Students as far afield as China, East Africa and the Middle East are currently studying on a postgraduate Masters course from Bristol University, thanks to new Internet technology.

The Masters course in human reproduction and fetal development, introduced by the University’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, uses novel Internet-based distance learning technologies to reach its students.

The course’s broad syllabus and flexible study programme, encompassing full time (1 year) and part time (2 years) study options, has encouraged students from a wide range of academic and cultural backgrounds.  Now nearing the end of its second year, the programme has four full-time and 16 part-time students, with another 13 students ready to start in September 2003.  48 per cent of the students are based outside the UK in countries including Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, India and Canada.

The use of the Internet and distance learning for postgraduate education, especially in medically related fields, is a relatively new concept.  However, when a recent evaluation of the course by the Bristol Institute of Learning & Research Technology  asked the most important reason for selecting the course, the students rated distance learning aspects above all other factors, including cost, and the reputation of the University.  Part-time students in particular considered distance learning the most important aspect of the course: 79 per cent said they wouldn’t have been able to attend the course if it was arranged as conventional, campus-based study.

All the part-time students are employed, full time, in clinical or scientific posts, illustrating the importance of distance learning methods in widening the participation of such groups in postgraduate education.  Many of these people are now required to show continuing education and professional development throughout their careers and thus the potential for further courses using these methods is large.

Over the duration of the course, the students also attend short residential workshops in Bristol, totalling no more than 10 weeks.  As well as offering structured teaching sessions, these workshops give students the opportunity to meet their course tutors and each other, thereby facilitating subsequent electronic communication.

For more information, and demos of online learning, visit: www.ReD-MSc.org.uk