UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER COURSE SPECIFICATION COURSE TITLE: Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs 1.

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1 UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER COURSE SPECIFICATION COURSE TITLE: Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs 1. AWARDING University of Ulster INSTITUTION/BODY 2. TEACHING INSTITUTION University of Ulster 3. LOCATION Jordanstown Campus 4. COURSE ACCREDITED N/A at present, although the intention is to apply BY for formal accreditation by the Institute of Public Relations in mid FINAL AWARD Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs Full time Course Code: G126PJ Exit award Postgraduate Certificate in Communication and Public Relations 6. MODE OF ATTENDANCE Full Time Part Time ( e-learning mode) 7. SPECIALISMS None 8. UCAS CODE/COURSE CODE N/A Full time Course Code: G126PJ 9. QAA SUBJECT UNIT Communication and Media Studies 10. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE The course aims to provide students with a well-balanced grounding in both the theoretical and practical study of political communication and public affairs. It will enable students to develop a critical understanding and expertise in the academic and professional bases of public affairs, and their applications within the local and wider community, through the provision of a structured curriculum which provides students with the foundation knowledge upon which they will build that detailed understanding. In particular, this course highlights how communication operates within various political and business contexts and cultures. It also aims to develop the ability by students to undertake themselves primary research into issues of importance within political communication and 1

2 public affairs, and to equip students with both the knowledge and skills which will enhance their prospects for employment. 11. MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning, categorised into Knowledge and Understanding, Intellectual Qualities, Professional Practical Skills, Transferable/Key Skills, and Entrepreneurial Skills. 11K - KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING On successful completion of this course, the student should: 1. have acquired a critical understanding of the central questions and current issues within both academic and professional contexts of political communication and public affairs. 2. be able to combine theoretical and academic understanding with professional skills within strategic and applied contexts. 3. appreciate the strategic importance of public affairs in the political, business and governmental worlds. 4. critically understand how political structures operate, and how they can be influenced. 5. have a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and ethical inquiry create and interpret knowledge in the field of communication. Learning and Teaching Methods that will enable the outcomes to be achieved: Lectures, tutorials, seminars, and self-directed learning. Assessment Methods that enable the outcomes to be demonstrated: Practical business-oriented projects, written unseen exams, class presentations, essays, and dissertation. 11I - INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES On successful completion of this course, the student should: 1. demonstrate competence at gathering, organising and deploying evidence, data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources. 2

3 2. have the capacity to reflect on their own learning and to demonstrate critical, analytical and independent thinking. 3. critically evaluate current research in political communication and related areas and apply appropriately to development of communication strategies. 4. demonstrate an ability to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively with arrange of problem solving strategies 5. demonstrate an ability to engage in critical evaluation of arguments evidence, theories, models and methodologies in current communication research Learning and Teaching Methods that will enable the outcomes to be achieved: Lectures, tutorials, seminars, and self-directed learning/experience. Assessment Methods that enable the outcomes to be demonstrated: Practical business-oriented projects, written unseen exams, class presentations, essays, and dissertation. 11P - PROFESSIONAL /PRACTICAL SKILLS 11T - TRANSFERABLE/KEY SKILLS On successful completion of this course, the student should: 1. be able to use information and communication technology for the retrieval, manipulation and presentation of qualitative and quantitative information. 2. have experience of working both independently and in small teams. 3. have developed research skills, including the ability to select methods appropriate to particular projects, to execute objective research plans, and to provide structured conclusions and critical evaluations. 4. be able to communicate effectively, persuasively and fluently in speech and writing in a variety of contexts. 5. be able to take responsibility and initiative for gaining and acting upon appropriate advice and guidance from relevant sources. 6. have developed practices of self reflection and self exploration as required for continuous professional development 7. understand and respect the values and cultures of other people 3

4 Learning and Teaching Methods that will enable the outcomes to be achieved: Tutorials, seminars, practical workshops, and self-directed learning. Assessment Methods that enable the outcomes to be demonstrated: Practical business-oriented projects, written unseen exams, essays, class presentations, and dissertation. 11E - ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS On successful completion of this course, the student should: 1. become familiar with an e-learning environment. 2. demonstrate creative and innovative thinking. 3. be able to undertake project opportunity analysis. 4. function as a member of a team. 5. apply knowledge of sourcing, acquiring and managing key resources. 6. display an ability in communicating new ideas effectively. 7. Exhibit project planning competencies. Learning and Teaching Methods that will enable the outcomes to be achieved: Tutorials, seminars, practical workshops, and self-directed learning. Assessment Methods that enable the outcomes to be demonstrated: Practical business-oriented projects, written unseen exams, essays, class presentations, and dissertation. 4

5 12.A POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA/MSC IN POLITICAL LOBBYING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COURSE STRUCTURE see at end of the section 12.b COURSE STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD Full Time: This course is studied full time over a period of one year. The learning is divided into study units called modules. Each module has a credit value of fifteen or thirty credits, excepting the project module at sixty credit points. The credit weighting is in proportion to the nominal effort required by the student, thus a fifteen-credit point module corresponds to one hundred and fifty hours of student effort, including self-directed study. At this academic level, it is clearly expected that students will be responsible for a great deal of their own learning. In Semester One, students will take two compulsory modules: Public Relations, Research Methods, and an option, such as Policy Making Structures. In Semester Two, students all take two compulsory modules Public Affairs and Lobbying, and Communication as well as one optional module, such as Aspects of Political Communication. The rationale for this structure is that the core modules provide students with the fundamental theoretical and practical underpinnings of the course; the optional module will enable each student to choose one module which is of particular academic or professional interest to him or her. Upon successful completion of the taught modules in Semesters One and Two, students can exit from the course with a Postgraduate Diploma. In order to progress to the MSc level, students must have an overall average at this stage of 50%. In Semester Three, students undertake an individual dissertation, the successful completion of which allows them to exit the course with an MSc. Particular features of this course include the balance between academic and professional skills, the varied teaching and learning methods, and the opportunity to devise and execute a detailed piece of personal research through the dissertation. Part Time: This Taught part of the course is normally studied part time over a period of two years. 5

6 In Semester One, students will normally take a compulsory thirty credit point module in B Public Relations. In Semester Two, all students take a compulsory generic 15 credit point module Communication as well as one optional module from a choice of modules relevant to the course, such as Organizational Communication. For these students the range of options is more restricted, depending on the rollout of the e-learning mode for Communication modules. The rationale for this structure is that the core compulsory and generic compulsory modules provide students with the fundamental theoretical and practical underpinnings of the course whilst the optional module will enable each student to choose one module which is of particular academic or professional interest to him or her. The structure also has the advantage of facilitating inter-professional learning and debate across specialisms. Upon successful completion of the taught modules in Semesters One and Two, students can exit from the course with a Postgraduate Certificate in Communication and Public Relations. In year two in the third semester all students study a compulsory and generic module in Research Methods and an additional option from a choice which includes Policy Making Structures.. In the fourth semester students complete a final core specialist 30 point module, Public Affairs and Lobbying, which consolidates learning. At this point students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma. In order to progress to the MSc level, students must have an overall average at this stage of 50%. In Year Three, students undertake an individual dissertation, the successful completion of which allows them to exit the course with an MSc. Particular features of this course include the balance between academic and professional skills, the varied teaching and learning methods, and the opportunity to devise and execute a detailed piece of personal research through the dissertation 6

7 Full Time Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs Traditional mode only 180 credits a year (Renaming and revision to existing course Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Political Communication and Public Affairs ) SEMESTER ONE exit : PG Certificate in Communication and Public Relations CMM711J1 Public Relations COMPULSORY & CORE 30 points Cmm816J1 Research Methods GENERIC 15 points OPTION i.e. CMM702J1 Policy Making Structures I5 points Revised YEAR THREE Award MS.c.in Lobbying & Public Affairs SEMESTER TWO exit: PG Diploma in Political Lobbying & Public Affairs CMM710J2 OPTION Communication i.e. COMPULSORY & CM701J2 Organizational Communication GENERIC 15 points CMMxxxJ2 Public Affairs & Lobbying COMPULSORY & CORE 30 points 15 points Dissertation COMPULSORY & CORE 60 points 7

8 MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs Course-level Learning Outcomes Mapped to Modules Learning Outcomes KNOWLEDGE & ENTREPRENEURIAL UNDERSTANDING Public Relations Public Relations Public Affairs & Public Affairs & Lobbying Lobbying Communication Communication Research Methods Research Methods Dissertation Dissertation INTELLECTUAL Public Relations Public Affairs & Lobbying Communication Research Methods Dissertation 8

9 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICAL TRANSFERABLE KEY Public Relations Public Affairs & Lobbying Communication Research Methods Dissertation 9

10 Part Time Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Political Lobbying & Public Affairs E-learning mode only 60 credits a year Start date: 2006/07 YEAR ONE exit PG Certificate in Communication and Public Relations SEMESTER SEMESTER TWO ONE CMM711J1 Public Relations COMPULSORY & CORE 30 points CMM710J2 Communication COMPULSORY & GENERIC 15 points OPTION i.e. CMM701J2 Organisational Communication 15 points YEAR TWO CMM816J1 Research Methods GENERIC 15 points PG Diploma in Political Lobbying & Public Affairs Public Affairs & Lobbying CMM702J1 COMPULSORY & CORE Policy Making Structures 30 points I5 points YEAR THREE Dissertation 60 points MS.c.in Political Lobbying & Public Affairs COMPULSORY & CORE AAA-CORE TO THIS PATHWAY Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Communication, Advertising and Public Relations AAA-GENERIC TO THE COURSE Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Communication E-learning mode 13. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: Individual studies adviser, allocated by year throughout their course of study; University Student support services Accommodation, Health, Counselling, Disability Support, Educational Guidance, The Support Fund Services; Nursery Course Director support Peer Support 10

11 Technician-led support (design and broadcasting ) Self directed computer packages for study skills I.T. and computer induction WebCT support on placement Web CT Course Director site for notes, lectures, link sites Use of computer facilities student , WEB CT, www access, design lab and video editing Student s academic induction; Student Handbook and written module study guides Library and study skills information Resource materials in School of Communication Resource Room Access to the Specialist Resource Rooms ( design, video, communication Supervisor for research project individual tutorials on project module Industry/professional access and support Professional Bodies membership, web support 14. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE COURSE Applicants must normally have gained either a degree or an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved professional or other qualification. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English or have a sufficient body of experience within the communications industry so as to convince the Course Committee of the student s ability to satisfactorily complete this course. See Course regulations for the specific detail. For part time, e-learning, applicants must have three years professional experience. 15.METHODS FOR EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation of Teaching, Learning and Assessment Module evaluations at the end of each semester Annual review of course s student progression and achievement data by the School 11

12 Staff/Student meetings Annual course and subject review Subject Revalidation Audit of using student feedback Professional Accreditation visit Individual Staff teaching evaluations External Examiner reports Committees with Responsibility for Monitoring and Evaluating Quality Staff/Student Consultative Committee Course Committee School Board Boards of Examiners Faculty Committee for Learning and Teaching Faculty Board University Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee University Committee for Teaching and Learning Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback on the Quality of the Student Experience Staff/ Student Consultative Committee module evaluation student questionnaires on Lecturer s teaching studies advice Staff Development Attendance at professional courses and conferences; Presenting papers at conferences; Membership of Professional Bodies Research and scholarship; University Mentoring Scheme; Participation in the University, Faculty and School s staff development activities; 12

13 . 16. REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules Pass mark for each assessment, module and course: 50%; Full details of module assessment are set out in each module booklet The award of Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Political Lobbying and Public Affairs is achieved after completion of 120 and 180 credit points respectively; Students who exit after the first 60 credit points will be awarded Postgraduate Certificate in Communication and Public Relations ( detail as part of PG Dip/MSc in Communication, Advertising and Public Relations course specification section 12.) At the level of Postgraduate Diploma, students with an overall average of at least 70% will receive a Pass with Distinction At the level of MSc, students with both an overall average of at least 70% and a mark of at least 70% in the dissertation will receive a Pass with Distinction University of Ulster Certificate of Entrepreneurship will be awarded on successful completion of the degree. External examiners External examiners are appointed to this course by Senate and reports are annually received by the university; The role of the external examiners is to report on the quality and standards of the course so that the validity of the degrees which are awarded can be maintained; The full role and responsibility is set out in the University s Handbook for External Examiners; External examiners are inducted upon appointment; 17. INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO LEARNING AND TEACHING This course is seeking accreditation by the Institute of Public Relations, Furthermore successful students may also be exempt from some subjects of the Chartered Institute of Marketing s Certificate in Marketing 13

14 The Annual Subject Review Process ensures that there is scrutiny by colleagues outside of the subject area 50% of School of Communication academic staff hold a teaching qualification The subject was reviewed by the TQA in 1997, and was awarded 21, with the student progression and achievement, student support and guidance and quality management and enhancement being judged as excellent Academic staff have considerable research and professional experience which informs their facilitation of student learning. In addition, many staff belong to professional bodies. 18. MODES OF TEACHING Teaching Methods Lectures will be used as the primary means of teaching and guidance on subject matter, reading and assignments. Active learning in pair and group work will also be used with case studies, problem solving and role-play. Practicals will be used to learn skills and knowledge. Examples include practicals in IT, video production, writing skills and strategic group exercises. Seminars will be used as part of the group work experience for real life assignments, creativity development, writing skills and problem solving. Tutorials will be used as part of the studies advice and pastoral systems in the School; in the supervisory process of the project and placement; to give guidance on difficulties associated with modules; and to provide feedback and clarification. E-Learning will be used in a majority of modules to provide learning materials and stimulus. Learning Methods The main methods by which students are expected to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to this course are: Listening, discussion, peer experience and note taking in lectures Private study based upon prescribed, recommended and independently discovered reading Use of online resources for study 14

15 Preparation of assignments and for exams Discussion and hands on experience within seminars and tutorials Creating solutions to problems and opportunities from assessment briefs/exercises Group Work and Presentations Self assessment and peer evaluation MODES OF ASSESSMENT Assessment Methods that enable the outcomes to be demonstrated include: practical business-oriented projects written unseen exams video production essays dissertation webscreened