qualify for consideration for entry to the Diploma.

Flexible period of study: The University know that if you have a full-time job, family or other commitments, and wish to study at a distance, you will have many calls on your time. University of London therefore allow you between one and five years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma and between two and five years in which to complete the MSc.

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma has been designed to offer you the flexibility to plan your studies as you wish, and to enter the examinations when you feel you are ready.