Modular MSc Courses


Background

From September 1995 the University divided its teaching into two 15-week semesters plus a summer project period.

The Department decided to take this oportunity to modularise its long standing and successful MSc so as to allow students to more closely tailor their courses to their vocational needs

Each module is a unit of teaching and assessment and carries a certain number of credits. A typical module consists of a series of lectures, example classes, usually some course-work, and an examination, all within a 15-week semester. However, there are many variations on this theme (see our short courses). Module assessment results in a percentage mark for the student. A student proceeds through the course by taking chosen modules until enough credits are accumulated. Then "the chips are cashed in" for a degree. The number of credits and the overall mark determines the type of award; the actual modules determine the award title.

An MSc requires 120 credits - Post Graduate Diplomas require 80.

For the MSc a minimum of 120 credits must have been obtained from a project or dissertation.


Entrance Requirements

MSc courses build upon the material you studied as an undergraduate. University regulations generally require the possession of a B.Eng (or equivalent) at a 2.ii level or better.

If your native language is not English then you must also hold one of the following qualifications.


Full-time Study

Full-time students register for 12 months from September and generally select eight modules from the list of about 20 - however time-tabling and various prerequisites may restrict the choice. Students will also undertake a major project corresponding to some 500 hours of work which is submitted at the end of August. Certain research oriented pathways (e.g. corresponding to the current MSc in Advanced Semiconductor Materials) will comprise 4 modules and an extended (1000 hour) research based project

Part-time Study

Part-time students will likely have a range of options - the current one day a week release will allow completion of the modules within 2 years though, as we have timetabled the modules within a morning or afternoon, it may be convenient to extend this up to 4 years.

We also intend to offer many of the modules as short 1 week courses which can be taken any time (subject to prerequisites) within a 4 year period. The project work should be done within industry and may be started after successful completion of 3 modules.


F.Coakley@ee.surrey.ac.uk
Last Update: 6th December 1995