Teaching methods

The majority of your teaching at DSPI takes place in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms, with some revision sessions taking place in Trinity Term. You will attend lectures, seminars, workshops and supervision sessions, depending on your study.  

If you are studying on the Comparative Social Policy and the Evidence-Based Intervention and Policy Evaluation courses, these will include lectures delivered to the whole group, whereas the option papers are delivered via smaller classes. You will also attend practical workshops in the computer lab. In your teaching, there will be an emphasis on student interaction, discussion and presentations. 

Your supervisor 

You will be assigned a supervisor who will provide one-to-one supervision. 

If you are an MSc or MPhil student, your supervisor will particularly provide support for the development of the thesis. The supervisor will be responsible for your progress and will work with you to consider your training needs through a system of Skills Review and Training Needs Analysis. You have the opportunity to attend a variety of skills training sessions appropriate to different stages of your graduate careers, as well as training geared to your specific needs. You and your supervisor will also complete termly online reports about how you are progressing, giving you an opportunity to raise issues and address concerns. 

Admin and professional support  

You will also be supported by the Course Director and Director of Graduate Studies, and the course administration team are also on hand to offer day-to-day support or signpost you to additional services. Additionally, there is an extensive framework of support available within individual colleges, including College Advisors and Tutors for Graduates. 

You will also have access to the University’s Student Counselling Service, which is a professionally staffed, confidential service offering assistance with personal, emotional, social and academic problems.Â