The Learning Experience
During your studies we aim to help you to develop a range of skills and abilities which will give you the confidence needed for a career in industry. As well as gaining theoretical knowledge, you will learn how to apply it to the solution of practical problems. You will also carry out practical and project work, sometimes working in a small group with other students, thereby helping you to develop your communication and teamwork skills. Emphasis is placed on increasing your independence, enabling you to take responsibility for your own work and that of others.
Your study will be divided into modules and you will take twelve of these each year. The academic year is divided into two 'semesters', each comprising eleven teaching weeks followed by a period for revision, examinations and feedback. Vacations are at the end of the traditional terms (December, March and June).
You will have a personal tutor who will guide you throughout your time at the University, helping you to choose options, where applicable, and providing advice and references. There will be opportunities for your to improve your study skills through workshops offered by the University Library.
Studying at university is quite different from what you will have experienced at school or college. The following descriptions will help you to see what will be involved:
Lectures, tutorials and seminars
Lectures are attended by all students taking the subject and provide a forum for staff to provide information on basic concepts and approaches. Tutorials and seminars take place in smaller groups and allow more detailed discussion of lecture topics. You will usually be expected to contribute your own ideas.
Practical and project work
Throughout your degree you will undertake design studies and practical work in small groups. We aim to develop your ability to solve technical and managerial problems, and allow you to put into practice the material covered in lectures and tutorials. Your project work will normally link with the research activities of the staff or with one of our many industrial contacts.
Assessment
A mixture of examination and coursework assessment is used. In your first year the overall ratio of examination to coursework assessment is about 50:50.
Industrial involvement
Major companies provide real projects for you to work on and are actively involved in tutoring and assessment. You will also have the option of undertaking an industrial training year on all our programmes.
