The programme is mainly delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical classes and fieldwork. Typically lectures provide key information on a particular area, and identify the main areas for discussion and debate. Practical classes and fieldwork allow students to gain direct experience of practical and interpretative skills in Earth Science. Tutorials then provide opportunities for smaller groups of students to discuss and debate particular issues or areas, based on the knowledge that they have gained through their lectures and through independent study outside the programmes formal contact hours. The balance of these types of activities changes over the course of the programme, as students develop their knowledge and the ability as independent learners that is one of the key attributes that the programme develops in its students (thereby preparing them for work or further study once they have completed the programme).