How does the block-course structure differ from studying at university?

Instead of juggling several papers over a semester, you focus on one subject at a time. Each block lasts about four weeks, with one tutor, two related assessments, and your full attention on one topic. Then you wrap it up and move on to the next.

We teach this way because of the sheer amount of fieldwork we do, and because field trips often depend on the tides. In a standard timetable, students would be pulled out of other classes to go on field trips. With blocks, everyone is focused on the same course, so the whole group can head out when conditions are right.

The main benefits for students are:

• Focus - You're studying one topic at a time instead of juggling several.
• Less overload - You only have one set of assessments to prepare for at a time, not four or five different exams.
• A short commitment - If a topic isn't your favourite, it's over in four weeks.