The programme offers challenging and thought-provoking modules to help you formulate your answers, and a lively, intelligent group of students and academics with which to debate and exchange ideas. The School of Politics and International Relations runs a lively range of extra-curricular seminars and groups at that you can attend to complement your studies, including events run by our various research centres. Teaching is by a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as open discussion. The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. However, we expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your own knowledge, understanding and critical ability. Independent study will foster in you the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferable skill and will help to prepare you for the transition to working life. You are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Many modules are assessed by coursework only. If a module is assessed by means of coursework alone, this is usually in the form of research essays and the course convener offers guidance and support in the researching and writing of this piece of assessment.