Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How much time do I need to spend studying each week?

Answer

As a guide, it is recommended students use the ratio of 3 hours study per week for each hour spent in face-to-face contact with lecturer/tutor. In other words, if the subject being studied has face-to-face contact of, say, 1 hr lecture plus a 2 hr tutorial each week (total 3 hrs face-to-face) then you may expect to spend up to 9 hrs per week study for the subject.

You will find that you utilise these study hours in blocks of time. For instance, some weeks you may need only to spend a couple of hours reading as preparation for the next class so that you may involve yourself in discussions with other members of your tutorial group. However, when you are preparing to deliver and write up your seminar presentation, and when you are preparing your major essay, you will certainly use up the hours you have in your 'study time bank'.

If you are intending to enrol in full-time study (i.e. 4 subjects per session - each subject worth 6 credit points) you can consider your study time for these subjects as being equivalent to a full-time job = 35-40 hrs per week.

If you have a part-time job, small children, sick relative needing care, or other family commitments requiring your time you will not have enough time to study full-time and we would strongly advise you to consider doing your study on a part-time basis.