Learn about the carousel approach to our online distance learning programmes.
Course structure and delivery
Our courses are designed to be studied 100% online on a part-time basis. Due to the flexible nature of these courses, modules are delivered using a carousel model with six intakes per year.
How ODL courses are designed
- modules are organised into three 'carousels', with each carousel consisting of four modules
- modules can be studied in any sequence, but it is necessary to finish all modules in a carousel before progressing to the next
- students can join any of the six intake periods throughout the academic year, without affecting how the course is structured and delivered
- each teaching period lasts seven weeks.
- modules are designed to be studied one at a time and, if finance or work/life commitments change, students can pause study at the end of a module and rejoin a new one when suitable.
Our Masters courses comprise of 12 x 15 credit modules. Students may be eligible to earn an exit award (PGCert or PGDip) if they withdraw before completing all required MSc/MA modules. The minimum study period for an online Masters is two years and courses must be completed within four years.
- Example carousel: Energy Policy MSc (online)
Course structure
Carousel 1
- Introduction to Energy Policys
- Policy Analysis
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Understanding the Policy Making Process
Carousel 2
- Energy and Sustainability
- Perspectives, Methods and Skills
- Quantitative Research Methods for Energy Policy
- Energy Justice
Carousel 3
- Governing Energy Transitions
- Energy and Development
- Energy and Economic Growth
- Energy Policy Capstone Project
How modules are launched
Before a module starts, the ODL team will run several checks in the module to make sure it is set up correctly for students. This includes:
- setting up the reading lists
- enrolling students
- checking assessment set up
- publishing the module on the start date.
How modules are taught
ODL modules are designed to allow both synchronous and asynchronous opportunities for students to engage with the module content, teaching team and their peers. Tutors can develop an effective online presence and support creating a social learning community, by engaging with students using relevant tools in Canvas.
Synchronous live sessions are scheduled for each module which provide learners with the chance to engage and interact with their tutor and fellow students giving opportunities for collaborative discussions and formative learning tasks in seminar-style sessions.
The flexibility ODL courses offer combined with the various time zones our students reside in, allow optional attendance at live sessions. All sessions are recorded and are accessible for students to view at their convenience.
Modes of engagement for asynchronous learning activities on ODL modules which include:
- interactive lecture content
- discussion boards
- group work collaboration
- quizzes
- Padlet boards.
How students are assessed
ODL courses use a range of assessment modes such as:
- essays
- group presentations
- problem sets
- take away papers.
Not every mode is recommended for ODL courses, to guarantee equal opportunities and fairness for all students.
Assignments have authentic real-world contexts, encouraging critical thinking and reflective learning, which equips students with crucial employability skills.
Assessment briefs and submission points are set up consistently. Each assessment description uses a template that includes sections such as overview, learning outcomes, details, submission type and marking criteria.
Students submit their work in a digital format to Canvas and in some cases could count with a late submission allowance of 24 hours. Marking and feedback turn around is the same as on campus courses - 15 working days. Find out more.