For those entering the programme with an approved Master's degree, the degree comprises 6 taught units and a dissertation. Each unit normally consists of 15 hours contact time plus a further 60 hours of associated study time including the writing of an assignment of 4,000 words. The units are presented on an intensive basis and are taught by faculty members of the Bristol University Graduate School of Education who have international reputations in their field, sometimes with inputs from contributors with local expertise.