How will I learn?
Learning online is enjoyable, effective and challenging. We help you get the most from the programme.
You will access all your courses using a web browser. In each course you will be presented with selected readings and video lectures.
You will take part in discussion fora and real time audio-conferencing with tutors and fellow students.
You will develop your knowledge through reading and lectures. While the balance varies between courses, you will typically read a wide range of carefully selected academic papers, policy documents, reports etc, and watch specially recorded lectures by leading academics at the university and external experts.
You will develop your understanding, insight and skills through a range of activities and assignments including:
- online tests and exercises
- blogging
- video making
- project reports
- essays
As a rough guide, in a 20-credit course you are likely to need to spend 10-15 hours a week reading and participating online, with more around the time of coursework completion.
However, because the programmes are delivered online, they are flexible in a way that more conventionally delivered programmes cannot be. They are also designed to mesh in a meaningful way with the work you are already doing.
Learning online is not just convenient, it's also enjoyable, effective and challenging.
You will access our 'virtual learning environment' (VLE) in your web browser. In our VLE you will be able to:
- interact with staff and fellow students
- find all the course materials, resources and tools you need
- access specialist support
Find out more about learning online on our dedicated postgraduate online learning site:
Programme team
The programme team are here to help you throughout your studies. Opportunities to raise issues and seek support are built into each course. You can always get in touch with individual course organisers and tutors if you are having difficulties or have any specific questions relating to your courses.
The director of your programme is also available to support you. You can normally contact us by email, phone or Skype.
Specialist support
Specialist support is also available from:
Institute for Academic Development
And from the Edinburgh University Students Association:
Edinburgh University Student's Association
Technical support
Our systems are designed to be easy to use, and we incorporate familiarisation training into the course induction. Should you have problems using University services help is available 24/7 by email and phone.
You will also have access to self-directed learning opportunities to develop your information and IT skills to help you study more effectively.
Supporting your online journey
Find more information on the support available to you as an online student on our postgraduate online learning site.
Supporting your online journey
Library
All the essential reading for your courses is provided within our virtual learning environment. But to make the most of your studies you will want to read more widely. Through the university library you will have online access to a vast collection of ejournals, ebooks, newspapers and databases - and advice on how to search and evaluate online content.