Nottingham Trent University Course Specification

Transcription

1 Nottingham Trent University Course Specification Basic Course Information 1. Awarding Institution: Nottingham Trent University 2. School/Campus: Nottingham Business School / City 3. Final Award, Course Title and Modes of Study: BA (Hons) Marketing Full-time and sandwich degree 4. Normal Duration: 3 or 4 Years 5. UCAS Code: N501 BA/Mar (three years) N502 BA/Mark (four years with placement) 6. Overview and general educational aims of the course The BA (Hons) Marketing incorporates the optional awards of the CIM Professional Certificate, the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing, the CIM Introductory Certificate in Marketing and features the maximum possible exemptions against the CIM Professional Diploma. The course will be delivered as a sandwich option over four years or full-time over three years. The course is designed to provide students with a good understanding of marketing with a strong emphasis on contemporary marketing theory and practice. By embarking on this course of study students will already have decided that they want to focus on a marketing career. They will be very motivated and capable individuals who are ambitious to succeed in a marketing role, and who have excellent time management, communication and organisational skills. Special features of the course, which emerge as ongoing themes within this document, are:- In addition to the BA (Hons) Marketing, the course includes the option of both the CIM Professional Certificate (for those on the sandwich course) and CAM Digital Diploma for students selecting the digital options at Level Two and Level Three The maximum exemptions possible so that, post-degree, the CIM Professional Diploma can be completed by studying just two out of four modules (this relates to sandwich students who study the optional CIM module during their placement year) Award of the CIM Introductory Certificate in Marketing upon completion of the degree A focus on the student experience; tracking their learning across all levels of the course, including optional work-based study plus the more usual academic study A focus on developing skills in the use of business software such as Excel and Power Point A study of the latest digital marketing techniques to ensure graduates are fully prepared for employment The use of blended learning across the course to provide a variety of stimulating learning environments, from lectures, seminars and workshops to work-based learning and self and group study E-learning features such as online activities, discussion forums, and collaborative workspaces which enable students to keep in touch with tutors and fellow students to share learning and provide ongoing support Optional work-based assessment, requiring students to compare theory and practice and widen their knowledge of organisational and marketing practices (sandwich students only)

2 Skills modules across all three levels to ensure that students are developing and extending academic and professional marketing skills The opportunity to engage in real marketing issues that are relevant and that add value via workplace insight opportunities, an internship option and a placement opportunity Theory and practice are considered with an awareness of the global context of marketing The course has been developed with the overall aim of: Developing marketing graduates whose employability and performance in the work place will be significantly enhanced by a distinctive and relevant academic degree which will allow a fast track route to both CIM professional qualifications and career progression The basic philosophy underpinning this course is that the theory and practice have a dynamic relationship where one informs the other. It is apparent, therefore, that knowledge, understanding and practical skills are key requirements of a successful practitioner. This explains the emphasis on acquiring practical experience and skills during the duration of the course and the availability of the sandwich opportunity between Levels One and Two. The course aims to:- Develop academic knowledge and a critical understanding of the conceptual frameworks upon which the study of marketing are based Equip students with a comprehensive profile of marketing skills to enable them to be effective as a marketer on an international setting Equip students with an array of management and personal skills to enable them to be effective employees Enhance the employability of students through an integrated course of learning and work experience Develop in the student the self-confidence to take responsibility for their own personal development and the skills to support their own personal and career development and lifelong learning Encourage students to adopt an independent and reflective approach to their learning Prepare students for performing and interacting professionally in a multi-cultural context Develop students transferable skills (including, but not limited to, verbal and written communication, presenting, working with others, researching, problem identification, analysis, creative thinking and business IT skills) To develop analytical and research skills relevant to a range of careers and professions To enrich students learning capabilities for their individual paths through education and training in later life To enhance students employability by offering a range of practical workplace experiences

3 7. Course outcomes Knowledge and understanding By the end of the course students should be able to: A1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of theory and practice within the field of marketing. A2. Apply marketing theory to practice within organisations. A3. Assimilate and critically evaluate key themes and concepts within the literature relevant to the field/discipline. A4. Demonstrate an awareness of ethical and sustainability issues within marketing. A5. Demonstrate an awareness of wider social and management issues and cultural diversity within a global context. A6. Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary issues in the areas of Marketing being studied. Skills, qualities and attributes By the end of the course students should be able to: B1. Demonstrate cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. B2. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements and decisions and frame appropriate questions to achieve solutions to business problems. B3. Exhibit information literacy, including searching, retrieving and critically evaluating information from a range of appropriate sources. B4. Display commercial awareness, adaptability and understanding of contemporary practice. B5. Demonstrate a range of professional and transferable skills including, effective communication skills, an understanding of leadership and team working. B6. Demonstrate ability for self-managed learning and continuing professional development. B7. Apply appropriate marketing tools and techniques to implement practical and effective marketing solutions. B8. Demonstrate a capacity for critical evaluation of Marketing information and concepts. These outcomes are directly related to the NTU Graduate Attributes. This means that we are focused on the student s development in a number of core areas, namely; intellectual agility, information and communication, organisational skills and, global citizenship. Given the vocational nature of this course, we emphasise the need for strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively across a range of environments and for students to be responsible for their own learning and development. Along with the core knowledge of management and marketing, these transferable skills will help students to progress their career in marketing, moving from an initial marketing assistant-type role to a strategic marketer in the future. 8. Teaching and Learning Methods The approach taken to teaching and learning on this course is strongly influenced by the Institutional Learning and Teaching Enhancement Strategy. This articulates and underscores key principles of teaching and learning for undergraduate courses including: the need to provide effective learning opportunities throughout the course the need to stimulate learners and processes of learning through the highest quality of inputs, and a modern, inspiring curriculum the need to link theory and research with practice, and to demonstrate the value of such linkages the value of variety, innovation and creativity in teaching and learning,

4 including use of the VLE. Themes to be explored relate to encouraging constructive learning through a student-centred learning environment; seeing cultural diversity as a learning resource; and offering a range of learning experiences, including industry supported learning opportunities. The prevailing philosophy in all modules is a student-centred approach rather than direct, transmission of knowledge. Learning is also progressed through directed activities, research and reading. These modes of tuition are intended to develop subject knowledge and understanding and to enhance transferable skill sets. A key strategic goal in the curriculum design is developing the autonomous learner and the changing modes of contact and support as the students progress. The three course levels and the optional placement that includes the opportunity for further professional study reflect this goal with an emphasis at the earlier stages on building the confidence and engagement of students towards self-reliance and taking more control of their learning in later stages. Teamwork is a fundamental part of being a manager or working in any kind of organisation and is therefore a central part of the teaching and learning experience. Some modules contain team-based projects and presentations, some of which are directly assessed. Students learn to work and communicate in teams and to harness group diversity. To summarise, our main objective is to promote and actively encourage the students engagement with the course of study and to develop them as independent learners; as individuals who take responsibility for their learning and lifelong development. Underpinning the learning and teaching strategy are a number of beliefs and priorities; the need to provide effective learning opportunities throughout the course; the need to stimulate learners and processes of learning through the highest quality of inputs; the need to link theory and research with practice, and to demonstrate the value of such linkages; the value of variety, innovation and creativity in teaching and learning; the belief that as autonomous human beings, adult learners should be encouraged to take more responsibility for their own learning and to use their existing skills and experiences as the basis for new learning an awareness that marketing exists in a global context These beliefs and priorities form the basis of the learning and teaching strategy throughout NBS. However, in this case there is an added dimension which is the recognition that the work insight, internship and placement opportunities are a key part of the structure of the course. This is sometimes called experiential learning and is consistent with Kolb s (1984) learning cycle model. Experiential learning should provide an excellent stimulus for engagement in the learning process and more specifically encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning. 9. Assessment Methods The assessment strategy and practice operates in accordance with the University s Common Assessment Regulations and the Business School s interpretation of the Common Assessment Regulations and is informed by the Business School s Assessment Strategy, Policies and Guidance document.

5 The BA Marketing course team is committed to ensuring a balanced approach to assessment. Clear patterns for formative assessment have been devised at module level, and students will be made aware of these. The norm will be that formative assessment will take place as part of timetabled contact with students (e.g. within lectures, seminars, workshops etc.). Examples of classbased formative assessments include: phase tests, practice examinations, individual or group presentations with oral feedback, peer assessment within class and seminar tasks that include review and feedback. The assessment schedule will be monitored and actively managed through the various feedback channels, to ensure that the burden of assessment for students remains consistent across the course between individual students while also being mindful of comparability with students at equivalent levels of courses elsewhere in NBS and beyond it. External examiners monitor all Level Three assessments and have access to assessments from interim levels on request. They moderate Level Three assessments on an agreed sampling basis. Internal moderation of assessments and marks takes place either across a module teaching team or between nominated marking partners. Module leaders will ensure that students are offered ready access to clear information about assessment expectations, in written form and less formally, in good time for its successful completion. The scope and depth of the assessment builds as students move through the course, allowing them to gain confidence and improve their study skills as they approach each level. Students will be fully briefed before each assignment, with tutor support and guidance available outside of classroom contact time, via e-learning systems (e.g. FAQs, discussion forums) or / telephone. 10. Course structure and curriculum The course is delivered over four years on the sandwich option, which features a work experience placement opportunity in the third year between Levels Two and Three, and three years full-time. The course curriculum is detailed below and a curriculum map depicting the student s journey is available in the appendix. Level 1 a. Fundamentals of Marketing (20cr) b. Accounting & Finance for Managers (20cr) c. The Marketing Environment (20cr) d. Business Information Systems & Quantitative Methods (20cr) e. Foundations of Managing and Organising (20cr) f. Professional Development for Business and Enterprise (20cr) Level 2 a. Buyer Behaviour (20cr) b. Delivering Customer Value (20cr) c. Managing in Marketing (20cr) d. Integrated Marketing Communications (20cr) e. Research for Marketing (20cr) f. Digital Essentials OR Exploring Strategy and Innovation (20cr)

6 Workplace experience placement year with CIM module option: Stakeholder Marketing (sandwich only). Level 3 a. Leadership and Employability (20cr) b. Strategic Marketing and Brand Management (20cr) c. Future Marketing (20cr) d. New Media Marketing (20cr) e. Research Project (20cr) f. Digital Marketing Planning OR Creativity, Innovation and Design (20cr) Each module is designed to build certain knowledge and understanding, and provide opportunities for students to develop or enhance certain skills, qualities and attributes. The combination of modules gives them the opportunity to develop the knowledge and understanding, and the skills, qualities and attributes required to be a successful marketing professional. One of the distinctive features of the course is the work experience insight opportunity for two to three weeks after Level One. This is taken at the end of the first year and prior to the start of the second year, during the summer vacation. This will allow students to experience the world of marketing at first hand. They will be able to develop and build on this experience through other modules in the second and third year and during the placement year if they select this option. Although not compulsory, we highly recommend the work experience insight because of the many benefits it offers. Additionally, students are offered an optional module within the second and final year of study. This option, currently a choice from one of two themes available that complement the existing core modules within BA Marketing, are designed to enhance the student experience and offer students an additional opportunity to construct their own choice of course content. The successful completion of the modules on the digital theme route (one at Level Two and one at Level Three) will result in the professional award of the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing. Nottingham Business School has also developed a Level Two framework for all full time undergraduate courses that will allow students to follow one of five opportunities in the second half year of their second year. Opportunity One: to continue with your core course of study Opportunity Two: to study your second half year at an International Partner University Opportunity Three: To complete an internship within an organisation Opportunity Four: to undertake an entrepreneurship project in conjunction with NTU HIVE Opportunity Five: To undertake a community project in conjunction with ENACTUS (SIFE). The learning and development on each of these opportunities will be assessed in a way that enables students to achieve the 60cpts necessary to complete their Level Two study whilst benefitting from these additional and exciting opportunities. During the first year of study students will be guided through the opportunities available to them in the second year of the course. For students looking for the experiential and employability benefits of a longer term paid period of work experience the course is also offered as a sandwich degree where the third year is spent in full time employment. This provides

7 students with practical experience allowing them to apply what has been learned in the first two years of study in a real business context. During the placement, students also have the opportunity to study for a professional CIM module that will contribute towards the achievement of the CIM Professional Certificate. In the final year students are then able to incorporate their workplace experiences in both class discussions and formal assessments. Building on the more specialist aspects of marketing, the total learning experience offered by the course will provide the opportunity for students to develop their business skills and personal qualities that are an essential addition to the knowledge and application abilities discussed above. Such skills and qualities relate to communication, organisation, problem solving, IT solutions, data collection and analysis, and include areas such as initiative, insight, accountability, ethics and an appreciation of the broader organisational context. 11. Admission to the course Entry requirements For current information regarding all entry requirements for this course, please see the `Applying tab on the course information web page. 12. Support for Learning Students will be given a sound induction to the course which will explain what is required of them, will outline the course and explain the various types of assessment. They will also have lots of opportunities to get to know their tutors and other students on their course. At the course induction tutors will explain information relating to: Aims and objectives Structure of the course & module delivery details Module specifications (details of what you will be studying) Reading lists Assessment regulations and criteria, hand in dates & submission process Course leader and tutor contact details Module leaders & course administrators contact details Details of the operation of the course and course committees Participant support information Extension, Notification of Exceptional Circumstances information Contact details of the University's student support and guidance services Specific details of the support and guidance available can also be found in the University s student handbook and on the University s website. In addition, students will have extensive learning resources and support from the University s Library, IT resources, accommodation team and the University staff. The Library The libraries at NTU give students access to a wealth of information and the resources needed to study. We have nearly half a million books available, as well as a growing online collection of ebooks, ejournals and databases. These can all be located using the Library OneSearch. If students need help finding the information, our knowledgeable librarians are available to point them in the right direction and there is an online chat facility which is ideal for when students are at work.

8 IT Resources Students will be able to use the University s and NBS computer facilities when in Nottingham (which include University 24 hour access). They will also have remote access to the virtual learning environment known as NOW (Nottingham Online Workspace). Teaching Accommodation The course will be delivered at the University s City site in Nottingham. Teaching accommodation is fully equipped with audio visual facilities in each teaching room; advanced systems in the seminar rooms and lecture theatres; advanced computer resource labs; high-end electronic classrooms and video conferencing facilities. Non-academic Support For any non-academic issues, the course leader is there to help and provide participants with information or direction to others who may be of assistance. We aim to help students do well and enjoy the course. We recognise that when they first start studying they may find it difficult and their first point of contact who can offer help and advice will be your mentor who will be assigned to you for all 3 years of their course. On NOW, students will find links to a range of support services, including support with study skills, technical support and library services. There is a range of additional support services provided by the University including specific support for mature participants, international participants and participants with disabilities as well as religious and cultural advisors. Students may also contact the University s Student Support Services directly. CIM Resources Finally, should a student pursue the CIM options, when they register as an affiliate (studying) member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing they will have access to the CIM s leaning materials. These include a wealth of marketing resources and knowledge available online, including past exam papers, examiner reports and sample answers, and the CIM s regular publications Cutting Edge and The Marketer. Also, as student members of the CIM, students are able to attend and contribute to local events such as local group meetings; these can represent a valuable resource for networking and locating placement/internship/workplace insight opportunities 13. Graduate destinations / employability As a graduate of this course students will have a wide range of potential career opportunities across the globe. This course will be of interest to students who wish to follow a career in Advertising, PR, Marketing Management, Brand Development, Event Management, Marketing Research or Consultancy. This course has been designed to ensure that when students graduate they leave with a set of practical skills and abilities which will enhance their employability and enable them to perform effectively in their chosen role whether this is in the UK or internationally. This is achieved through a combination of industry interventions (guest lecturers, company supported project work, life case examples, national competitions etc.) and a vocationally orientated curriculum which has been developed in conjunction with marketing employers and benchmarked against relevant professional qualifications.

9 Regarding the CIM Professional Qualifications, if students sit and pass the CIM/CAM modules they will gain the following professional qualifications: CIM Certificate in Professional (assuming at least 2:2 achieved overall) CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing CIM Diploma in Professional Marketing These will be in addition to the standard BA (Hons) Marketing degree award. Students will also have the maximum possible exemptions from the CIM Professional Diploma. In order to complete their professional studies they will need to pass only a further two modules at the diploma level after their undergraduate study. They will already have studied modules aligned to these, which will be good preparation should they decide complete their CIM qualifications. 14. Course standards and quality Effective management is crucial to the process of ensuring quality in the monitoring and delivery of these awards and there is considerable practical experience among the staff teaching on this course. Management of the course will be effected through two formally constituted committees, the Course Committee and the Board of Examiners. The Course Committee will oversee the strategic direction, quality assurance and management of the course. The constitution and brief of the Course Committee will be in accordance with the University s policy and practice in the University Handbook. The course committee encourages feedback and discussion with the student representatives elected on the course. The examination board will operate in accordance with current University policy and procedures as stated in the Academic Standards and Quality handbook. In addition to these mentioned, further quality assurances are built into the courses with course team meetings, module team meetings, a comprehensive multiple tracking quality audit system incorporating annual CSQR (Course Standards and Quality Report), course leaders reports, module leaders reports, assessment moderation forms and student evaluation processes. 15. Assessment regulations This course is subject to the University s Common Assessment Regulations (located in its Academic Standards and Quality Handbook). Any course specific assessment features are described below: To obtain an honours degree, students must pass all of their course modules. The final degree classification will be based on a mark, comprising 25% of the performance (measured by the aggregate of module marks) at Level Two plus 75% of the assessment performance at Level Three. Achievement of the CIM and CAM professional awards is subject to submitting the relevant assignments for assessment by these external professional bodies and passing these modules and achieving at least a 2:2 overall. 16. Additional Information Collaborative partner(s): CIM and MRS Course referenced to national QAA Benchmark Statements:

10 Course recognised by: CIM 20 th May 2013 and MRS September 2014 Date implemented: September 2013 Any additional information: