Dear all,

Just so that everyone is fully aware there have been changes in the past year to the MSc curriculum which effect both Orientations and the Pro Gradu.

The Pro Gradu is now variable length. The shortest the Pro Gradu can be is 3 months of experimental work, the longest it can be is 3 months + 18 weeks (about 7.5 months). When a study plan is submitted it must say how long is planned (it can be changed during the Pro Gradu) so students should discuss this with potential supervisors. Students who started before Autumn 2017 can either do this new style or the old style fixed length (6 months experimental work). The variable length Pro Gradu gives flexibility to students based on future career path, including allowing a minor to be taken as part of a 120 credit MSc.

The Orientation to Research Work has also changed from 4 week blocks of time (worth 6 credits) to 3 week blocks of time (worth 5 credits). In addition, for ONE orientation two blocks can be taken as one project in the same group (making a 10 credit 6 week long orientation). This change fits with the new MSc timetable which is (where possible) arranged in 3 week blocks (associated with a 5 credit course) or 6 week blocks (associated with a 10 credit course). Students who started before Autumn 2017 can either do the new style or the old style orientation requirements. Students should discuss with potential supervisors how long the Orientation is (3 week, 6 week or old style 4 week) before starting. All orientations can also be taken working fractional time e.g. a 5 credit orientation can be taken by working for 6 weeks 50% of the time. We still strongly recommend that the final orientation is taken in the group where the student plans to do their Pro Gradu so that the student can become acclimatized to the group and their research methods.

Best wishes,

Lloyd