Teaching & the tutorial system

Whilst the University organises lectures and exams, the College has responsibility for the individual teaching of its undergraduates. Lectures, practicals and classes are held in University lecture theatres and within Departments (or Faculties) and these are attended by students from all Colleges studying that subject. The College arranges individual tuition for its own undergraduate students. This usually takes the form of a Supervision, a small group, typically two or three students, and their Supervisor. Supervisors can be Fellows or Research Students of Queens' or from other Colleges depending on the subject and the expertise required. A Director of Studies is appointed to oversee the students' academic work, to advise on lectures, to appoint Supervisors and monitor the students' progress. The Senior Tutor has overall responsibility for the academic and educational activities of the College.

The Senior Tutor is also responsible for the Tutorial function of the College. This is a welfare system, probably second to none. Every student has a personal Tutor who is available for advice with problems be they pastoral, financial or academic. These Tutors, together with the College Dean, the College Nurse, the Senior Tutor himself, and the various JCR and MCR (the student body) officers, ensure that all students have lots of help available - should they need it. The JCR and the MCR also organise a contact scheme where current students assist new students during the first few weeks of University and College life. This has proved very popular and worthwhile.