Innovative Teaching and Learning

At our Cornwall Campus you’ll find the emphasis is on small group and seminar working which creates an environment for discussion and interaction between staff and students. Our staff:student ratios are very good and our staff and students know each other well.

Innovative teaching and learning methods create a stimulating and effective learning environment and include videoconferencing, webcasting, virtual fieldtrips, blogging and online discussion forums. You will also learn through more traditional methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials and self-directed study; as well as fieldwork, laboratory classes and IT sessions depending on your degree programme.

The University has invested in an interactive online learning environment which is available to all students and staff and currently supports a large percentage of campus-based modules.

Exams are one form of assessment used on our programmes, but continuous assessment, including assignments, laboratory exercises and fieldwork as appropriate, allows you to work steadily throughout the year.

In addition to developing your academic knowledge, during the course of your degree you will gain skills such as self-management, communication, teamworking, problem-solving and data-handling.

State-of-the-art campus

The campus has been designed to meet the needs of the modern student. The teaching rooms and lecture theatres are air-conditioned and have been equipped with a variety of modern audio-visual facilities, including data projectors, PCs with internet connections and DVD players. £3 million has been invested in new science laboratories with specialist equipment for the study of biological and earth sciences and engineering.

Details of departmental facilities can be found on the relevant subject webpages.

Student representation

The University works in partnership with the student body to continuously improve the student experience and most degree programmes have a staff/student liaison committee. Our systems of student representation were commended by the QAA.

Personal tutors

The University is committed to a system of personal tutoring so that students receive the individual support and advice they need to succeed in their study here. All students have a personal tutor who is there to support you and help you deal with any problems or issues that arise.

Details of our library, IT facilities and learning support, visit Campus Facilities and Services.

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