Programme Specification. MA Human Resource Management. Valid from: September 2015 Faculty of Business

Transcription

1 Programme Specification MA Human Resource Management Valid from: September 2015 Faculty of Business

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University: Wheatley Campus MA Human Resource Management Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management Brookes course code: UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: Mode of delivery: Mode/s of study: Language of study: Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: External accreditation/recognition: (applicable to programmes with professional body approval) Faculty managing the programme: BH71 P N600 Part time day/evening Face to face and on-line English Masters in Business and Management 2007 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Business Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: January

3 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Rationale for/distinctiveness of the programme The MA in Human Resource Management programme is designed to meet the professional development needs of participants and their employing organisations. On successful completion, the programme enables Human Resource Management practitioners to make a substantial contribution to enhancing business performance through the effective deployment of theoretical concepts, personal knowledge and skills. Key themes of the programme include: ethical practice and decision making, and the need for HR practitioners to develop and sustain an ethical framework within which to advise and manage, consistent with the CIPD Code of Practice and with employment law the impact of globalisation on all aspects of HRM, and the importance of HR practitioners being able to advise and manage within international, diverse workforces. Progression through this structured programme of study builds incrementally to provide participants with challenging learning experiences which extend their human resource management knowledge and provide opportunities to practise and develop skills in a safe and supportive environment. Completion of the MA enables participants to further develop their research skills by undertaking an indepth study in their employing organisation, produce a dissertation and make recommendations that add value to the business. This consultancy opportunity often has a galvanising effect on the careers of participants who go on to achieve organisational leadership positions. The programme is informed by syllabi of the CIPD Advanced Level Diploma. Hhence successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma as part of the MA enables participants to gain Associate Membership of CIPD 2.2 Aims of the programme The aims of the MA programme are: 1. To support the development of participants employing organisations and the HR profession by developing participants knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates in Human Resource Management. 2. To equip participants with the abilities to glean a critically understanding of organisational contexts, evaluate organisational policies, processes and practices with a view to enhancing organisational performance. 3. To support the development of participants intellectual and professionals skills, and incrementally enhance participants confidence as autonomous HR professionals, able to advise and ultimately lead organisations in the delivery of sound, effective and ethically-informed human resource policies and practice within the framework of the CIPD s Code of Practice. 4. To develop, then incrementally enhance, the research skills of participants to enable them to undertake a substantial piece of organisationally-based research that has significant implications for both the participant s personal development, including their ability to influence organisational decision making, and for the organisation upon which the research is based. 3

4 5. To encourage the development of broad organisational and contextual perspectives including cross-cultural capability, in order to be able to perform, professionally and socially, in a multicultural environment and to reflect upon practice to enhance personal learning and development. SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES The programme incrementally develops the intellectual research and critical evaluation skills of participants by progressively increasing the analytical expectations of participants as they tackle increasingly complex organisational issues and apply theoretical constructs to aid analysis. On successful completion of the programme, graduates will demonstrate the following Brookes Attributes: Achieved by those leaving with: 3.1 Academic literacy PG PG MA Cert Dip 1. Show a critical appreciation of the relationship between human resource management and the operational requirements of organisations. 2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of major contemporary research and debates in the areas of basic theories of Organisational Behaviour, Human Resource Management Development with a view to improving strategic organisational performance. 3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of major contemporary research and debates in the areas of Organisational Behaviour, with a view to improving strategic organisational performance. x 4. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, in the specific areas of employee resourcing and talent management, reward, and employee relations. 3.2 Research literacy 5 Demonstrates a level of understanding that facilitates an evaluation of quantitative research approaches. 6 Demonstrates a level of understanding that facilitates an evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. 7 Display an critical appreciation of the theoretical bases of rigorous and systematic management research advanced scholarship and methodologies and can argue for alternative approaches to investigate a relevant organisational issue including collecting and synthesising data, critically evaluating problems and generating recommendations to deliver relevant outputs that will inform HRM decision making at a strategic level. 3.3 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy 8 Demonstrate a commitment to develop a range of professional competencies 4

5 in relation to the management and development of people in a variety of organisational settings and sectors, both nationally and internationally including a continuing commitment to personal and professional development 9 Demonstrate an ability to assess critically business planning needs and their relationship to human resources planning, including managing organisational culture 10 Show evidence of a range of transferable intellectual skills, including: to demonstrate self-direction in diagnosing problems; analyse complex issues suggest innovative alternative actions; teamwork; leadership and communication skills to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional and academic level. 11 Demonstrate the self-confidence to manage others, to influence others including those in leadership positions, and tolerance of ambiguity; make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions to both HR specialists and non-specialists. 3.4 Digital and information literacy 12 Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise and use technical IT accounting and management information to synthesise data using appropriate tools 3.5 Active citizenship 13 Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the organisational environment (both national and international) and the key factors that impact on management performance and ethical decision making at both strategic and operational levels. 14 Operate in complex and unpredictable/ specialised environments, while retaining an overview of ethical leadership governing good practice. SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: The MA HRM programme comprises eight modules as follows: Module Title Module Number Credits Status Normally delivered Leading, Managing & Developing People P Compulsory for PG Cert, PG Dip and MA Semester 1 year 1 Developing Skills for Business Leadership P Compulsory for PG Dip and MA Semester 2 year 1 Human Resource Management in P Compulsory for PG Cert, PG Dip and MA Semester 1 year 2 Context Employment Law P Compulsory for PG Cert, Semester 2 5

6 Resourcing, Talent & Performance Management PG Dip and MA year 1 P Compulsory for PG Dip and MA Semester 1 Year 2 Managing Employment Relations P Compulsory for PG Dip and MA Semester 2 year 2 Management Research Report and Continuing Professional Development Understanding and Researching P Compulsory for PG Dip Semesters 1 and 2 year 2 P Compulsory for MA Semester 1 year 2 Organisations Dissertation P Compulsory for MA Semesters 1 and 2 year Professional requirements This programme is accredited against the CIPD Advanced Diploma qualification and incorporates the following CIPD Modules:- HRM in Context (Code 7HRC) Leading, Managing and Developing People (Code 7LMP) Developing Skills for Business Leadership (Code 7SBL) Investigating a Business Issue (Code 7IBI) Managing Employment Relations (Code 7MER) Resourcing & Talent Management (7RTM) Employment Law (7ELW) SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Teaching methods use participants knowledge and experience as a focal point for learning while studying, and we encourage them to apply their new learning in the work place as well as bringing their experience to the class discussions which form the core of the learning experience. In addition the most important parts of the assessment are based on the real circumstances of each student s work place. Participants are encouraged to relate knowledge, understanding and skills to real organisational issues. These activities, plus the opportunity for participants to work in groups, provide the opportunity for a learning process which is shared and experiential. The emphasis is on applying learning to the workplace to develop and justify options for improving both people-management and organisational effectiveness. Learning emphasises the development and application of research skills in the workplace, reflecting the view that a career is likely to depend increasingly on the capacity for conducting grounded empirical and literature-based research and analysis. Participants are expected to draw from a wide range of international journals and textbooks to inform their ideas. Each module specifically takes into account the increasingly diverse international work environment within which participants work. The programme is delivered through a series of workshops one afternoon and evening per week for 24 weeks per year. Workshops can involve, for example, tutor input, analysis of case studies, problemsolving activities, computer-based business simulations, presentations, analysis of data for decision 6

7 making, directed reading and research and role play. Participants are actively involved in their own development through structured activities, discussion and feedback, which is both formative and summative. This is supported by online discussion groups facilitated by module tutors through the Brookes Moodle virtual learning platform. Reflecting on the learning and how it improves practice is an integral part of the programme. In addition, visiting practitioners and specialists, from industrial, commercial, voluntary sector and public sector bodies, are invited to contribute. Skills workshops held on Saturdays also support students in developing professional skills. Contact time with tutors for the Certificate stage amounts to 200 hours. Participants selecting the Diploma will receive additional tuition amounting to 140 hours; Participants electing to complete the MA will receive additional tuition amounting to 208 hours. Each module is assessed through a case study based examination plus a practical investigation into a participants workplace written as an academic report that links theory to practice plus a reflection on personal learning. During the programme participants will also build a portfolio of information to support upgrading their membership status with the CIPD. Outside normal contact time participants are expected to undertake individual and group (online) activities (using tutor-facilitated and independent Brookes Virtual discussion groups), which include directed reading. It is also recognised that some skills and learning needs are best addressed in intensive workshops normally delivered over a weekend. Assessment methods seek to measure attainment of the learning outcomes through a variety of subjectappropriate methods. These might include assignments based on an evaluation of HR practice in the participant s own organisations, skills based assessments, online tests, reflective pieces (some based on online tasks) which assess the capacity for self-reflection and personal development, case study examinations, role play, or analysis of international case studies. Brookes Attributes The Brookes Attributes are addressed through the teaching and assessment across all the Modules. Research Literacy underpins every module as students evaluate the robustness and credibility of the research and evidence base but it is also explicitly addressed in the Understanding and Researching Organisations module and within the capstone of the Dissertation enabling these research skills to be exercised. Towards the end of the programme participants and representatives from their organisations are invited to contribute to the HRM Conference to share research findings from Dissertations and the Management Research Reports. Given the vocational nature of the HR Profession, Critical Self-awareness and Personal Literacy is a central focus for the programme. There is a strong focus throughout the programme on developing the skills of a Reflective Practitioner. This is enhanced through the reflective practice aligned with each Skills workshop as well as embedded within the Developing Skills for Business Leadership module. Digital and Information Literacy is also developed throughout the programme. Students will develop core skills in being able to identify and evaluate key digital-based resources as well as develop some technological skills in the communication and presentation of information. Active Citizenship is also embedded in the programme. The role, contribution and impact of HR is critically examined through international contexts throughout the programme. The nature of the HR profession incorporates debates about ethical perspectives and incorporates a range of stakeholder perspectives. Students demonstrate inter-cultural communications skills through multi-cultural team working. 7

8 5.2 Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B4 Specific Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes The programme also embeds the principles and practices within the Brookes Assessment Compact. Assessments are carefully designed to contribute to formative developmental feedback and can incorporate peer feedback as well. All module guides include specific assessment criteria which are clearly communicated and an assessment calendar is also produced. SECTION 6: ADMISSIONS Entry criteria Applicants to the Postgraduate Certificate in HRM must possess the following: At least a 2:2 honours degree or an internationally recognised equivalent from an approved Institution or a professional qualification from an approved and recognised professional body that is regarded as equivalent to a degree for this purpose, plus, a minimum of one year of relevant work experience OR Exceptionally, applicants who can show that they have qualifications, experience or both, that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those possessed by holders of qualifications listed above, may be admitted with dispensation from the requirement to possess those qualifications. To this end a minimum of three years relevant advisory, supervisory or management employment experience may be acceptable. Applicants seeking admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management must possess the following: A postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from Oxford Brookes University or another institution equivalent to 60 Level 7 credits that meets the requirements for a CIPD Advanced Certificate. Evidence or prior certified learning will be required for admission. Applicants seeking admission to the MA in Human Resource Management must possess the following: A postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management qualification from Oxford Brookes University or another institution equivalent to 120 Level 7 credits OR Exceptionally a candidate with seven years or more of prior experience at a senior managerial level may be admitted through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) by submitting appropriate evidence. Any such accreditation will not exceed 120 Level 7 credits. Applicants whose first language is not English Where a candidate s first language is not English, the candidate must show the University that their level of English is high enough to study at postgraduate level. In addition to the academic entry qualifications, one of the following (or equivalent) qualifications is required: British Council IELTS: normally 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing 8

9 TOEFL score of 575 paper-based (233 computer-based or 90 internet-based) or above SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Induction An induction programme is provided before teaching begins in the first semester, providing the opportunity to meet fellow students outside the classroom situation. It also introduces the philosophy of the programme, the rationale for its design and delivery, and provides insight into what is expected of students. People A number of people are available to support, guide and assist personal development during the programme. The Programme Lead and Programme Administrator work as a team to ensure the programme runs smoothly, and the Programme Lead acts as Academic Advisor for students. The Module Leaders and Module Tutors provide academic tutoring and answer subject specific queries during modules. The Student Support Coordinators can provide one-to-one support, advice and guidance on a range of issues, such as personal and family problems, disability or sickness, learning difficulties and money worries. They offer the opportunity to talk to someone who is not connected to academic studies and can refer students to other services available within the University, which include: Counselling, Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, Medical Centre, International Students Advisory Service, plus specific support for mature students. Study skills support is provided by the University s Upgrade service, which provides bookable tutorials and a drop-in service on all campuses plus an online directory of study skills resources. English language support is also available. Programme and Module Guides Handbooks are provided for both the programme and for each module. The Module Guide provides: Contact details of the Module Leader and Tutors Specific content and learning outcomes Week by week topics and activities Details of required class preparation Recommended and required reading Coursework assessment including the task, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and deadlines. Careers Centre support The University Careers Service offers guidance on career planning as well as practical advice on CV writing, mock interviews and assessment centres, tutorials and careers counselling. Its online vacancies database Talent Bank details internship and graduate job opportunities plus volunteering and project work. Students in the Faculty of Business can benefit from the services of the Work and Voluntary Experience Service (WAVES), which also supports students in identifying volunteering or internship opportunities. 9

10 SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY The programme is designed for participants who are employed in HR roles or managers with significant responsibility for people management who can readily access HR policies and procedures from their organisation. This Masters programme aims to provide participants with the theoretical understanding, practical skills, self-confidence and self-awareness to make a substantial contribution to HR service provision in their employing organisation. On enrolment, participants often hold the roles of HR administrator or HR advisor. During the programme as the confidence and expertise of participants grows, promotion to more senior roles is the norm rather than the exception. Participants progress rapidly to HR Officer and in many cases HR Business Partner roles either in their current or a new organisation. The programme provides participants with networking opportunities and through this a range of contextspecific business contacts, who can be called upon to provide ongoing advice and support during the programme and following graduation. Brookes has ongoing relationships with the Oxford and Thames Valley Branch of the CIPD. Careers advice is available from the nominated officer on the Thames Valley Branch who can be accessed through the branch website. In addition to this the Thames Valley Branch organises an annual series of events that supports CDP. SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS The programme is designed to encourage participants to investigate HR policies and practice in a participants workplace with a view to making suggestions for improvement. Potential improvements are based upon comparing contemporary research with common business practice by benchmarking policy and practice with the organisations represented in the body of participants. In this way participants act as organisational consultants, ideas generated provides payback for the financial investment in programme tuition fees. The Business School has a regular programme of research workshops that are available to all postgraduate students. The annual HR research conference enables the dissemination of research undertaken by postgraduate students for their Dissertations to an audience of students, faculty, alumni and visiting academics. The MA Programme benefits from the sponsorship of Allen Associates and Wymbs HR Recruitment. Each year these organisations offer student prizes at CHRM, DHRM and MA levels for the continued outstanding performances of participants. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT The reputation of the Faculty of Business is underpinned through programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs; professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the European Foundation for Management Development. The Business School is widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group. 10

11 The Faculty of Business's programmes benefit from rigorous quality assurance procedures and regularly receive excellent feedback from external examiners, employers, students and professional bodies. Quality assurance of the Programme is addressed in a number of ways:- Subject Committee meetings held once a semester to enable staff and students to feedback on the programme A rigorous annual and periodic review process to ensure the currency of the programme An external examining process that follows the university guidelines - asa/apqu/handbook/introduction.html Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation 11