MSc International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management

Transcription

1 Programme Specification MSc International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management Valid from: September 2014 Faculty of Business

2 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Oxford Brookes University Teaching institution and location: Oxford Brookes University Final award: Master of Science (MSc) Programme title: International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management Interim exit awards and award titles: Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management Postgraduate Certificate in International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management Brookes course code: BH61 UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: N800 Mode of delivery: Face to face Mode/s of study: Full-time, part-time or sandwich Language of study: English Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: Subject benchmark statement: Master's degrees in business and management (2007) External accreditation/recognition: The team are currently working to achieve EPAS accreditation for this programme. Faculty managing the programme: Business Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: October 2013

3 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Rationale for/distinctiveness of the programme This programme offers non-business/hotel/hospitality/tourism students the opportunity to move from their existing undergraduate specialism into the international hospitality, events and tourism industries. For this reason the MSc in International Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management is referred to as our conversion programme in the suite of Masters programmes offered by the Oxford School of Hospitality Management (OSHM). This programme develops students by adopting an integrated operational approach where the hospitality, events and tourism industry acts as the basis for investigating international business and management. The OSHM postgraduate programmes have been developed using the concept of lifelong learning and this MSc should be seen as another step in this process. The programmes are academically rigorous and place responsibility on individual students to continue to study outside formal classroom based sessions; they encourage students to develop the skills needed to study independently by helping identify and set learning goals; and then to implement them; and then to reflect upon what each individual has achieved so they can become reflective practitioners. In line with other postgraduate programmes at Oxford Brookes University the MSc in International Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management reflects the postgraduate graduate attributes vital for employability. As a conversion programme the academic literacies are particularly critical as they ensure that students will have the knowledge and understanding to be able to function effectively in international hospitality, events and tourism operations. This programme also develops students research literacy, critical self-awareness and personal literacy, and global citizenship which are important for postgraduate level study and careers within the international hospitality, events and tourism sectors. 2.2 Aims of the programme The programme is concerned with the development of critical enquiry and reflection, together with professional knowledge of and expertise within a vocational context. The aims of this programme are therefore to develop:- Ability to contribute to and evaluate contemporary debates and research in the area of international hospitality, events and tourism management; Critical and independent thinking as the basis for management and leadership in the international hospitality, events and tourism sectors; Ability to act as an effective operative, manager and leader in the international hospitality, events and tourism sector, providing support to colleagues, subordinates and other stakeholders; Knowledge, understanding, skills and experience needed to undertake research in the international hospitality, events and tourism industry and wider business and social contexts; Capacity to communicate and collaborate across cultures and backgrounds, and accommodate and work effectively with complex relationships associated with the international hospitality, events and tourism industry and beyond; Ability to evaluate perspectives, policies and performances at individual, organisational, destination and macro levels; Detailed awareness of the social, economic, ethical, political and technological issues associated with the international hospitality, events and tourism industry, and the wider context.

4 SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge, understanding and skills: Students will be able to: 3.1 Academic literacy AL 1. Analyse and synthesise contemporary issues affecting responsible tourism, events and hospitality management and leadership 2. Synthesise consumer behaviour in relation to tourism, events and hospitality management 3. Participate in critically evaluating financial, human resource and marketing management within the context of hospitality and events operations 4. Create, plan and defend proposals for international tourism, events and hospitality organisations 5. Critically evaluate generic management theory within a chosen specialist area, and apply this to the context of the international hospitality, events and tourism industry also in RL 3.2 Research literacy RL 6. Construct a complex argument using the integration of information from a variety of sources - also DIL 7. Conduct an original theoretical research project, which is at the forefront of contemporary hospitality, events and tourism 8. Design methodologically appropriate research instruments for data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of information in tourism, hospitality or events management 3.3 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy CSAPL 9. Learn, reflect and research actively, independently and reflectively as part of your development 10. Apply a self-development approach to personal development planning as a future leader in a complex and dynamic environment 11. Evaluate business ethics from a responsible business leadership perspective - also in AL 12. Proactively identify and exploit opportunities for learning in the work place; and critically reflect upon theoretical and work place learning 3.4 Digital and information literacy DIL 13. Effectively select and use applied information technology to evaluate high quality information and record learning 14. Make effective use of digital technology including library and learning resources, social media and internet applications where appropriate 3.5 Global citizenship GC 15. Participate and work effectively in multi-cultural groups showing cross-cultural awareness and valuing human diversity 16. Reflect habitually and question one's own and others' values, culture and perspectives in order to develop ethical and responsible approaches to leadership and management actions 17. Interpret the complex relationships between different stakeholders in the international tourism and hotel industry, in the context of wider global developments, in order to devise and recommend appropriate organisational strategies

5 SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: The MSc programme comprises eight compulsory modules and one optional module for the full MSc award. The optional sandwich award involves students taking P58960 Professional Development module. Module Title Module Code Credits Status for MSc Status for PG Dip Status for PG Cert Placement Hospitality Operations Management Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis Tourist Consumer Behaviour & Marketing Strategic Financial Management P C C C Semester 2 P C C C Semester 1 or Semester 3 P C O O Semester 1 or Semester 3 P C O O Semester 2 Contemporary Issues I P C O O Semester 2 Mentoring & Leadership Development P589xx 10 C O O Semesters 1, 2 & 3 or 2, 3 & 1 Research Methods * P C O O Semester 2 Dissertation P C O O Semester 2&3 or 3&1 Professional Development (52 weeks) P O O O Semesters 1,2 & 3 or 2,3 and 1 post taught component Intercultural Leadership P O O O Semester 1 Tourism Digital Distribution Strategies P O O O Semester 1 Events P589xx 20 O O O Semester 1 Independent Study P O O O Semesters 1 or 2 or 3 Revenue Management P589xx 20 O O O Semester 1 Key: C = Compulsory Module, O = Optional module * pre-requisite for Dissertation FULL AND PART TIME MODES The mode of study is: full-time, part-time or sandwich. All students are registered for the award of MSc in International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management. The award of

6 Postgraduate Certificate (60 M level credits) or Postgraduate Diploma (120 M Level credits) may be awarded to students who do not achieve 180 M level credits. The full-time mode of study is one-year of intensive academic learning focused on the classroom and library, with group work and independent research. Students must ensure they have sufficient funds to pay both their tuition fees and to provide for their accommodation and living costs. Although many students do take some part-time work to help support their studies, it should be emphasised that this is a full-time academically demanding postgraduate Programme, which requires students to invest a minimum of 40 hours per week in studying and probably more. The taught programme starts in week 0 in semesters 1 or 2 each year and students conclude the taught element of their studies when they hand in their dissertation for full time and sandwich mode students this should be by the end of September the following year. For part-time students this should be by 30th Sept two years after initial registration. Part-time students, who are working in the hospitality, events and tourism industry, may also use work based learning in some of their modules; the Dissertation module also includes the option for students to undertake a practice based consultancy project. UK/EU students can participate on this programme in a part-time mode, which will normally be completed in 2 years. Part-time study has become an increasingly popular mode for mature students, who are in employment and/or have family to look after. The part-time option allows students to study without interrupting their careers and enables individuals to balance work, family and financial commitments more easily. Indeed, there are already large numbers of professional people studying on our other Faculty of Business Masters programmes, who appreciate the flexibility, which part-time study allows. The entry requirements and fees for the part-time study mode of this programme are similar to the full-time programme there is a small inflationary increase in the fee for year 2. Parttime students are entitled to the same tuition and supervision as full-time students (on a prorata basis) and have full use of all the University s facilities and social amenities, apart from the University s managed accommodation. Part-time students participate in the same lecture/workshop/tutorial learning programme as other students. Attendance will normally be expected for at least one day, or two half days, per week for most of the 2-year Programme. Apart from attending the taught sessions, part-time students will also have to study in groups with full-time students, and this may involve additional meetings at different times of the week, as well as undertaking independent study researching and writing coursework assignments to pass your modules. Part-time students should expect to invest a minimum of 20 hours per week on their part-time study programme. Since many hospitality, events and tourism employers operate flexible work patterns, students should be able to negotiate the time required to attend classes. It is possible for students to change their mode of study if their circumstances change, or because they feel a different mode of study would suit them better. UK/EU students can either study on this Programme as a full-time (one-year) student or as a part-time (two year) student. Normally, UK/EU students do not need to study this Programme in the sandwich mode, since most graduates are able to find suitable employment in hospitality, events and tourism organisations after graduation. However, there is no reason preventing a UK/EU student from taking the sandwich mode if they wish. International students can either study on this Programme as a full-time student (one-year) or as a sandwich student (two year). However, international students are not allowed to study on this Programme as a part-time student. 4.2 Professional requirements The hospitality and tourism industry is an unregulated profession though there are many associations which work to promote professional standards within the sector. The Institute of Hospitality (IoH), Hospitality Finance Revenue Management and IT professionals association (HOSPA), Association for Events Management Education (AEME) and Tourism Society. The MSc in International Hospitality, Events & Tourism Management is part of the

7 suite of postgraduate programmes within the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University. The School has delivered postgraduate programmes in hotel, hospitality, travel and tourism for the last 25 years and developed a wide range of industry and employer links from across the world, which helps support the programmes and alumni employment. The School s perspective is to embrace all areas of the hospitality and tourism industry, and to support individuals to identify their strengths and skills, based on critical reading of the evidence, practice and reflection. Students are encouraged to become members of relevant professional bodies and follow their codes of ethical practice and lifelong learning, attaining individual accreditation if they so wish. SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment The learning, teaching and assessment strategy is designed to provide students with a wide range of different approaches. This combines a variety of experiences in terms of teaching style, coursework assignments and the student learning experience. Each module, and each module leader, has their own particular methods of learning, teaching and assessment. The University has a well-deserved reputation for innovative teaching and many module leaders have developed Oxford Brookes innovative learning experiences in their teaching and assessment strategies. These different approaches are important to provide students with a stimulating learning environment. However, the programme maintains strong quality control mechanisms based on student and external examiner feedback to ensure that each module delivers high quality. The teaching, learning and assessment strategies of the programme are interrelated. The aim of the programme team is to provide a learning environment where students will readily participate in the learning process. Students will be actively involved with, and contribute to, their own learning through structured activities and discussions led by tutors and fellow students. Emphasis will be placed upon an applied approach to resolving environmental, managerial and individual issues informed by theoretical models and acquired practice, utilising the accumulated knowledge within the programme community. A detailed profile of knowledge, understanding and skills that will be developed is given in each Module Guide issued by the Module Leaders during the programme. Teaching methods will be student centred within a lecture/seminar or workshop approach to programme delivery. Classes could involve tutor input, analysis of case studies, problemsolving activities, computer-based business simulations, presentation of papers, analysis of data for decision making and directed reading and research. Students will be encouraged to contribute through both individual and group activities during classes with tutors but also in similar activities outside of normal class contact time that are student led. For example, outside of classes students will be expected to organise themselves to undertake group or individual research activities, directed reading, prepare presentations and reports, analyse case studies and where appropriate prepare themselves for examinations. The programme has an emphasis on the development and application of research skills, reflecting the view that a successful career is likely to depend increasingly on students capacity for conducting well-grounded empirical and literature-based research and analysis. Tutors have a wide range of research experience and interests and this body of research and expertise will be available to students to facilitate and guide their own research projects and assignments. These research interests also feed into the teaching process and provide a core of research on which students may draw in the course of their learning. Although this may be termed a taught Masters programme, some of the most important skills acquired are those of independent learning. Students experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods at the University, which is student-centred, participative and interactive, however they are expected to take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning.

8 A key element of the philosophy underpinning these Masters programmes is encouraging engagement in students Personal Development Planning to help improve students personal effectiveness. During the induction programme, students will be introduced to the concept of personal planning and reflection; and encouraged to set personal learning goals for the entire programme. Indeed, we will suggest that at the beginning of each module students set learning objectives and at the end of each module students should reflect upon what they have achieved and how performance could be improved. Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to observe and participate in activities and discussions; they will need to develop an awareness of how individual and collective actions and behaviours impact on themselves and others. Becoming a reflective learner underpins our postgraduate ethos. To achieve this, students need to engage in critical self-reflection and to give and receive feedback from each other and from tutors. We believe this is such an important element of students personal development that individuals are required to submit an assignment at the end of the programme, when the dissertation is submitted. HOURS OF STUDY Each module is worth a number of credits (the programme is worth 180 M (7) level credits). The amount of time each student will take to achieve the learning outcomes for a module will vary according to the needs and ability of the individual. However, the modules are designed so that each credit equates to approximately 10 hours of learning. Therefore a module worth 20 credits is expected to require 200 hours of learning. Some of these hours will be through class and online contact time and others will be through independent study. The tuition hours in the table below are for guidance only and should not be taken as exact. Class time and independent learning time Module Module Credits Taught Hours Selfmanaged Study Hours Total Hours Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis Tourist Consumer Behaviour & Marketing PG Elective module Hospitality Operations Management Strategic Financial Management Mentoring & Leadership Development Contemporary Issues Research Methods Dissertation

9 POSTGRADUATE ATTRIBUTES The Postgraduate Attributes are addressed through the teaching and assessment across all the Modules. The MSc programme comprises eight compulsory modules and one optional module for the full MSc award. The development of Academic Literacy is focused upon the first two semesters of study where students will engage with contemporary debates in business and management and their application and evaluation within the international hospitality, events and tourism industry. The underpinning knowledge base is multi-disciplinary drawing on revenue management, marketing, decision-making, leadership, ethics and global development and the programme encourages students to draw from this broad range of academic disciplines. 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 Contemporary Issues and Research Methods module with the Dissertation module enabling these research skills to be developed. Critical self awareness and personal literacy is a central focus for the Programme through the Mentoring & Leadership Development module. All other modules encourage students to develop as active, independent and reflective learners with students asked to set use the module learning outcomes to identify their personal learning goals. First semester modules provide a more directive learning environment and in the second and summer semester students develop their independent and reflective learning skills, managing their own time and taking personal responsibility for setting and meeting deadlines. Digital and Information Literacy is also developed throughout the programme but in particular in modules Hospitality Operations Management and Strategic Financial Management. Students will develop core skills in identifying and evaluating key digital based resources and will develop some technological skills in the communication and presentation of information. Global Citizenship is also deeply embedded in the Programme in particular through the Mentoring & Leadership Development module. Not only are critical global (cultural and institutional) debates incorporated into modules such as Tourism, Hospitality & Events Synthesis, Tourism Consumer Behaviour & Marketing, Hospitality Operations Management and Strategic Financial Management but students engage in cross-cultural activities which develop their understanding and skills for tackling issues of equity, social justice and sustainability. ASSESSMENT Assessment reflects the aims and learning outcomes of the programme. In particular, assessment is concerned with development of appropriate graduate attributes in relation to the practice and implementation of effective and responsible management in the international hospitality and tourism industry. At the beginning of each module the module leader will give information about the method of assessment, the graduate attributes being assessed and the proportions of the total mark attributable to the pieces of coursework and any deadlines involved. Assessment methods are designed to support the teaching and learning process and will test the application of learning. These activities may be undertaken as individuals or in groups. The outcomes from assessment activities will normally be business reports with references to appropriate literature, and/or presentations. Assessors will provide written and or verbal feedback to students regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the work, and make suggestions of how the work could be improved. In particular, assessments are carefully designed either to contribute formative feedback during the module or to continue student learning beyond the classroom and to be useful to them in their understanding of hospitality and tourism management problems. All module guides include specific assessment criteria.

10 5.2 Assessment regulations The programme conforms to the University s Academic Regulations; section B4 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 6.1 Entry criteria The programme is designed to attract students from a range of backgrounds and nationalities. Due to the conversion nature of the programme successful applicants will normally have a minimum of a good second-class honours degree in any undergraduate degree and be able to demonstrate some interest in hospitality, events or tourism industry. Entry will also be subject to two satisfactory references (one of these must be an academic reference). Those who have a diploma rather than a good second-class degree, may be eligible for entry provided they can demonstrate commitment to the sector. Normally entrants to the programme should possess the following: a. A minimum of second class honours degree with an average of at least 55%; or completed to a satisfactory level of performance, a pre-masters foundation course approved by the University; or a relevant postgraduate/post experience qualification from an approved Institution; or an equivalent or professional qualification from an approved and recognised professional body, which is regarded as equivalent to a degree for this purpose b. English as a first language or for applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that their level of English is appropriate for study at postgraduate level. In addition to the academic entry qualifications applicants must have one of the following or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University as set out in the list produced by the International Centre for English Language Studies (ICELS): (i) British Council IELTS: level 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in reading and writing and speaking and listening; (ii) TOEFL score of 575 or above for the paper-based test, or 233 or above for the computer-based test; or for the internet based test; (iii) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: grade C or (iv) O-level English Language or GCSE English Language: grade A, B or C; Applicants may be required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to support their application. Normally a score of at least 550 would be expected. Exceptionally where candidates show that they have qualifications or experience, or both, that demonstrate that they have knowledge and capabilities equivalent to those possessed by holders of the qualifications listed above, they may be admitted with dispensation from the requirement to possess those qualifications. The design and integrative nature of the MSc means it is not appropriate to award admission with credit. All candidates must produce a satisfactory personal statement and perform a satisfactory interview with a member of the Programme team to secure an offer on the programme.

11 SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Induction An induction programme is provided before teaching begins at the beginning of the first semester and is compulsory. It is an important part of students development process and adds value to the programme in that it provides the opportunity to meet fellow students outside the classroom situation. It also familiarises students with the philosophy of the programme and the rationale for its design and delivery. Where a student arrives too late or is unable to attend the induction, an alternative arrangement will be made. People A number of people are available to support, guide and assist students personal development during the programme, including the Programme Lead, Student Support Coordinator, Programme Administrators, Module Leaders, Academic Advisers and Module Tutors. There are; Student Support Coordinators (SSCs) understand the pressures of student life for undergraduate or postgraduate students, whether their combining family with study or balancing study with work commitments. If students need support, or have any query relating to their studies, then they are the team to help. The SSC team can provide support, advice, guidance and encouragement to help students progress throughout their course. 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. Programme Administrators are normally the first point of contact for general queries regarding programme administration and critical to students initial induction. Module Leaders and Module Tutors provide personal tutoring and answer subject specific queries during modules. The Programme Lead acts as students initial personal tutor, provides general support and advice about study options. Programme and Module Guides The programme is summarised in a Programme Handbook, but as it is divided into blocks of teaching called modules there are also Module Guides, which give more details. To get the most from the programme students should read Module Guides carefully and ensure they keep up with recommended reading. At the beginning of each module the Module Leader will issue students with their Module Guide that provides the following details: Contact details of the Module Leader and tutors Specific content and learning outcomes Week by week topics and activities Details of class preparation that you are required to do Recommended and required reading Coursework assessment including the task, learning outcomes and assessment criteria A range of other sources of support provided by the University, such as the Upgrade service, Careers & Employment Centre, Chaplaincy, English Language support, International Student Advisory Service are detailed in the Programme Handbook. SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY The employment students enter after graduating from the programme very much depends on each individuals skills, experience and expertise. Our alumni have entered a variety of careers, and the School has a strong external reputation as a preferred source of graduate recruits. Graduates consistently secure graduate-level positions with prestigious employers and a number of top employers in the international hospitality industry chose only to recruit from this programme at Oxford Brookes, and from no others in the UK. Examples of the positions attained by recent graduates include: Corporate Trainer Manager, Inter-Continental Hotels (Belgium), Business Development Manager, Beachcomber Hotels (Mauritius), Postgraduate Researcher, Oxford Brookes

12 University (UK), Personal Assistant to the General Manager, Marriott Canary Wharf (UK), Conference and Banqueting assistant manager, Cardiff Marriott (UK), Financial Assistant, Mandarin Oriental, London (UK), Operations Manager, Hotel, Tourism and Development Services (Indonesia), Night Auditor, Radisson, Stansted, (UK), Front Desk, Malmaison, Oxford (UK), Consultant, Arthur Anderson Consulting (UK), Assistant Airport Business Development Manager, Meridiana Airlines, Sardinia (Italy), Conference and Banqueting Coordinator, Hilton Hotels, London Gatwick (UK), Financial Controller, Novotel, Phuket (Thailand), India Travel Specialist, Audley Travel Group (UK), Research Analyst, PriceWaterhouseCooper, London (UK), Trainee Revenue Manager, Novotel, Paris, Marketing Executive, Almaty Airlines, Kazakhstan SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS The Oxford School of Hospitality Management (OSHM) works with a range of external partners in the form of independent consultants, company executives, and practicing managers across all functions and areas within the international hospitality and tourism industry. Such employer engagement includes guest lectures, panel discussions, awarding prizes for achievement, mentoring, live projects/case studies and careers presentations. The OSHM also hosts networking events where students benefit from the chance to communicate with key members of the hospitality industry, gain advice and build their contacts. There are also a series of guest lectures by visiting Fellows and Professors are organized throughout the year to provide students with current and topical hospitality and tourism perspectives. There is a regular programme of weekly careers presentations, and currently more than twenty companies come to recruit OSHM graduates and postgraduates. These companies are prestigious UK and international hospitality firms which include Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the IHG Group, Richmond Creative Events and Lexington Catering. Many students gain highly relevant experience during their optional paid supervised work experience. They are supported in securing a placement by a dedicated team of staff to ensure that their placement matches their aspirations and abilities, and through preparation in their first year of study. Employer partners for work experience include major international groups such as Four Seasons, Marriott International, Rezidor, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and UK-based companies including Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, and in prestigious owner-managed properties such as The Breakers in Palm Beach Florida and Claridges. The Bacchus Alumni Society is a worldwide network of hospitality graduates from Brookes and friends or associates of the OSHM. It is with the support of this association that the Bacchus mentoring programme, linking final year students with senior figures in industry, has become such a success. Relationships and networks developed through this scheme are seen to be rewarding and of immense value to both students and industry mentors. That so many alumni want to stay connected is testament to the quality of the educational experiences offered and the regard in which OSHM is held within the industry. Oxford Gastonomica is a specialist centre for the study of food, drink and culture that is recognised internationally and has developed relationships developed with many well-known and respected patrons. Its key objectives are to provide a forum for the study of food and drink and their place in culture. It is an open and accessible organisation, bringing together the public, academics, students, food industry professionals, and those working in the creative arts. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT The reputation of the Faculty of Business is underpinned through membership of, and programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs; Professional Associations, such as the Institute of Hospitality; and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). In 2011 this programme was re-accredited by EPAS the EFMD's Programme Accreditation System. This global organisation brings together the world s leading business schools and companies for networking and benchmarking activities, to enhance management development and education. Accreditation of the hospitality and

13 tourism MSc programmes run by the Business School at Oxford Brookes University means the curriculum and approach to teaching has achieved high standards and been approved by external assessors from the EFMD. The Faculty of Business is widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group. The programme has a rigorous quality validation against the level 7 Masters standard for Higher Education in the UK. Such validation is carried out by a panel drawn from the whole of Oxford Brookes University, plus external representatives from the profession. The teaching and assessment quality is monitored through strict internal procedures, and continually audited by an external examiner from another University. There is also a formal annual review and a periodic review every seven years. Quality assurance of the Programme is addressed in a number of ways:- Module evaluations (for each module) Annual student experience surveys 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 - Systematic end of module and end of programme monitoring and evaluation