Learning and assessment
Teaching and learning on the Lancaster Global MBA employs many different methods: in the classroom setting these will include lectures, case study exercises, workshops, debates and experiential exercises. In all these activities there will be a strong accent on active participation and discussion, so that you can share your ideas and experiences with fellow participants, learning from one another and together generating new insights.
Applying the theory
The ‘learning through action’ philosophy which characterises the Lancaster MBA means that you will also be learning through work-focused projects linked to each programme module and also through the organisation-orientated dissertation.
Assessment
Most of the programme modules are assessed by means of a related coursework assignment, in which you apply particular aspects of your new learning to your own managerial experiences or your current organisational context. These assignments are typically around 4,000 words in length and enable you demonstrate both your understanding of the material and your ability to engage critically with it.
In some modules, you will also be required to make presentations, either individually or in groups.
Examinations are also used, most specifically in the two integrating case examinations which are not subject-specific but require you to pull together your learning from all the previous modules.
Learning support
To support learning, module leaders and tutors will conduct online support sessions after the taught element of each module, using the programme’s virtual learning environment. This provides an opportunity for you to raise questions and to share ideas and insights.
Students will be encouraged to form self-supporting 'learning sets', which meet at various points throughout the programme. These learning sets help with the process of learning and assist students in planning and thinking through the requirements of the assessed work. Guidelines and practice for running these learning sets will be given at the Introductory workshop.
Self-study
Before each module you will need to undertake pre-reading, with materials supplied by the programme staff. Here again the programme’s virtual learning environment (VLE) allows the debate and exchange of ideas to continue in-between formal taught modules. The VLE is also used to distribute supplementary learning materials. You will also be able to draw on the resources of the University Library, through remote access to its online materials.
