The course structure and the proposed teaching strategies are designed to encourage a student centred approach to learning. Such strategies will include; case studies; projects; practical exercises supplemented by the use of appropriate support materials; videos; etc. Active engagement with the subject material enhances learning and many of the learning strategies used attempt to promote this.
Delivery of the curricular material will be through a blend of lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.
Lectures Lectures are an important part of the teaching strategy for the programme. Lectures are an effective way of delivering core material and establishing a framework for a module against which other material can be set.
Modular Subject Tutorials Tutorials are meetings of a student or group of students with a lecturer or lecturers and are used in two ways within the programme:
- expanding upon material covered in lectures through an enquiry-driven problem solving approach
- remedial work to overcome any deficiencies in a student's background knowledge.
Seminars Seminars involve a student or students presenting previously prepared work to peers and a lecturer. This strategy is used to extend specific theoretical or practical concepts as well as introducing problem solving exercises. Seminars are used in most modules and provide students with valuable experience in presentational skills, blogs, or podcasts, as well as providing staff with a method or assessing student-centred learning.
Practical Workshops Practical workshops are used in some modules throughout the programme. In these classes students are able to practice and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can get feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and practice
Case Studies
Case studies are teaching and learning strategies which are employed in a range of modules. They also are a useful assessment tool. Students are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.
In addition to the timetabled sessions, students are expected to undertake independent study amounting to approximately 104 hours for every twenty credit module
Support for students and their learning
Personal Tutors
All students studying in Cardiff School of Management benefit from the team of dedicated tutors who provide a point of personal and regular contact for students. They guide students in such matters as, finance, welfare, career development as well as helping where needed with the planning of effective study patterns, exam preparation and a range of other important issues.
International Office There is additional support available for all International Students which is provided by International Office.
Academic Support
In addition to the lecture and seminar sessions each module has a weekly timetabled slot where the module leader is available to provide further guidance and support in their module. There is also a weekly timetabled slot where the Programme Director and the Year Tutor meet with students on a regular basis to mentor and facilitate further personal professional development.
The programme provides further general support to the students through the following:
- An induction programme
- Student handbook, programme handbook and individual module handbooks
- Module content and materials via Moodle
- Library and study skills packages.
- Library and learning resources
- Specialist computing facilities including interactive and multi-media labs.
- A 24-hour open access IT facility on the Cyncoed and Llandaff campuses.
- Unlimited worldwide web access.
- Access to student services including those offered by careers, welfare, disability, counselling, chaplaincy and medical centre.