The Exeter College Online Tutorial Programme (ECOTP) is your chance to challenge yourself intellectually by conducting research work under the close supervision of a specialist in your subject. One-to-one supervision provides personalised feedback and regular meetings allow progress to be very closely monitored and, if necessary, for additional support to be put in place.
Exeter College offers two different types of tutorial: (1) the Oxford Tutorial and (2) the Independent Research Tutorial. They are distinguished from one another by both the content of the tutorial and the manner of teaching.
(1) The Oxford Tutorial
This most closely resembles the undergraduate teaching and learning experience at the University of Oxford itself. You will choose from among a list of subjects ranging across disciplines. There will be a set of eight tutorials that follow a prescribed course and reading list. Each course will require submission of written work (an essay or problem set, for example) for each tutorial meeting, and this work will form the basis of your assessment. As with all Oxford tutorials, the course may be adaptable to your particular interests within the subject.
For examples, please see our list of ECOTP 2024:5 Topics and Economics papers.
(2) The Independent Research Tutorial
The Independent Research Tutorial (IRT) is the most specialised of our tutorial offerings. For it, you propose a specific topic that you would like to research; you receive a series of six supervised tutorial sessions that will guide you in the preparation of a single sustained written research essay (3,000-5,000 words as agreed with your tutorial supervisor). To be accepted, you must submit a research proposal, and acceptance is strictly dependent on our ability to find an expert tutor to lead you.
The Oxford Tutorial is modelled on an 8-week Oxford term, with tutorials taking place once or twice a week, whereas the Independent Research Tutorial prepares you for extended research on a tightly framed topic over 6 tutorials. The 8 sessions included in the Oxford Tutorial provides more structure and guidance through more regular meetings with your tutor, whereas the expectation of the Independent Research Tutorial is that you will use the additional time outside your weekly tutorials to undertake research.
Tutorials last an hour, during which time your tutor will give you feedback on work you have prepared on a particular topic. At the end of the tutorial, your tutor will set a new piece of work together with suggested readings for you to get ready for the next meeting. In between tutorials, you will be expected to prepare for your next tutorial by working independently. As a guide, you should anticipate spending 10-15hrs preparing for each tutorial.
The Tutorials are subject to the Academic Director’s approval and the availability of an expert in Oxford to guide your research. Admission to ECOTP and payment of the fee is not therefore a guarantee that the tutorial will take place. We will do our very best to pair you with a suitable tutor, but if we are unable to do so we will give you the option of either modifying your research proposal or refunding your fee.
