Teaching and learning strategy

Learning is self-directed against a detailed set of learning objectives using the study materials provided. Module tutors provide asynchronous support for students by replying to students’ questions in open online discussion forums and facilitating discussion. Students are also encouraged to participate in live webinars led by module teaching teams. The live webinars are recorded and available for subsequent download.

Resources

The programme is delivered using a variety of study resources including lecture notes and a selection of essential and recommended readings and activities. 

All essential and some recommended readings are provided for each session in the Library section of each module area of LSHTM’s virtual learning environment, Moodle. Essential readings are a compulsory part of the study materials, while recommended readings are provided for further reference and research. 

Students are encouraged to communicate with tutors and fellow students via Moodle in module specific web-based discussion forums. In this way, students can ask questions, engage in discussion, peer-to-peer learning, and develop and negotiate conclusions with others, which are key components in the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and transferable skills. Students are also invited to participate in real time webinars or listen to recordings of these. 

Further information about the teaching & learning strategy and resources for each module is provided in the relevant module specification.

Flexible study

We 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. The course allows you to study independently, at a time and pace that suits you (subject to some course-specific deadlines) using the comprehensive study materials provided, with support available from academic staff. You have between 1-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Certificate, and between 2-5 years in which to complete the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc. 

The study year for most modules runs from the beginning of October through to the June exams. Tutorial support is available throughout this time. Students carrying out projects are assigned personal supervisors to support their project work which is mostly carried out between June and the end of September in their final year.