The programme comprises three levels, each corresponding to one year of full-time study. At each level you will take eight modules, with associated credits. Each credit can be considered as the equivalent of approximately ten hours of study. All the modules offered in this programme (except the dissertation) are 15 credit modules. This means that each module comprises around150 hours of study divided into contact time (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops) and non-contact time when you will be engaged in directed study (preparation for classes) and independent study when you will be involved in producing assignments and preparing and taking examinations.  The dissertation is a 30 credit module comprising 300 hours of study divided into contact time (workshops and supervisory tutorials) and a significantly larger portion of hours allocated to non-contact, independent study time. This is because the dissertation is designed to foster independent inquiry and is the culmination of three levels of study, enabling you to apply theories and methods explored at all Levels and to examine one area of social sciences in detail.