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Teaching and learning

Teaching team

A core group of senior academics are committed to the delivery and oversight of high quality innovative teaching activities. Students are supported by teaching fellows who also organise and run the core modules of epidemiology and statistics. This is led by:

induction

The department provides a comprehensive induction for all new students in early October. This runs in parallel with induction events organised by colleges and the Medical Sciences Division. The programme of induction is designed to enable students to begin their studies with an understanding of the academic and social environment in which they will be working.

workspace

The majority of MSc teaching takes place in one of the department's teaching suites or in the lecture theatre.

TEACHING STYLES

Teaching is delivered during the first two terms (October to March) and for up to two weeks in the third term (April/May) through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, student presentations, self-directed learning and independent study. All students are allocated to a tutor group of five to six students, and will meet with either their epidemiology or statistics tutors approximately four to five times for tutor- or student-led activities.

In addition to the assessed modules, a number of masterclasses are organised throughout the course.

The taught element is followed by examinations, after which students undertake a research placement leading to a dissertation. 

CONTACT TIME

It is generally expected that students will spend on average 35-40 hours a week on study: each week will typically include 15-20 hours of contact time within the department and 20-25 hours of self-directed study. 

SUPERVISION

All MSc students are allocated an academic supervisor at the beginning of the course. Supervisors provide support and guidance and monitor their students’ progress in relation to academic and practical skill development to fulfil the requirements of the MSc. Academic supervisors mainly act as a point of contact to discuss practical issues or questions regarding the programme, such as choice of research project, or as a first-line sympathetic ear for pastoral challenges. Students are expected to meet their supervisor at least once per term. 

During the research placement all students are allocated an additional placement supervisor who is their first point of contact throughout the placement. Placement supervisors provide advice to the students on the conduct of their research activities and how these might inform their dissertation, including but not limited to: advice on reading materials, methodology, approach and the structure of the dissertation.

department Pastoral support

In addition to pastoral support provided by individual university colleges, the department is committed to supporting graduate students throughout their studies. The academic supervisor is the first point of contact and the course director may also offer advice and support where there is a difference of opinion between two parties. The welfare contact can also help with signposting students towards suitable support and contacts.

A number of student-led initiatives offer informal advice and guidance on various topics. These include student buddies and trained peer supporters.