The programme is taught in modules, and these are grouped into theoretical components, practical research skills, and modules dealing with individual desk-based and experimental research projects. The course is taught through a variety of methods - lectures, practical classes, field-based learning, guided reading and discussion groups and web-based methods. A variety of assessment procedures are used - essay writing, oral presentations, web-based tests, examinations and dissertations. The approach is to develop, progressively, a high degree of independent thinking and academic excellence in students completing the course.

Following successful completion of the taught part of the course, students embark on a closely supervised research project of approximately three months duration, intended to expand the skills and knowledge base acquired in earlier modules.

This is a full-time, intensive programme that will run over a twelve-month period. All modules are compulsory for M.Sc. candidates while P.Grad.Dip. candidates are required to take all modules except the Research Project.