UNIT II. Postgraduate Studies in England

Postgraduate studies at an English University can be undertaken in the form of a taught course or by research.

Taught courses lead to one of three qualifications: Certificate, Diploma or Master. Many can be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. Part of the taught programme is made up of coursework with other students (lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory work). The remainder involves independent study for a supervised dissertation or project to be submitted by a particular date. Both elements are examined. In some cases, satisfactory performance in the first part will determine whether students can proceed to the second. A number of departments require students to undertake a taught course before assessing their ability to pursue research.

The principal research degrees are Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Research degrees involve independent study, assisted by a supervisor, and the production of a thesis. The essential difference between the Master and Doctoral levels lies in the quality of a successful PhD thesis, which must be the result of original research, an addition to knowledge and worthy of publication either in full or in an abridged form. The award of either degree also requires a pass in an oral examination. Postgraduate students are granted the Master’s degree after a minimum of one or two years of advanced studies. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy regarded as the highest one is awarded after a minimum of two or three years’ research. Tuition fees for postgraduates usually cover registration, tuition, examination and membership of the Students’ Union. They do not include accommodation, other living expenses or re-examination fees.

For international students who can study in England a good grasp of the English language is essential for coping with the intellectual demands of postgraduate study, in whatever field. Equally, competence in the language helps postgraduates adjust more easily to life in the country and cope with the demands of living in a new environment.

WORDS AND WORD COMBINATIONS TO BE MEMORIZED

a full-time basis tuition fees

a part-time basis to accommodate

a taught course accommodation

to undertake a course living expenses

to pursue research to cope with smth

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) to involve

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to adjust to smth

to study for a PhD to assess the abilities

to award to grant

the award of a degree to require

intellectual demands requirement

to submit a dissertation new environment

EXERCISES

1. Answer 10 “What questions” on the text:

1) What are the forms of postgraduate study in England? 2) What is the taught programme made up of? 3) What are the principal research degrees? 4) What do research degrees involve? 5) What is the difference between the Master and Doctoral levels? 6) What does the award of either degree require? 7) What do tuition fees cover? 8) What is the English language essential for? 9) What helps international postgraduates adjust more easily to life in the country? 10) What does competence in the language help them to cope with?

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 1014