B1: Programme Specification PROGRAMME TITLE: PgC/PgD/MSc in ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE PLEASE NOTE. This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the teaching and learning assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. 1. AWARDING INSTITUTION/BODY: University Of Ulster 2. TEACHING INSTITUTION: University Of Ulster 3. LOCATION: Jordanstown Campus 4 ACCREDITED BY: 5. FINAL AWARD: PgC/PgD/MSc in Environmental Health Management and Practice 6. MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Part-time 7. SPECIALISMS: N/A 8. COURSE CODE: N/App 9. LAST UPDATE: January 2009 10. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The aims of the Postgraduate Certificate are to: provide an opportunity for graduates and professionals in environmental health and allied disciplines to enhance their professional knowledge and management skills; enable students to advance their professional development through reading for a higher degree in Environmental Health Management and Practice and to provide an advanced educational basis for further qualifications; produce graduates who can demonstrate increased capacity for understanding and evaluating the concepts, complexities and current issues in management and environmental health practice; develop an enhanced ability in students to apply their knowledge and skills in identifying, analysing and solving management problems; The additional aims of the Postgraduate Diploma are to; encourage candidates towards an inter-professional approach to the evaluation and solution of contemporary issues in environmental health; produce leaders of the environmental health profession, who can display a mastery of a complex and specialist area of knowledge and skills, make key B1
decisions and devise and evaluate novel solutions to emerging issues in environmental health management and practice; enable graduates to improve their professional performance by encouraging the development of professional judgment, skills, attitudes and personal attributes such as leadership, assertiveness and creativity as well as skills in communicating and managing information; develop in graduates a facility and enthusiasm for lifelong learning throughout their future careers. The additional aims of the Master of Science Degree are to: produce graduates who have gained experience of a supervised independent investigation of an issue of current interest in environmental health and safety management or practice, using relevant research methodology and displaying powers of analysis and synthesis; provide an opportunity for the graduate to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively, make sound judgements and communicate their conclusions clearly to academic and professional audiences; enable graduates to develop the ability to present arguments in support of their rationale, methods and conclusions; cultivate the qualities of independence, self-motivation and originality in tackling and solving problems, and show initiative and autonomy in planning and implementing tasks in project work and research. 11. MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes. K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT The outcomes of the Postgraduate Certificate are to: K1 K2 K3 Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of the principles, theories and current practices of management. Comprehend the nature and significance of the current issues facing the environmental health profession. Examine the impacts that environmental stressors have on the physical health and social well-being of individuals and communities. The additional outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma are to: K4 K5 Develop an adaptive attitude in managing current issues within the environmental health context. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and problem solving: the recognition/analysis of higher order problems and the appropriate strategies for problem resolution. The additional outcomes of the MSc are to: K6 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship. B2
Teaching and Learning Methods: Subject related qualities are developed primarily through lectures, seminars, directed reading, electronic resources, case studies and project work. Assessment Methods: Testing of the knowledge base is mainly through examinations, coursework assignments, case study reports, seminar presentations and individual project research outcomes. I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES The outcomes of the Postgraduate Certificate are to: I1 Acquire, integrate and analyse information and data from various sources and objectively critically evaluate their relevance and validity. I2 Critically evaluate and reflect systematically on current issues and problems arising within industry and organisations. The additional outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma are to I3 I4 Analyse and solve environmental health management problems systematically, creatively and innovatively including the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques. Provide reasoned balanced arguments to justify their approach, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data. The additional outcomes of the MSc are to: I5 Display mastery in the planning, conduct and reporting of a major programme of specialist research and enquiry. Teaching and Learning Methods: Intellectual qualities are primarily developed through coursework assignments and projects, as well as through class discussions, simulations and tutorials. Assessment Methods: This is principally through coursework assignments, written examinations, project work, research and dissertation. P PROFESSIONAL /PRACTICAL SKILLS The outcomes of the Postgraduate Certificate are to: P1 P2 P3 Act professionally, work diligently and systematically whilst adhering to professional, legal, ethical and moral codes of professional practice within environmental health management and practice. Justify the importance of acting fairly and reasonably on behalf of ones employer, clients and society as a whole. Accept that change, in all its forms, is inevitable and that it should form the basis of a manager and practitioners approach to their profession. The additional outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma are to: P4 analyse situations, formulate clear aims/objectives and, working with others, initiate, plan and organise tasks, take action and monitor performance. B3
P5 P6 Evaluate individual and group performance and reflect upon methods of delivering improvements. Demonstrate a range of high level competencies relevant to management and practice in environmental health and safety. The additional outcomes of the MSc are to: P7 Source, critically review and use research material to plan and execute a significant programme of research and enquiry. Teaching and Learning Methods: Professional and practical skills are primarily acquired and developed through project and assignment work, supplemented by class tutorials and discussion groups. Assessment Methods: These are assessed through coursework assignments, oral presentations, class exercises and project dissertation. T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS The outcomes of the Postgraduate Certificate are to: T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Recognise the necessity for independent life long learning, openmindedness, reflection on practice / experience and critical enquiry. Communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences using verbal, listening and written skills Exercise informed judgment, in the absence of complete data, across a range of issues and functions. Manipulate, evaluate critically and present data using a range of methods. Use information and communications technologies and associated skills. The outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma are to: T6 T7 T8 Transfer and apply creative and diagnostic skills in tackling and solving problems. Through self awareness, to manage time and physical resources effectively and economically Function effectively as a member of, and as a leader of, a team. The outcomes of the MSc are to: T9 Produce a formal research outcome that accurately and succinctly reflects the key subject issues, describes the methods and critically supports the conclusions Teaching and Learning Methods: Transferable skills are delivered throughout the programme (i.e. lectures, seminars, tutorials, coursework assignments, role plays and projects.) Assessment Methods: Assessment is primarily through oral presentations, teamwork tasks, coursework assignments and projects/dissertation. B4
11. PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP Please Note: The matrix displays only the main measurable outcomes. There may be other outcomes detailed in the module descriptions (e.g. attitudes and behaviours) which are not assessed MODULE TITLE CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 Organisation and Management BLD701J1 X X X X X Sustainable Development ENE810J2 X X X X X Research Design Methods BLD808J1 X X X X X Contemporary Issues in EH ENH815J1 X X X X X X X General Acoustics and Noise Control ENHXXXJ1 X X X X X X X X Acoustics & Noise Control Specialism ENHXXXJ1 X X X X X X X Occupational H & S Management ENHXXXJ1 X X X X X X X X Issues in Public Management PUP892J1/3 X X X X Epidemiology for population health HEP808J1 X X X X X X Promoting health of the public HEP809J1 X X X X X X Planning for population health HEP810J2 X X X X X X Research and Dissertation ENH821J4 X X X X X X X X X X P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Organisation and Management BLD701J1 X X X X X X X Sustainable Development ENE810J2 X X X X Research Design Methods BLD808J1 X X X X X X Contemporary Issues in EH ENH815J1 X X X X X General acoustics and Noise Control ENHXXXJ1 X X X X X X X X X X Acoustics & Noise Control Specialism ENHXXXJ1 X X X X X X X X X X Occupational H & S Management ENHXXXJ1 X X X X X X X X Issues in Public Management PUP892J1/3 X X X X X X Epidemiology for population health HEP808J1 X X X X Promoting health of the public HEP809J1 X X X X X
12 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE A This is a linked programme of awards leading to a Post Certificate/Diploma or an MSc in Environmental Health Manage Practice. The programme is part-time and conforms to the Un modular requirements. An accumulation of 60/120/180 credit necessary to achieve the PgC/PgD/MSc awards respectively. Pro transfer and award criteria are outlined in Section 16. Deta modules and their corresponding credit points are listed below. Modules carry 15, 30 or 60 credit points, equivalent to 150, 300 or hours of student learning respectively. Module No Module Title Credit Level Credit Points BLD701J1 Organisation and Management M 15 ENE810J2 Sustainable Development M 15 BLD808J1 Research Design Methods M 15 ENH815J1 Contemporary Issues in EH M 15 ENHXXXJ1 General Acoustics and Noise Control M 30 ENHXXXJ1 Acoustics & Noise Control Specialism M 30 ENHXXXJ1 Occupational H & S Management M 30 PUP892J1/3 Issues in Public Management M 15 HEP808J1 Epidemiology for population health M 15 HEP809J1 Promoting health of the public M 15 HEP810J2 Planning for population health M 15 BLD821J4 EH Research and Dissertation M 60 Mo st C Compulsory O - Optional The language of instruction is English Awards PgC - 60 credit points acquired from the core modules. PgD - a minimum of 120 credit points including 60 acquired from the core modules and 60 from modules in the Options Matrix. MSc - a minimum of 180 credit points including all the above plus 60 poin acquired from module ENH821J4 Environmental Health Research and Dissertation B6
13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: Induction programme for all entrants. Student handbooks and module study guide booklets. Convenient access to the Course Director and module co-ordinators through informal communications, via e-mail and planned meetings. The use of personal studies advisors. The staff-student consultative process. Student representation on course committee. Feedback on academic progress after each semester. Library induction programme relevant to the subject. Training in use of IT through the Information Services Department. Guidance on health and safety matters. Access to the Personal Development System tool to manage Personal Development Planning Careers Development Centre University Web Portal providing general information on the university, the programme and its modules and study skills packages. Access to ViBEL (Virtual Built Environment Library). Encouragement by officers of relevant professional institutions, government departments, non-governmental public bodies and employers bodies. Access to the Student Support Department, providing services related to counseling and guidance, health, careers advice, accommodation, childcare, finance and special needs. University protocols for students with special needs. Access to a range of activities through the Sport and Recreation Department. Access to the Student s Union Invitations to events organised by the Cultural Events Unit. Where required access to the services of the International Office. B7
Access to the University clinic. The Chaplaincy facilities. 14. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME Applicants must hold a degree or equivalent, or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. The specific requirements for admission are detailed below: Applicants must: (a) have gained (i) (i) an Honours or non-honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard in an appropriate discipline; or an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved alternative qualification; and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); or as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b): (c) In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subjectspecific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme. Transfer between other MSc/MBA programmes within the University is also permissible, with appropriate exemptions for relevant modules completed. 15. EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING B8
The following mechanisms are used for evaluating and improving teaching and learning quality: Formal student feedback is sought on the content and delivery of each module via a module evaluation questionnaire, a free response method or a module review forum. University approval and re-validation by a panel including internal academics and external members takes place every 5 years Feedback from employers through the Environmental Health Advisory Board (EHAB) and the Professional Training and Liaison Committee (PTLC). Upon completion the module team reviews each module. Statistical information, student feedback, content, delivery, assessment methods, resources and proposed enhancements are considered. Views of graduates in the National Student Survey Students performance data and career progression Student/staff consultative meetings (commonly involving all students on this part-time course) provide the means of highlighting any difficulties, relating to the course, experienced by the cohort. The course committee considers module evaluations and other student feedback, with matters of concern highlighted for action, as part of the annual course review report. The School Courses Directorate meets regularly to review matters relating to the management, delivery and quality of all taught courses in the School. Annual Subject Monitoring, including a consideration of the annual course review report and reports from the External Examiner provide for a detailed and focussed consideration of the quality of delivery of the course. Students are given the opportunity to be represented on the Course Committee and at Faculty Board. Staff teaching performance is monitored annually through student questionnaires and peer observation. Staff appraisal is carried out on a 2 year cycle with attention given to the development needs of the individual staff member. Most teaching staff have completed, or are currently enrolled on, the PG Certificate in University Teaching (PGCHEP). At Faculty levels there is and active Teaching and Learning Committees responsible for co-ordinating developments and initiatives relating to innovative methods for delivery, technology mediated learning, as well as general resource issues. In addition, these committees are responsible for B9
regulating Faculty codes of practice relating to course management and delivery. The University has an active Staff Development Unit which supports and funds specific research/projects into improvement of delivery and overall student experience. The Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee coordinates developments and initiatives relating to innovative methods for delivery and learning, as well as resource issues. The Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee regulates Faculty codes of practice for programme management. The student experience is enhanced by the ongoing research and consultancy conducted by teaching staff. The student experience is enhanced through teaching staff involvement in the management and development of their respective professional bodies. WebCT is used to supplement in-class learning activities. The LRC is association with the School of the Built Environment has developed ViBEL (Virtual Built Environment Library) to provide a subject focussed interface to the extensive electronic learning resources available to enrolled students. 16. REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules. General course regulations, which are in accordance with the current University of Ulster Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations are described in full in Section B2. In modules that are assessed by coursework only, the pass mark is 50%. In modules that are assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination, the pass mark for each assessment element is 50%. Award of PG Certificate: Candidates who have successfully completed four core modules (pass mark is 50%) will be eligible for the award of the Certificate. The Board of Examiners may recommend a Pass with Distinction to a candidate who achieves an overall mark of at least 70%, provided that a module mark of at least 70% has been achieved in modules amounting to 30 credit points. Award of PG Diploma: Candidates who have successfully completed the core modules and at least 60 credits of modules selected from the Options Matrix (pass mark is 50% in all modules) will be eligible for the award of the Diploma. The Board of Examiners may recommend a Pass with Distinction to a candidate who achieves an overall B10
mark of at least 70%, provided that a module mark of at least 70% has been achieved in modules amounting to 60 credit points. Progression to MSc: Candidates who are eligible for the award of the Post Graduate Diploma will be eligible to progress to the Masters degree programme. Award of MSc: Candidates who have successfully completed the Post Graduate Diploma and the environmental health research and dissertation module (pass mark is 50%) will be awarded the MSC. The Board of Examiners may recommend the award of MSc with Distinction to a candidate who achieves an overall mark of at least 70%, provided that a module mark of at least 70% has been achieved in modules amounting to 90 credit points. External Examination An External Examiners is appointed for the Course with a term of office normally of 4 years. The role of the External Examiner is to moderate and approve examination papers and other forms of assessment, ensure that academic standards are maintained and that individual students are treated fairly. The External Examiner submits a report on the standard of the Course, assessment and student performance, comparability of these standards with those of similar courses, and the administration of the assessment schemes and processes. Detailed duties are as specified in the current University of Ulster Handbook for External Examiners. 17. INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING Most teaching staff have completed, or are currently enrolled on, the PG Certificate in University Teaching (PgCHEP). Most staff participating in the delivery of the course are fellows or members of their respective professional institutions including CIEH, IOSH, CIOB, ICE. Dr Harold Harvey holds a Distinguished Teaching Fellowship Award from the University, is external examiner to several undergraduate and post graduate programmes in environmental health, is Editor in Chief of the Journal of Environmental Health Research and manages the CIEH CPD by Assignment Scheme. Mr Alan Strong has recently received the 'Spirit of Telford' award (2006) from the Institution of Civil Engineers for his innovation in teaching in sustainable development. He has also been appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Group on Architecture in the Built Environment. In addition to teaching, many staff associated with the course are engaged in research, consultancy and knowledge transfer that informs their teaching. The B11
Environmental Health Protection and Safety Centre (EHPaS) promotes the discipline of environmental health within, and external to the university, and seeks to harness the expertise - spread throughout the university - in the diverse subjects which contribute to environmental health, to provide post graduate education, training, research and knowledge and technology transfer. EHPaS has been awarded and completed more than 100 consultancy contracts by a wide range of government departments, public bodies, commercial organisations and charities. B12