Programme Specification (Undergraduate) Date amended: February 2014 1. Programme Title(s) and UCAS code(s): Certificate in Lifelong Learning and Industrial Relations 2. Awarding body or institution: University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of study: Part-time b) Type of study: Distance Learning 4. Registration periods: Normal 19 months, maximum 24 months 5. Typical entry requirements: Entry at BSc Year 1 - Certificate (HE) in HRM: a) A levels (min 240 credits) or equivalent AND b) Relevant work experience (for example in a trade union, training or HRM role) For candidates whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.5 or above is required. 6. Accreditation of Prior Learning: N/A 7. Programme aims: The programme offers a curriculum that addresses the needs of trade union representatives, trainers and managers involved in workplace skills development. It will integrate materials on Industrial Relations and Lifelong Learning with the following aims: Build a critical understanding of current developments; Provide a rigorous and structured introduction to these areas that builds on the strengths of ULSM teaching and research interests; Provide a pathway into higher education for mature, working adults. Develop student s knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and practice in a way that makes them more effective in their current role and more employable.
8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification: QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications University of Leicester Learning & Teaching Strategy: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/sas2/quality/learnteach External Examiners reports University of Leicester Periodic Development Review Report (June 2009) University Employability Strategy Discussions with DL resource partners Discussions with professional HR bodies Discussions with employers who fund employees for career development 9. Programme Outcomes: Intended Learning Teaching and Learning How Demonstrated? Outcomes Methods (a) Discipline specific knowledge and competencies (i) Mastery of an appropriate body of knowledge On completion, students should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of foundational ideas in industrial relations, HRM and the theory and practice of learning. Outline concepts and models in the above fields and apply these to current debates. Module texts provide a structured development of subject knowledge; Core concepts are reinforced through review exercises and associated reading; Learning is supported by contact with tutors and by online discussion. (ii) Understanding and application of key concepts and techniques The application of theory to practice is a distinctive feature of the course. All modules make this link. Key points are reinforced through review exercises, tutorial support and online discussion. Portfolio of exercises (Module 1); Essay assignments (Modules 2-6) Module 1 (Portfolio of exercises); Essay assignments (Modules 2-6) Critically evaluate aspects of contemporary policy and practice with reference competing ideas presented in the course. Present clear and structured analyses of complex issues within a strict word limit. Formulate and present reasoned arguments based on the analysis of a range of texts Examine and evaluate current workplace practice. (iii) Critical analysis of key issues This is a central aim of the course. All Essay assignments modules include some critical, comparative evaluation of policy and practice. Skills are developed by structured study of the module material and are reinforced via tutorial support and online discussion. (iv) Clear and concise presentation of material Academic writing skills module; Review exercises in all modules; Formative guidance as part of assignment feedback. (v) Critical appraisal of evidence with appropriate insight Academic Writing Skills Module (which develops skills in précis and essay planning); Essay assignments. Academic Writing Skills module; Essay assignments Assignment feedback; tutorial support; online discussion (vi) Other discipline specific competencies The modules introduce themes in industrial relations and Human Resource Development with reference to policy and practice; student understanding is Module 1; Essay assignments (Modules 2 6)
Intended Learning Outcomes Demonstrate ability to reflect and express ideas clearly and coherently. Address practical issues in IR and HRD with using subject knowledge and understanding. Identify appropriate data and use it appropriately in a balanced argument. Deal confidently with new knowledge and apply this reflectively to the student s own work situation. 10. Progression points: Teaching and Learning Methods reinforced by frequent review exercises and online discussion. (b) Transferable skills (i) Written communication The (non-assessed) Academic Writing Skills module includes a guide to essay writing. This is reinforced by detailed, structured feedback on assessed work, including points for improvement. (ii) Problem solving The entire course aims to link theoretical concepts with their practical application. Modules refer to examples of policy and practice. Review exercises ask students to evaluate ideas using their own work experience. And the use of such examples in assessed work is rewarded. (iii) Information handling Study skills material; guidance and tutorial support throughout the course; tutorials. (iv) Skills for lifelong learning The course is designed to build skills and the confidence to tackle study at Year 3 level. The Academic Writing Skills module introduces learning skills. These are developed though online resources and tutorial support. How Demonstrated? Academic Writing Skills module and all assessed work. All assessed work Review of literature in all assessed work; presentation and analysis of data as part of assignment. All assessed work In order to progress to the Year 2 (Diploma) course, a student must achieve an average of 45%. In cases where a student has failed to meet a requirement to progress he or she will be required to withdraw from the course. 11. Special features: This course is specifically designed for working adults. It has the following features: (a) It is taught entirely by distance learning; (b) On completion, students may progress to the Year 2 (Diploma) in Lifelong Learning and Industrial Relations. 12. Indications of programme quality External examiners reports 13. External Examiners: The details of the External Examiner(s) for this programme and the most recent External Examiners reports can be found here.
Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations) BSc Year 1 - Certificate in Lifelong Learning and Industrial Relations Module Code Module Title Core/Option Credit Rating LM1500 Academic Writing Skills C 0 LM1521 Management and Labour C 20 LM1520 Education, Training and Skills C 20 LM1522 Learning in Theory and Practice C 20 LM1523 Trade Union Organisation and C 20 Action LM1524 Globalisation and Skills C 20 LM1525 Learning as a Bargaining Issue C 20 Assessment: Each module will be assessed by a written assignment of 3,000 to 4,000 words. Qualifications Awarded: Candidates who have successfully completed 120 credits and met all of the assessment requirements for each module and do not wish to progress to the BSc Year 2 Diploma (HE) programme, will be awarded a Certificate (HE) in Lifelong Learning and Industrial Relations. Students who achieve an overall (average) result of 45.00% or above will be eligible to proceed to BSc Year 2 (Diploma). Appendix 2: Module specifications See module specification database http://www.le.ac.uk/sas/courses/documentation
Appendix 3: Skills matrix Programme Learning Outcomes Transferable skills (i) Written communication Academic Writing Skills Module Module 1 Modules 2-6 Express ideas clearly and coherently X X X (ii) Problem solving Address practical HR problems with skills and knowledge from the course (iii) Information handling Identify and use appropriate evidence from a range of sources (iv) Skills for lifelong learning Deal confidently with new knowledge and apply this reflectively to the student s own work situation X X X X X X X