Programme Specification Title: Globalising Justice Final Award: Master of Arts (MA) With Exit Awards at: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Arts (MA) To be delivered from: Level Date Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 2015-16 Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 2015-16 Masters or Master of Arts (MA) 2015-16 Page 1/23
Table Of Contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Basic Programme Data... 4 3. Programme Description... 5 3.1 Overview... 5 3.2 Aims and Objectives... 5 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance... 8 4. Programme Outcomes... 9 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding... 9 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills... 9 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills... 9 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes... 9 5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies... 11 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy... 11 5.2. Assessment Strategy... 11 6. Programme Structure... 13 Appendix I - Curriculum Map... 14 Appendix II - Assessment Map... 16 Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis... 20 Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s)... 22 Page 2/23
1. Introduction This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for preparing programme specifications. This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. Page 3/23
2. Basic Programme Data Final Award: Programme Title: Exit Awards and Titles Master of Arts (MA) Globalising Justice Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Arts (MA) Subject(s) Social Sciences Mode(s) of delivery Full Time Part Time Is there a Placement or Exchange? UCAS code Awarding Body Campus(es) School(s) Programme Leader Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation No University of Lincoln Lincoln Campus Programme Start Date 2015-16 School of Social and Political Sciences Liam McCann (LMcCann) Page 4/23
3. Programme Description 3.1 Overview This document describes the University of Lincoln s MA Globalising Justice using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA Guidelines for Preparing Programme Specifications (June 2000). The MA Globalising Justice is a 180 CATS point programme of study offered by the Department of Policy Studies. Approval is also sought for the intermediate awards of Postgraduate Certificate in Globalising Justice (60 M CATS points) and Postgraduate Diploma Globalising Justice (120 M CATS points). The proposed programme in Globalising Justice includes a taught curriculum and a period of research culminating in the submission of a dissertation, leading to the award of Master of Arts in Globalising Justice. Whilst overall academic responsibility for the curriculum design and the implementation of the awards will rest with the Department of Policy Studies in the Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences, the programme is supported by a core unit, International Human Rights, taught by the Department of Law. 3.2 Aims and Objectives Introduction: Globalisation refers to an ongoing process through which, it is sometimes argued, the world is in many respects becoming a single place, subject to convergent influences. It encompasses, in one way or another, every aspect of social life. Arguably, this is no more so than in respect of the idea of social justice which lies, at least in theory, at the heart of much of international relations and policy making, both between and within states. Increasingly, the idea of social justice can be aligned with emergent trends in the internationalisation of criminal justice. The globalisation of justice as an ideal is influenced by ideas from a range of disciplines. This programme combines a number of these disciplines and concepts, principally politics, international relations, social policy, human rights and criminology in order to facilitate study around the theme of social justice. The intersection of these disciplines reflects developing practices within the Department of Policy Studies. Globalising Justice addresses two key themes, together with their allied constituencies and potential student markets. The first concerns the dynamic interrelation between Western Democratic conceptions of Justice and other culturally specific forms of organising and resolving conflicts, This involves problems of compatibility, barriers and transference, and understands conflict in the broadest sense to include rules and access to resources The second involves the emergence of trans-national attempts to distil and institutionalise global principles of justice e.g. via the International Criminal Court and other organisations involved in meting out criminal and social justice. Globalising Justice takes these themes to be interlinked in that a proper analysis of the possibility of trans-national justice cannot proceed outwith the consideration of the specific interchange between liberal democratic and alternative renditions of justice. These themes are indivisible and are accurately reflected in the title Globalising Justice, which imparts a genuinely critical complexion to the debate about whether there is an established process of Globalisation and, if so, the forms by which it may be manifest. This applies equally to the import/export trade in Justice between nations as it does to the formulation of trans-national attempts to move beyond the nation state. It is envisaged that students interested in either of these processes would need to embrace the other as well in order to reach an understanding of the shades of globalising tendencies claimed to be at work in contemporary societies. Page 5/23
The Master of Arts in Globalising Justice is intended to enable students to explore in detail the concepts of human rights, criminal and social justice in the global context. It will provide an opportunity for students to pursue postgraduate educational opportunities which are of contemporary relevance by in depth analysis of interaction between the policy making processes, mechanisms and institutions that influence the globalisation of justice. For example, the impact of contemporary agendas focussed on terrorism and transnational crime will be examined in relation to global trends in the identification of citizenship and against standards inspired by international human rights standards. The programme will offer a unique, varied and challenging educational opportunity for students to develop one of the themes of governance, criminal justice or citizenship in a highly specialised manner which will enable progression to higher level studies or enhance employment prospects. Educational Aims of the MA Globalising Justice are to provide students with an education that: Develops the student's knowledge and understanding of the nature of globalising justice Equips the student with the ability to identify a range of competing theoretical perspectives drawn from several disciplines and to apply these to an understanding of the links between theory and practice Equips the student with the main methods and techniques available for critically analysing concepts of globalising justice Equips the student with an appropriate conceptual and methodological framework within which to evaluate globalising policies Equips the student with the research and analytical skills necessary to conduct an intensive study into a specialist area Develops the student's competence in critical writing and presentation skills The MA three specialist themes are distinctive in having the following characteristics: Contemporary ideas of the evolving concept of globalising justice will be explored and analysed in the context of the specialised theme chosen by students Each theme provides a solid grounding in globalising justice and comparative policy analysis The themes allow for specialist subject knowledge in three inter-related areas The programme is unique in offering a programme of higher level education placed in a global context which examines a particular theme relevant to international policy development in achieving social justice. Whilst each theme contains an essential core structure, students will be able to undertake thematic focussed study in a way which permits choice against their individual learning requirements. Subject benchmarks: There are no subject benchmarks in this area but due account is taken of the HEFC postgraduate framework. Internal contexts: The Department of Policy Studies in the Faculty of Health Life and Social Sciences has incorporated the development of this proposal into its Strategic Plan as part of its commitment to extend the Faculty s postgraduate portfolio. It is viewed as a more attractive, relevant and contemporary programme to replace the modular MA programmes in Social Policy and Criminology and reflects the convergence of Departmental subjects around a core policy studies identity. The proposal for the MA in Globalising Justice represents a natural progression, building on the Department s research and teaching expertise and thus fits with the general aims of the Faculty. In addition the University is Page 6/23
committed to providing education of high quality from a research focussed institution. This proposal enables the Department of Policy Studies to enhance its increasingly active contribution to that goal. Academic staff who would be involved in the delivery of the programme have gained considerable experience of postgraduate teaching and learning through their delivery of MA programmes and MPhil/ PhD supervision. A number of the staff involved in the programme are Research Active and have been submitted in the 1996 and 2001 RAEs by the University. The Department is progressing its strategy to maintain and improve performance in the previous RAE and a recent dry run, with regard to the 2008 RAE, has indicated improved quality of research, in units of assessment relevant to this provision (Politics and International Relations and Social Policy and Administration). The programme will be supported by this research activity and in turn will provide an opportunity for further staff development. The programme is intended to meet the interest, which has been expressed by prospective applicants to the University s international recruitment and admissions office and the Department of Policy Studies, from a broad geographical area including UK, Europe, North Africa and South East Asia. The programme is also intended to be attractive to local students whose working environments increasingly require a global understanding and who previously not had the opportunity to pursue their interest in academic study in some of these areas at this level. The interest in doing this has been demonstrated in the past by enrolment of local region students as both full and part time students to the modular MA in Social and Public Policy and Criminology. It is the intention of the Department to offer the MA in Globalising Justice in both full and part time modes from 2005 in order to offer as much flexibility as possible and meet the various demands being made for postgraduate degree study from appropriately qualified individuals in both the local region and more widely. External contexts : In 2003 students from outside the UK made up 28.2% of all postgraduates and 46.7% of all full time postgraduates, with 34.5% of full-time postgraduates coming from outside the EU (74.0% of the non-uk total). Non-UK students were prominent on full time research programmes and even more so on full-time taught higher degrees programmes (61.0%). (HESA 2004:13). A number of enquiries from prospective non-uk,non-eu students interested in pursuing postgraduate taught programmes have been received by the Department and the International Office. Visitors to international education fairs (eg in South East Asia, Hong Kong and mainland China) have reported interest in the MA Globalising Justice. It is anticipated that graduates of this programme will take up posts in administrative and policy making roles such as civil servants, government employment, voluntary sector, GNO s and so on. The programme also provides professional development for those in similar roles and, in particular addresses the educational needs of individuals engaged in capacity building around issues of social justice in developing countries. The Department is satisfied that the proposed MA will enable us to meet that demand without imposing major resourcing pressures on the Department at the current time. We are also satisfied that there is sufficient demand for this programme based on the following evidence: The Department and colleagues in the Department of Law, conducted market research in the Spring of 2004 to identify units which would be contemporary, relevant and of interest to students. This was supported during the summer of 2004 by the results obtained by a student undertaking a period of work placement within the law department. He conducted a survey of the on line prospectuses of universities and law schools offering LL.M programmes and MA programmes relating to Social Policy, Governance, Citizenship and Human Rights within the UK. This research Page 7/23
clearly identified the market for a programme with the distinctive features contained in the MA Globalising Justice. Whilst there is competition from programmes of this type it is anticipate that the options available at Lincoln will be attractive to applicants. There are currently 28 potential applicants who have shown interest in this programme. Of these 18 are non-eu students. There is limited competition from comparable programmes - a number of universities offer programmes in these broad areas but the MA Globalising Justice is unique in offering units in Terrorism and Transnational Crime in the wider context of social justice and citizenship. International Human Rights in combination with global social policy and citizenship is unique and specific interest in this format has been identified by University International Marketing. 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance None Page 8/23
4. Programme Outcomes Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. Refer to Appendix I Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the programme. 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1 Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and critical understanding of the complex multi-dimensional nature of globalising justice 2 Demonstrate a knowledge of different theoretical perspectives and apply them to an understanding of practical issues 3 Demonstrate the ability to synthesise knowledge and apply appropriate research skills to the successful completion of an in-depth study of a specialist area 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 4 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of globalising justice and a critical awareness of current research and advanced scholarship 5 Evaluate differing approaches to problem solving and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 6 Demonstrate originality in the deployment of knowledge, and practical understanding of established methods and techniques to initiate and realise solutions to identified problems 7 Visually and verbally communicate the results of their enquiries in appropriate and skilful ways 8 Effectively communicate conceptual knowledge 9 Develop existing skills and acquire new approaches to enable the individual to assume significant responsibility within their profession or to have the potential to do so. 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 10 Use information retrieval systems efficiently and effectively 11 Identify key research and contemporary issues 12 Work independently Page 9/23
13 Exhibit self-motivation and respond positively to feedback and supervision 14 Monitor their performance and review progress in achieving objectives 15 Identify and work creatively within established professional, political, social and ethical contexts For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification document. Page 10/23
5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy The focus of the programme s teaching and learning strategy is on the mechanisms which will enable the students to become independent learners capable of understanding the complexities of these subject areas. In addition as post-graduate students the objective of the teaching and learning strategy is to enable and support the students in their own research interests, culminating in the submission of a dissertation on an issue of their choice. The programme s learning outcomes provide the framework for the students to acquire the appropriate skills of evaluation, analysis, problem solving and research to enable them to become not only independent learners but also life long learners with relevant transferable skills. The unit syllabuses and teaching programmes will present aspects of the diverse nature of global justice. This will be supported by consideration of aspects of global policy and human rights in comparative context. Subsequently they will acquire and build upon the specialist knowledge in one of the chosen paths of governance, criminal justice or citizenship as well as a choice from the electives. Tutors will provide guidance to the sources of information to enable debate and analysis of issues to take place. Students will be encouraged to bring material forward themselves for discussion. The taught units of the programme will be delivered through workshops typically of two hours in length. The tutors will organise the time in the most appropriate way for the subjects which they are delivering. A mix of approaches including lectures, seminars, small group discussions, individual tutorials will be used, but a typical session would include a lecture and seminar discussion. Students will be directed to reading and research material which will enable them to gain a view and form an opinion on a range of accepted academic literature and theory on these issues. To support the students in their teaching and learning they will be provided with unit handbooks for each of the units they study. These handbooks will provide information on the unit content, learning outcomes, the workshop programmes, assessment requirements and guidelines, including clear identification of the appropriate submission deadlines. Marking criteria will also be included in the uni handbooks to ensure that all students are aware of the requirements of assessment and that there is transparency and clarity with regard to the feedback they receive on their work. 5.2. Assessment Strategy The focus of the assessment pattern chosen for the programme is to enable the students to demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes of the programme. The initial concentration on the Research Methods programme is to provide students with a mix of specific, targeted and focussed research skills. These skills will assist the students in their preparations for the analysis and discussion to be carried out in the workshops, in their written essays and enable them to engage in the in-depth research required for the dissertation. The acquisition of research skills by students will be tested by the submission of a research proposal during the certificate stage of the programme. It will require students to identify the theoretical basis of their work, the research methodology, evaluate the current research in the area of their chosen subject and apply those ideas and concepts to a problem which they have identified for consideration. The taught units of the programme will be assessed by a range of methods which require students to: 1. demonstrate their ability to undertake research on a given topic 2. critically comment on the main theories which underpin the area of their discussion 3. give an opportunity to present arguments from several different perspectives Page 11/23
4. demonstrate an ability to draw conclusions from those arguments 5. show that they are able to use appropriate case studies to illustrate the arguments they present. In some units a specific question will be given to the students for them to make a choice, in other units the title of the piece of work will be chosen as a result of negotiation with the tutor. Submission dates for assessments will be staggered to provide a balanced workload throughout the period of study (see Appendix II) for full time students included in this programme specification). At the Masters stage of the programme assessment is by means of the submission of a dissertation of 15,000 words. The dissertation will enable the students to undertake a substantial piece of investigative academic work on an area of their own choice and interest, subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Undertaking this research will provide the students with the opportunities to apply the research and presentational technique developed throughout the programme. Details of unit assessment strategy are included with each unit specification. Academic Offences: At all stages of their programme students will be made aware of the University s policy and practices with regard to the appropriate conduct for submission of material in their assignments and dissertation. The seriousness with which the Department and the University regard academic misconduct in all aspects of their work will be highlighted. The University code of practice with regard to allegations of misconduct in research and its accompanying penalties will be drawn to their attention during their induction and throughout their programme. (University Academic Regulations 2004-5 apply). Page 12/23
6. Programme Structure The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is 60. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 120. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Arts (MA) is 180. Masters Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 15 Optional Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 15 Optional Tools of Analysis 2015-16 15 Core Applied Research Methods 2015-16 15 Core International Human Rights Law 2015-16 15 Core Globalisation 2015-16 15 Core Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 60 Core Public Policy, Administration and Management 2015-16 15 Optional Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 15 Optional Children and Social Justice 2015-16 15 Optional Terrorism 2015-16 15 Optional Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 15 Optional Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 15 Optional Global Social Policy 2015-16 15 Optional Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 15 Optional NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 15 Optional Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 15 Optional Page 13/23
Appendix I - Curriculum Map This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed Masters Applied Research Methods 2015-16 Children and Social Justice 2015-16 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 Global Social Policy 2015-16 Globalisation 2015-16 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 Public Policy, Administration and Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 Applied Research Methods 2015-16 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO15 Page 14/23
Children and Social Justice 2015-16 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 Global Social Policy 2015-16 Globalisation 2015-16 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 Public Policy, Administration and Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 Page 15/23
Appendix II - Assessment Map This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. Masters Applied Research Methods 2015-16 Children and Social Justice 2015-16 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 Global Social Policy 2015-16 Globalisation 2015-16 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 Public Policy, Administration and Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Applied Research Methods 2015-16 100 Children and Social Justice 2015-16 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 Page 16/23
Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 25 Global Social Policy 2015-16 Globalisation 2015-16 100 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 100 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 40 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 Public Policy, Administration and 100 Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 100 Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Applied Research Methods 2015-16 Children and Social Justice 2015-16 100 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 100 Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 75 Global Social Policy 2015-16 100 Globalisation 2015-16 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 60 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 100 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 100 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 100 Public Policy, Administration and Page 17/23
Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 20 80 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 Transition From Communism to 100 Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 100 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Applied Research Methods 2015-16 Children and Social Justice 2015-16 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 Global Social Policy 2015-16 Globalisation 2015-16 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 100 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 Public Policy, Administration and Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 Applied Research Methods 2015-16 Children and Social Justice 2015-16 Epidemics and Emergencies 2015-16 49 50 51 52 EP Page 18/23
Gender, Globalisation and Sexuality 2015-16 Global Social Policy 2015-16 Globalisation 2015-16 Globalising Justice Dissertation 2015-16 International Human Rights Law 2015-16 Issues in Crime and Social Justice 2015-16 NGOs: Policy and Practice 2015-16 Policy and Strategy in a Global Context 2015-16 Postcolonial Studies 2015-16 Public Policy, Administration and Management 2015-16 Terrorism 2015-16 Tools of Analysis 2015-16 Transition From Communism to Post-Communism 2015-16 Transnational and Organised Crime 2015-16 Page 19/23
Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding PO1 PO2 PO3 N/A Subject Specific Intellectual Skills PO4 PO5 N/A Subject Specific Practical Skills PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 N/A Transferable Skills and Attributes PO10 N/A Page 20/23
PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO15 Page 21/23
Appendix IV: Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) Page 22/23
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