Online Learning

Online learning enables you to study what you want, whenever you want and from wherever you happen to be. As there are no attendance or travel requirements you don´t need to give up your job, find reputable childcare or any of the other issues traditionally associated with postgraduate study.

Effective communication is central to the success of the course as not only is discussion a key component in the learning process but we also need to counteract the potential for distance learners to feel they are working in isolation. Extensive use will therefore be made of email, on-line chat rooms and discussion groups to include participants within a virtual yet vibrant learning community. Our previous student cohorts have developed firm and supportive friendships whilst studying together, even without meeting in the flesh.

The flexibility of the learning environment will allow learning methods to reflect the nature of each individual unit. Broadly, course material will be provided in the form of textual and graphical matter. Where appropriate, other media may also be incorporated. The general approach will be to foster student-centred learning, with students dictating the direction of their study and being encouraged to gather specific additional material, both from both suggested sources and their own.

Teaching and academic support will be provided by members of the University of Sheffield staff together with contributions, where appropriate, from outside experts in particular fields.

Please note that although this course is taught by distance learning it remains necessary for students to adhere, as far as possible, to the set timetable of the course. This is because, to enable full value to be obtained from class discussions, all students must work through particular course elements within the same time frame.