Pre-Masters. Business, Law and Social Sciences

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1 Pre-Masters Business, Law and Social Sciences

2 Business, Law and Social Sciences Programme information Students study in English on a full-time basis for either 3 or 2 terms dependent on their proven English language score on entry. The programme is designed with pathway specific subject modules and a common core curriculum aimed at developing appropriate English and academic skills to provide the University with confidence that, subject to successful achievement of progression requirements, graduates have the requisite subject knowledge and understanding, academic and language skills to embark on a range of University Masters degrees in the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. A list of the approved progression Masters degrees can be found at: usic.sheffield.ac.uk/programmes/pre-masters/business-law-and-social-sciences This programme has been developed by Study Group in consultation with relevant University of Sheffield academic departments and Professional Services. Programme aims The overall aims of this programme are to: provide high quality learning opportunities to international students seeking a pathway to the Faculty of Social Sciences or Faculty of Arts and Humanities at The University of Sheffield for taught postgraduate degree provision; support development of students in transition to UKHE to enable them to achieve the required academic conditions for progression; enable students to progress with the appropriate level of knowledge and understanding, academic and language skills, confident and empowered to succeed on their degree programme; engender in students an awareness of their potential to contribute to the international academic community of the University. Pathways There is a choice of five pathways: Management: Leading to degrees in the Management School. Information Studies: Leading to degrees in the Information School. Economics: Leading to degrees in the Economics department. Society and Environment: Leading to degrees in the Departments and Schools of Archaeology, East Asian Studies, Education, Geography, Journalism Studies, Languages and Cultures, Politics, Sociological Studies and Town Regional Planning. Law: Leading to degrees in the School of Law. 1

3 Programme structure Modules common to all pathways: Social Science for Postgraduate Study Business, Law and Social Sciences(BLSS) Critical Reading English Skills for University Study 2, 3 and 4 (ESUS) Designing a Research Project Business, Law and Social Sciences Personal Development Programme (PDP) Pathway-specific Subject 1 Subject 2 Management Business and Management Economics Information Studies Business and Management Statistics for Social Sciences Economics Economics Statistics for Social Sciences Society and Environment Urbanisation Globalisation Law Law Globalisation 3-term programme structure Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 ESUS 2 ESUS 3 ESUS 4 Social Science for PG Subject 1 Study BLSS Critical Reading Subject 2 PDP Designing a Research Project 2-term programme structure Term 1 Term 2 ESUS 3 ESUS 4 Social Science for Postgraduate Subject 1 Study BLSS Critical Reading Subject 2 Designing a Research Project PDP 2

4 Module descriptors Core modules Social Science for Postgraduate Study Understanding the differences between the study of the natural and social sciences and the ways in which knowledge is created and valued provides a critical foundation for Social Science study at Masters Level. Students will be able to recognise ontological perspectives and distinguish between different approaches to the study of social sciences in Western philosophical thought. They will recognise these epistemological approaches in the authentic materials they are introduced to and apply these skills to the analysis of texts and research throughout their International College programme. They will subsequently apply their knowledge in their own research design, identifying and evaluating critically the scope and limits of the different methodological approaches they choose to employ. BLSS Critical Reading This module will focus in a very practical and interactive way on reading critically for university study. Students will review the features of effective, purposeful reading and extend and enhance their practice in critical reading, understanding the concept of positionality, the need to recognise argument and to evaluate the strength of argument based on an evaluation of the evidence provided. The explicit intention is to support students, through the development of their critical reading skills, to become better critical writers. English Skills for University Study 2, 3 and 4 (ESUS) The main aim of the ESUS modules is to provide a thorough training in the skills and communication patterns that enable international students to best achieve their academic potential b o t h a t U S I C a n d o n p rogression to their degree programme. ESUS modules are designed to support development beyond the minimum Home Office Tier 4 visa requirements for progression to UK HE. They are designed to support students to meet the English language progression requirements for The University of Sheffield. English language skills are developed in the context of their use for academic study. Designing a Research Project This module provides contextual knowledge of research design and critique to prepare students for scholarly study and research at postgraduate level. It prepares students in a very practical way to plan a research project of their own in the subject area of their Major. It is an opportunity for experience of extended reading and writing to demonstrate an appropriate level of synthesis through a literature review and speaking skills through an oral presentation of the proposal. Personal Development Programme (PDP) This element of the programme supports students to critically reflect on their skills and aptitudes to determine personal targets for development, study planning and management of their time to achieve academic targets. It provides the locus of initial academic guidance through small group activities which is then developed through the Designing a Research Project module into a more personal supervisory relationship to mirror expectations for Masters academic guidance and support. 1

5 Pathway-specific modules Economics The Economics module will provide students with a sound understanding of theories, models and concepts in economics and the relationship between microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students will be introduced to a variety of contemporary business scenarios. They will be supported in their exploration of the role and purpose of microeconomic and macroeconomic policy and its impact on the behaviour and performance of business activity and economic systems. Business and Management This module will develop a broad foundation for progression to a range of business and management related degrees beginning with an understanding of the historical theoretical perspectives and their impact on models of business and management, with consideration of both classical and modern standpoints. Students will explore the principles of business and management and their application, contextualised to include public, private, social enterprising and third sector environments. The module will also introduce students to basic accounting and financial management and the impact that individuals, groups and structure may have on organisational behaviour. Statistics for Social Science Study of relevant statistical techniques, methods and skills required for success at Masters level study will further develop students understanding of the role of statistics in decision-making as part of academic study or future employment in the field of economics and information studies. Students will make decisions about the relative importance of particular methods of collecting, analysing, collating and displaying data effectively. Urbanisation Students will examine how social, economic, political, and environmental forces are linked to rural and urban change. They will explore the concept of urbanisation and its consequences on individuals and communities on a local, national and global scale. Law Students studying Law will develop knowledge of the institutions and procedures of English and International Law and their role in society based on an informed and critical understanding of the relevant concepts, principles, values and rules of Law. Students will be able to analyse and critically evaluate a range of contemporary legal issues and conduct independent legal research to produce reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement. Globalisation This module addresses the concept of globalisation and the impact of international relations between similar and diverse systems and societies. It will provide students with a deeper understanding of their place in and potential contribution to the global community from a cultural, political, social and economic perspective. 2

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