5. Teaching and Learning

5.7. Skills and Learning Development

Expectations of Study 

You are responsible for your own academic progress. Therefore, in addition to the formal teaching you receive through lectures, classes and dissertation tutorials, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self directed, independent study both during term time and in the vacations. You are advised to read the University’s guidance on undertaking paid work at http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/experience.

Your academic progress will be monitored by your supervisor. College tutors and supervisors will receive reports from the class tutors for the classes you attend. In addition, supervisors of MSc students will submit termly reports on their student’s progress via the Graduate Supervision Recording (GSR). These reports are reviewed by the Director of Studies. If you are concerned about your academic progress please contact your college tutor, supervisor or the Course Director.

For MSc students, it is also mandatory to complete a self-assessment report via GSR for every reporting period. You can access GSR via the following link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/selfservice. Students will be sent a GSR 
automated email notification with details of how to log in at the start of each reporting window, and who to contact with queries.

Completing the self-assessment will provide the opportunity to:

  • Review and comment on your academic progress during the current reporting period 
  • Measure your progress against the timetable and requirements of your programme of study 
  • Identify skills developed and training undertaken or required 
  • List your engagement with the academic community 
  • Raise concerns or issues regarding your academic progress to your general supervisor 
  • Outline your plans for the next term (where applicable) 

If you have any difficulty completing this you must speak to your general supervisor or Director of Studies. Your self assessment report will be used by your general supervisor as a basis to complete a report on your performance this reporting period, for identifying areas where further work may be required, and for reviewing your progress against agreed timetables and plans for the term ahead. GSR will alert you by email when your General supervisor has completed your report and it is available for you to view. 

University Lectures and Departmental Seminars 

University lectures in all subjects are open to all students. A consolidated lecture list is available on the University website at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/lectures/. 
Seminars and colloquia given in the Mathematical Institute and Computer Science Department, often by mathematicians and computer scientists of international repute, are announced on the departmental notice boards 
www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/list/all 
www.cs.ox.ac.uk/seminarsEvents.html 

Study Skills

Much of the advice and training in study skills will come in the regular class teaching you receive. A wide range of information and training materials are available to help you develop your academic skills – including time management, research and library skills, referencing, revision skill and academic writing – through the Oxford Student website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills