Programme Specification: Foundation Degree in Security and Risk Management

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1 Programme Specification: Foundation Degree in Security and Risk Management Course Outline The Foundation Degree in Security and Risk Management is offered by distance learning over a flexible registration period of between two and four years. The programme consists of twelve 20-credit modules organised into two levels. The distance learning materials combine traditional printed materials with interactive ICT based modules (provided on CD-Rom). The programme is committed to student-centred learning, and students are supported throughout their period of study by both Departmental and University-wide provision of services. The objectives of the FdA Security and Risk Management are: to develop students knowledge and understanding of core issues and concepts associated with security and risk management; to critically apply that knowledge and understanding both within their working environments and to new situations and opportunities; to acquire and employ independent learning skills; and to develop a high level of capability in core transferable skills with due reference to the contexts of security and risk. In addition to distance learning materials and support, the programme includes three study schools, each of which focuses upon the development of skills relevant to appropriate stages of the course. The first is a course briefing and induction session covering basic research and essay-writing skills, the second incorporates lectures and study skills workshops at the midway point of the programme, and the third focuses upon research methods and the development of the dissertation/work-based project with which the course culminates. The programme is designed to meet the educational and professional development needs of both existing security and risk practitioners and new entrants to the industry. It seeks to develop a thorough understanding of the nature, scope and significance of security and risk management, with particular regard to the expanding and diversifying roles and organisational functions undertaken by the security sector. The programme also foregrounds the developing professionalisation, integrated organisation and embryonic (formal and informal) regulatory norms and structures obtaining within the sector.

2 Programme Specification: Foundation Degree in Security and Risk Management 1. Programme Title & UCAS Code FdA Security and Risk Management (no UCAS Code) 2. Awarding Institution University of Leicester 3. Entry requirements The HEFCE Foundation Degree Prospectus explicitly targets Foundation Degrees at persons currently in employment and seeking qualifications at HE level, and at socially excluded candidates who may not have acquired the requisite qualifications for standard HE entry. In order to encourage such non-traditional entrants, applications from those without such qualifications but who have relevant experience and can demonstrate their ability to work at Foundation Degree level are welcomed. All applicants will be expected to have the following or equivalent standards of prior learning: Normally 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, or equivalent NVQ level 2; GNVQ level 2 plus; Access award Previous experience within the security industry or public order sector (police & armed forces, etc.) FEC introductory courses (Level 2) will be recognised as contributing to the above. 4. Programme Aims Targeting the professional development needs of both existing security practitioners and new entrants to the industry, the programme is designed to develop understanding of the nature and significance of security and risk management with particular regard to the expanding and diversifying roles and organisational functions undertaken by the security sector. The programme also foregrounds the developing professionalisation, integrated organisation and nascent (formal and informal) regulatory norms and structures pertaining to the sector. FdA Security and Risk Management graduates will be able to: Demonstrate broad general knowledge and understanding of the core issues and concepts associated with security and risk management Evidence detailed knowledge and critical understanding of Best Practice with reference to the area of security and risk Critically apply their knowledge, understanding and experience to their own work environments and to new situations and opportunities Demonstrate the development and application of independent learning skills

3 Demonstrate a high level of capability in core transferable skills (including: problem solving; interpersonal communication and presentation skills; critical analysis; management, organisation and teamwork; application of IT and related resources) in the contexts of the security and risk. Use published academic research and cognate industry resources to inform and improve their own security and risk management practice. Plan and pursue their own continuing professional development by undertaking further academic study or industry-related development programmes 5. Reference points used in the production of this programme specification: HEFCE Foundation Degree prospectus. QAA Benchmark statement (final draft) QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications University of Leicester Learning and Teaching Strategy 3/14

4 6. Learning outcomes and the means by which they are achieved and demonstrated Graduate Attributes Intended learning outcomes How achieved How demonstrated a) Mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of: Core concepts and areas associated with security and risk management Factors determining the roles occupied by the security sector and their ongoing development The interaction of theory and practice in the management of organisations The impact of this knowledge in the professional activities of security managers Taught sessions at study schools Distance learning materials Interactive multimedia resources Distance tutorial support Assessment by written assignments On-line/interactive assignments Presentations and group work (study schools) b) Understanding of key concepts and techniques Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of: Theories and methods relevant to the assessment and management of events and environments engendering security and risk - related issues and responses Capacity to apply their knowledge, understanding and experience to their own work Distance learning materials Study schools Interactive multimedia resources Distance tutorial support Written essays and related assessments Reflection/research on personal learning experience Presentations and group work (study schools) 4/14

5 situation and to new contexts and environments. The application of management skills to issues of security and risk. c) Critical analysis of key issues Demonstrate the ability to: Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to security and risk management Demonstrate a good level of competence in communication skills, and in the critical appreciation and analysis of methods of assessment and management relating to issues of risk and security Distance learning materials Study schools Interactive multimedia resources Distance tutorial support Written essays and related assessments Reflection/research on personal learning experience Presentations and group work (study schools) d) Clear and concise presentation of material Demonstrate the ability to: Communicate study outcomes accurately and reliably in both oral and written forms Develop and present structured and coherent arguments at appropriate critical levels present clear learning support materials Demonstrate a high level of capability in core transferable Distance learning materials Study schools Interactive multimedia resources Distance tutorial support Written essays and related assessments Reflection/research on personal learning experience Presentations and group work (study schools) 5/14

6 e) Critical appraisal of evidence with appropriate insight academic, personal and professional skills Use published academic research and related industry materials to pursue independent research in order to critically inform and enhance students own knowledge Distance materials Study schools Distance tutorial support Written essays and related assessments Reflection/research on personal learning experience Presentations and group work (study schools) Graduate Attributes Intended learning outcomes How achieved How demonstrated 1) Oral Communication Skills To be able to Communicate the outcomes of learning, research and reflection in a clear and effective manner Critically engage with colleagues in structured and productive deliberative contexts Present relevant information concisely and accurately Apply critical skills to acquired knowledge, developing structured and coherent arguments Distance learning study skills material Induction and study skills sessions Module FDSRMgt 104 Management and communication skills Seminar/workshop activities (study schools) Participation in presentation, seminar and workshop activities (study schools) 6/14

7 2) Writing Demonstrate the ability to write: Essays Reports and related assessments Critically reflective and evaluative journals/diaries Produce clearly structured and grammatically correct English at standards appropriate to the relevant level of study 3) Use of ICT Demonstrate a high level of capability in using ICT based programme resources Demonstrate appropriate levels of expertise in specific applications and software packages (wp/dtp, spreadsheets, databases, statistical analysis, etc.). Evidence understanding of the general strengths and constraints of technology (not only ICT) for the subject area considered Distance learning study skills material Induction and study skills sessions Tutorial support and feedback Coursework Module FDSRMgt203: Security and technology: systems and applications Interactive course materials Distance support materials WWW resources Written assessments (assessed essays, study skills tasks, reports) Formative tasks incorporated within distance-learning materials Assessment of IT focused modules On-line/interactive assignments Production of assessed work Use of appropriate software resources throughout the degree programme 7/14

8 4) Numeracy Demonstrate the required level of numeracy appropriate to deal effectively with statistical data and organisational/managerial issues in the context of the degree Distance learning course materials (including interactive components) Assessed coursework Use of statistical/numerical data in the production of assessed work. 5) Team working Demonstrate the ability to effectively co-operate in structured group activities designed to achieve collaborative outcomes e.g. group presentations Evidence awareness of the importance of leadership, teamwork and co-operation in the context of management and organisational issues considered during the degree. Interactive course materials Distance materials Workshops/presentations Group work and seminar participation (study schools) Tutorial feedback 8/14

9 6) Management of own learning Demonstrate development of: Independent learning skills The ability to reflect upon and articulate their own learning development needs and objectives Self-direct the attainment of these needs in partnership with tutorial staff Access learning resources from a variety of sources (e.g. books, databases, reports, WWW, media), in an integrated and appropriate manner Develop and apply appropriate critical and evaluative methods and strategies in pursuit of individual interests and learning objectives Effectively manage time and resources in order to meet the objectives and outcomes of the degree programme. Production of assessed coursework Distance learning materials Workshops/presentations Tutorial support and feedback Assessed coursework Reflection/research on personal learning experience Group work and seminar participation (study schools) Tutorial feedback 9/14

10 7) Problem solving Demonstrate in speech and writing The ability to practically address problems arising in the course their own learning The ability to critically reflect upon their own learning experience, to understand such reflection as a productive process, and integrate insights thereby gained into future activities. Assessed coursework Formative tasks incorporated within distance learning materials Workshop/group activities Tutorial support/feedback Assessed coursework On-line/interactive assignments Group work and presentations (study schools). 10/14

11 7. Special Features Module related: Interactive multimedia CDs, text-based distance learning materials, module tutors. University provision: University tutors, University library and distance learning support unit, careers/welfare guidance, University Student Learning Centre, Module web pages, ITC facilities. The Foundation Degree is provided on a fully flexible basis along with a range of support services directed to the anticipated needs of distance learning candidates. Students benefit from full library and computer centre membership with induction programmes for both facilities. This includes access to the distance learning unit support services for students living outside Leicester. Students also enjoy the full range of student support facilities including: the Careers, Welfare and Counselling services; the Teaching and Learning Unit; the Student Learning Centre; and the Study Support centre for students with special needs. This service takes a holistic view of student support and guidance and seeks to provide an integrated student support service, including the improvement of study skills. For example, individual consultations with a Learning Development adviser are available through the Student Learning Centre. Distance Learning Students also benefit from membership of the University's distance learning support services, including electronic access to the University resources, including the library s specialist distance learning support unit. On-line support (telephone, , mailing lists, www pages) through the Department is also a feature of the programme. 8. Indicators of Programme Quality and Monitoring PricewaterhouseCoopers report to HEFCE, Types of foundation degree: a case study approach External Examiners reports University Foundation Degree Monitoring Group 11/14

12 Appendix: Outline of Programme Structure Modules for Level 1 Module Code Title Credits FDSRMgt 101 Module 1: Security and risk management: an introduction 20 FDSRMgt 102 Module 2: Security and risk: concepts and applications 20 FDSRMgt 103 Module 3: Management: planning, organisation, leadership and control 20 FDSRMgt 104 Module 4: Management and communication skills 20 FDSRMgt 105 Module 5: Legal and Ethical Issues in security and risk management. 20 FDSRMgt 106 Module 6: Security and risk management in context 20 Modules for Level 2 Module Code Title Credits FDSRMgt 201 Module 7: Crime in the workplace 20 FDSRMgt 202 Module 8: Security objectives: identification and planning 20 FDSRMgt 203 Module 9: Security and technology: systems and applications 20 FDSRMgt 204 Module 10: Policy design, implementation and review 20 FDSRMgt 205 Module 11: Research methods 20 FDSRMgt 206 Module 12: Research assignment 20 12/14

13 Programme structures, levels, modules, credits and awards The programme is modular: 12 modules of 20 credits, with a flexible two-four year timetable for completion. Two levels are recognised: Certificate Award Level (120 credits or HE level 1); Foundation Degree (240 credits or HE level 2). Modules are delivered on a mixed-mode basis through mechanisms including: interactive multimedia PC based packages; text-based distance learning materials; on-line distance learning and study skills support; study schools; and traditional academic texts and written assessments. Qualifications at HE Certificate (Level 1) are awarded to students who have shown: 1. Sound knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study 2. The ability to critically distinguish, present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data appropriate to the subject area 3. The ability to develop and critically examine sound arguments and judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their areas of study Typically, holders of a qualification at Certificate level should be able to: 1. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work 2. Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments 3. Undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment 4. Demonstrate the knowledge, personal resources and transferable skills necessary required for positions of appropriate managerial/supervisory responsibility within the sector The Foundation Degree Level 1 programme will seek to develop and secure these attributes. Qualifications at Foundation Degree level are awarded to students who have shown: 1. The necessary knowledge for a secure understanding of concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these in accordance with the analytical conventions of the area(s) studied in a more critically advanced and specialised manner than that required at Certificate level. 13/14

14 2. As appropriate to the subject area(s), an ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make critical judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study, and to consider the wider (e.g. social, legal, ethical, political and economic) implications of such judgements. Typically holders of a qualification at Level 2 will be able to: 1. Evaluate and demonstrate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work 2. Communicate, in a variety of forms and with structured and coherent arguments, the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and identify the broader principles, issues and impacts. 3. Undertake further academic study or training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment. 4. Demonstrate the knowledge, expertise and transferable skills necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility in contexts where they are leading/contributing to management processes including decision-making and project planning, implementation and execution. The course is offered at two levels on a flexible, modular two to four-year basis, with six modules at each level. To be awarded the Foundation Degree, students must have accumulated 120 credits at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2. 14/14