Teaching
This course has two components – a taught component accounting for two thirds of your time and effort, and a research component accounting for one third.
For the taught component, we blend lectures with seminars, syndicate exercises, simulations, and case studies. The majority of modules are taught in small classes to facilitate and encourage interaction. Others practice large-scale lectures, which are then supported by small class seminar and group activities.
Our module leaders have extensive industry experience. Guest speakers from industry also contribute regularly, bringing real-world insight into your learning experience.
In addition to your taught modules, you will undertake a major project as part of your Master's degree. For IAE students, your project is usually devoted to developing your business idea in a rigorous manner so that by the end of the course, you not only have a strong piece of academic research, but you will also be well equipped to launch your business if this is your intended next step. The project is nominally 600 hours (60 CATS points) of learning, mainly taking place during the Spring and Summer terms. You will be expected to engage regularly with your Project Supervisor or Coach and to provide progress updates and drafts of your work to an agreed schedule.
Class sizes
The typical intake for this course is around 100 students, with most modules being delivered in smaller classes of 25-30.
Typical contact hours
Module delivery patterns vary, but most will be delivered in a short learning block of up to 4 weeks, allowing your focus to be on one module at a time. Each module nominally accounts for 150 hours, which includes scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments.
WMG runs a SPA module (Study, Professional and Analytical Skills) designed to meet the complex learning and professional needs of postgraduate students. This is a blended module delivered throughout the year alongside your modules. Whilst it is an unaccredited module for IAE students, your participation in the lectures, workshops and online sessions is strongly encouraged. There may be occasions where you will be required to attend evening or weekend sessions.
Assessment
Modules are predominantly assessed by way of written Post Module Assignments (PMA), but assessment can also be in other formats. Most modules will also have a degree of In-Module Assessment (IMA), which will vary by module and may take the form of presentations, on-line tests, self-reflection or a range of other methods.
For the research component, you will undertake a major project, which will develop your research and analytical skills and enable you to specialise. Project submission is likely to include both a written and a presentation element, accounting for 33% of your overall academic grade.
Your timetable
Core modules will be allocated to students at the end of the first week of term - you will then be able to view your individual module schedule for the rest of the year via the WMG module selection system.
Your elective module will be bookable through the same system later in the term.
Modules will include scheduled classroom time and online sessions as well as your independent study and assessments, and will usually be delivered within a 4 week timeframe. Occasional classes and study skills sessions may be held at weekends or in the evenings.
As a Master's student, you are expected to manage your own time appropriately. On average, you are expected to commit 38-40 hours of study each week, in order to successfully achieve your Master’s degree.
This is a full-time postgraduate course - undergraduate term dates do not apply. Whilst there are no holidays as such, there will be no teaching scheduled when the University is officially closed, during the two weeks over Christmas and New Year.
