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Subject Areas
As a member of our postgraduate community, you will be supported by the Postgraduate School which looks after the interests of students on taught courses as well as those studying by research.
The School is home to the key functions of the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Postgraduate Co-ordinator and Chair of the Research Committee. If you have any difficulties outside your study, the Postgraduate School is the place to go for help and advice as part of the network of student support services available to you at Writtle.
The Postgraduate School takes an active role in academic development and innovation and in maintaining the facilities which affect postgraduates across the College. We are always keen to hear views of current and former students to help us improve the services that are available.
In particular the School aims to ensure that all postgraduate students are given extensive support in their specific study area, and that there are opportunities for individuals to continue their personal development, as well as gaining a formal qualification. A range of seminars and workshops are offered covering topics in current research and also more practical matters such as writing technical report papers and preparing a thesis.
During your studies, the course team and the Career Guidance Service are all available to discuss possible career opportunities with you. A mixture of commercial visits, guest speakers and personal contacts made by your tutors will provide you with an insight into many facets of your chosen subject area and suggest the next steps you might take. You will be given individual help to make the contacts and applications necessary to progress upon graduation including practical matters like CV preparation and interview technique.
The Postgraduate School looks forward to welcoming you to Writtle College. We are here to help you make the most of your time with us and hope to hear your suggestions to improve life in the School, as well as being available to answer your queries.
Taught postgraduate awards
Certificate and Diploma
Students interested in taught postgraduate courses may register for a Postgraduate Certificate (one term or semester of full-time study) or Diploma (two terms of study). The Certificate can be used as an entry qualification for a Diploma and, subsequently, a further period of study can take successful diplomats to the Masters degree.
Each Masters programme is underpinned by a Postgraduate Certificate and a Postrgraduate Diploma course.
Individual modules may also be taken as an introduction to postgraduate study, for professional development purposes or simply out of interest.
The Masters Degree
The award of a Masters (MSc, MA or MBA) degree is the culmination of what is normally one year full-time or two years of part-time, taught study and demonstrates the attainment of mastery in the chosen subject area. The pattern of full-time and part-time delivery varies between courses with some courses being delivered predominantly at weekends (MBA and MSc Equine Science).
Flexibility and part-time study
In principle all the taught postgraduate courses are available on both a full-time and a part-time basis, depending upon numbers of students recruited.
Research degrees are available to part-time students and can be College or work-based. The time allocation for the research programme is negotiated between the study supervisor and the student to take into account individual circumstances.
Associate Postgraduate Student Scheme
The Associate Student Postgraduate Scheme is a flexible mode of study for professional people seeking to update their technical knowledge and for individuals who wish to sample postgraduate education. Upon successful completion of a module or series of modules, associate students will be issued with credits and a Certificate of Achievement which may contribute to an award at a later date.
Study in the workplace and international experience
Part-time students are encouraged to make the best, constructive use of their workplace where it can contribute positively to their work, particularly with regard to research. Where appropriate facilities and supervisory arrangements can be made, these students can achieve much in academic or commercial organisations with detailed arrangements being discussed, on an individual basis, with the course manager. Full-time students reading for research degrees may also spend periods of time in other national or international institutions as part of an agreed, collaborative research programme.
The College is keen that as many of its postgraduate students as possible gain international experience during their course of study. This includes UK students working internationally and our students from overseas maximising their experiences in their field of study while they are at Writtle.
Postgraduate awards by research
The following awards by research are available in most of the academic areas outlined in this prospectus:
- Masters of Science by Dissertation
This award requires the equivalent of one full-time year of research investigation. - Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)
An MPhil is awarded after the equivalent of two years successful full-time study, and could lead to a Doctor of Philosophy programme. - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A PhD is awarded for study solely by research and takes the equivalent of a minimum of three years of full-time work r six years of part-time work.
For further information about postgraduate courses please contact:
Dr Anya Perera
Postgraduate Coordinator
