Course structure in grad school

[have2thinkboutit]

I'm curious about this. During my undergrad as well as my MA, both of which I completed in the UK, all assessment was essay based. Basically, I never had final exams but was required to write papers (usually 2 per module) and do presentations (1 per module ). Overall it was very research based. Is that similar to how classes are done in the US?

I gotta admit that I'm slightly uncomfortable when thinking about exams as the last time I had those was in high school about 15 years ago...

[rising_star]

Many graduate seminars require lengthy final papers (15-25 pages double-spaced) in lieu of exams. The only exams you're likely to have to study for will be those for language courses and your comprehensive (or qualifying) exams. 

[have2thinkboutit]

Perfect! Thanks so much for your response, rising star! Especially, since this is exactly what I wanted to hear! Looking forward to school even more now

[AKCarlton]

I'm curious about this. During my undergrad as well as my MA, both of which I completed in the UK, all assessment was essay based. Basically, I never had final exams but was required to write papers (usually 2 per module) and do presentations (1 per module ). Overall it was very research based. Is that similar to how classes are done in the US?

I gotta admit that I'm slightly uncomfortable when thinking about exams as the last time I had those was in high school about 15 years ago...

 

I had a comprehensive final exam in my Environmental Archaeology course and we all bonded over the fact that we hadn't taken a final exam in so long. Also, it wasn't an exam, but we had a Ceramics practical in another course. I guess it depends on your professor.

[firewitch]

I had finals in my first year of MA study, but they were take-home, usually with about a week to complete. Second year, more professors omitted the exam and graded 50% on class participation and 50% on a term paper.

 

Of course, there were the comprehensive exams.....