Aberystwyth to re-launch 'pioneering' course after lack of interest

The proposed MSc Econ in “connectivity” was described as a highly interdisciplinary “pioneering course through which you can engage with the evolving communications revolution that is defining the course of the early 21st century”.

It was supposed to launch in 2012, but no applicants accepted their places on the course, despite Aberystwyth offering five scholarships that would have paid the fees of UK and EU students in full.

“The proposed MSc Econ Connectivity was conceived as a multidisciplinary degree drawing on the expertise of eight different departments at Aberystwyth University, spanning the arts, social sciences and sciences,” a statement from a university spokesman said.

“Unfortunately it did not attract sufficient applicants to make it viable to offer the degree during the 2012-13 academic year, and was withdrawn,” he added.

According to student news website Aber Student Media, a Freedom of Information request revealed that eight students had applied to the course, six had been offered places, but none had taken them up.

The university spokesman said that the courses was being “revised” and would be re-launched this year as a programme in the “International Politics of the Internet”.

It will have a “sharper focus” on “international political dimensions” and “issues relating to cyber issues” he said.

“The new scheme will retain a multidisciplinary dimension, as students will be able to choose options from relevant modules offered by several other departments in the university,” he added.

david.matthews@tsleducation.com