Distance learning masters students in the Department of Information Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth: past, present and future

摘要

This paper examines the postgraduate student body studying by distance learning within the Department of Information Studies at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. The demands of both students and employers have been the chief influences on the evolution of the specialist postgraduate programmes and also the later generalist and further specialist programmes. Changes in the range of expectations are matched to the review and revision of individual schemes of study. The management of the distance learning programmes and the role of residential study schools and communication channels within the student group are described. The students' collective awareness of their peers is identified as core to the success of the programmes.