Programme Specification. MSc Business Psychology

Programme Specification MSc Business Psychology HLST099 Faculty of Health and Life Sciences 1

Contents Page No Introduction 2 Part 1: Programme Specification 1-10 Basic Programme information 3 11 Educational Aims of the Programme 4 12 Intended Learning Outcomes 4 13 Programme Structure and Requirements 7 14 Support for Students and their Learning 9 15 Criteria for Admission 9 16 Methods for Evaluation and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and learning 9 17 Regulation of Assessment 10 18 Indicators of Quality and Standards 10 19 Additional Information 10 20 List of mandatory and core option modules 11 22 Curriculum Map 12 22 Capabilities (Skills) Map 13 Part 2: Supporting information 15 Relationship to the national Qualifications Framework, Subject Benchmarks and Professional/Statutory Body requirements. 15 Teaching and Learning Strategy 15 Assessment Strategy 16 Programme/Course management 17 Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and Current Legislation 17 2

Part 1: Programme Specification for Title of Programme * denotes the sections which must be completed at Stage 2 of Strategic Academic Planning. 1 Available Award(s) and Modes of Study Title of Award * Mode of attendance* UCAS Code FHEQ Level* MSc Business Psychology FT 1yr or PT 2 yrs N/a 7 PG Diploma Business Psychology FT 1yr or PT 2 yrs N/a 7 PG Certificate Business Psychology 2 Awarding Institution/Body * Coventry University. 3 Collaboration Not Applicable 4 Teaching Institution and Location of delivery* 5 Internal Approval/Review Dates 6 Programme Accredited by* 7 Accreditation Date and Duration 8 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s) and/or other external factors * 9 Date of Programme Specification * 10 Programme Manager/Course Tutor * FT 1yr or PT 2 yrs Coventry University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Psychology & Behavioural Sciences Date of approval 06/12 Date for next review 06/18 Not Applicable Not Applicable QAA Masters level indicators, available at; N/a www.qaa.ac.uk/.../masters/mastersdegreecharacteristics.pdf These have been used to inform the aims of the course, and the intended learning outcomes. September 2012 Dr Gail Steptoe-Warren 7 3

11 Educational Aims of the Programme * 10 Educational Aims of the Programme The MSc Business Psychology was designed to meet the criteria for M (level 7) study as outlined by the Quality Assurance Agency Framework for HE Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2008) (See supporting information 1 for further detail). It is an non-accredited course designed for both home and international students who already possess a degree in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, business, social science or science) The MSc in Business Psychology is informed by the academic and professional disciplines of business and Occupational psychology. On successful completion of the programme students will be able to: 1. Critically apply knowledge through the systematic investigation of complex issues to produce creative business solutions 2. Apply psychological theory to practical case studies in which business-related scenarios are analysed 3. Critically evaluate research findings and theories in the area of business psychology 4. Successfully complete an independently conducted literature review in business psychology 5. Demonstrate the skills and qualities used in business settings, for instance the demonstration of ethical and legal consideration, critical reflection, and personal responsibility 12 Intended Learning Outcomes* The MSc Business Psychology satisfies the Psychology QAA framework for higher education qualifications, and the University s Code of Practice for Academic and Professional Skills Development. This programme satisfies the Psychology QAA framework for higher education qualifications benchmark statements and Coventry University s Code of Practice for Academic and Professional Skills Development. Section 21 maps the intended learning outcomes as described in the next section to the programmes mandatory and option modules (as listed in section 20) Section 22 shows the capabilities that students will be taught, given the opportunity to practise and will be assessed in. The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used on the programme to achieve these learning outcomes are identified in the next section. 12.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 The theoretical principles of psychological knowledge as applied in a business setting. Psychological business analysis techniques The relevance of theory and research to professional practice Contemporary psychological research relevant to the field of business psychology The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below. Teaching and Learning Lectures, discussion groups, activities, access to journal articles and book chapters Assessments 4

Essays, practical business reports, review of journal articles, literature review, poster presentation, reflective report, psychometrics, case study report, training programme report 12.2 Cognitive (thinking) Skills On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to CS1 Systematically evaluate and select appropriate principles and techniques for business interventions CS2 CS3 Critically evaluate research findings in the field of business psychology Synthesise information from a range of sources in order to demonstrate a coherent understanding of the links between theory and practice The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below. Teaching and Learning Lectures, discussion groups, seminars, workshops, access to journal articles and book chapters (via TALIS) Assessments Essays, practical business reports, review of journal articles, literature review, poster presentation, reflective report, psychometrics, case study report, training programme report 12.3 Practical Skills On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 Demonstrate the appropriate application of ethical and legal codes of conduct Produce professional reports based on theoretical concepts and knowledge in line with professional reporting standards in psychology Evaluate and apply research findings to professional practice Administer, interpret and feedback on ability and aptitude tests, consistent with BPS certification for test administration In addition, students on this course will have the option to undertake additional assessment so as to obtain a test user qualification in occupational ability and aptitude. Further fees are associated with registering with the BPS The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below. Teaching and learning Lectures, discussion groups, activities, access to journal articles and book chapters Assessments 5

Essays, practical business reports, review of journal articles, literature review, poster presentation, reflective report, psychometrics, case study report, training programme report 12.4 Transferable Skills On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 TS5 TS6 Work independently and with others to complete tasks effectively Communicate effectively in a variety of media Use appropriate self-management strategies to organise time and workloads Analyse, synthesise and summarise numerical and verbal information Utilise IT effectively Approach problem solving in a systematic way Transferable/key skills are generally incorporated within modules (see annex 3) and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Self-directed learning forms an element of all modules and the necessity to work within tight deadlines is an essential requirement across the curriculum. The ability to communicate orally and in writing will be developed across the range of modules. The wide range of assessment techniques will ensure that students are given every opportunity to demonstrate their skills in these areas. 6

13 Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards The MSc Business Psychology is offered full-time over one year or part-time over two years and is modular. Course Requirements All modules are 10 credits unless otherwise specified. To obtain an MSc Business Psychology, students must pass the following mandatory modules: M127PY Employee Engagement and Well-Being (20 credits) M128PY Recruitment and Selection (20 credits) M129PY Training and Development of Individuals at work M130PY Personal and Career Development M131PY Consumer Psychology 1 Market Research and Marketing (20 credits) M132PY Consumer Psychology 2 Advertising and Sales (20 credits) M133PY Strategic Management and Leadership M134PY Global Business Psychology in Practice (20 credits) M135PY Business Psychology Literature Review (50 credits) Students who complete 120 credits worth of modules but fail to meet the requirements of the MSc Business Psychology will be offered a PG Diploma Business Psychology. Students who complete 60 credits worth of modules but fail to meet the requirements of the MSc Business Psychology will be offered a PG Certificate Business Psychology. Part-time students will complete the following modules in Year 1; M127PY Employee Engagement and Well-Being (20 credits) M128PY Recruitment and Selection (20 credits) M129PY Training and Development of Individuals at work M130PY Personal and Career Development M131PY Consumer Psychology 1 Market Research and Marketing (20 credits) And the following modules in year 2; M132PY Consumer Psychology 2 Advertising and Sales (20 credits) M133PY Strategic Management and Leadership M134PY Global Business Psychology in Practice (20 credits) M135PY Business Psychology Literature Review (50 credits) 7

14 Support for Students and their Learning All students attend an induction programme at the start of the course. Sessions include an introduction to study skills, meetings with staff (including personal tutors and course leader), library tour, introductory lectures covering core areas, introduction to Student Services (including counselling and careers advice) and social events. All students are allocated an Academic Personal Tutor for pastoral and academic support, and are given access to the MSc Business Psychology Programme Web which holds a comprehensive amount of documentation and guidance, including the Student Handbook, a paper copy of which is also given to each student at induction. All modules have their own CUOnline web which contain a range of support materials including the Module Guide, specifying module aims, learning outcomes, indicative content, assessment criteria and recommended reading, uploaded within TALIS and linked to the CURVE repository All course staff have at least three hours of office hours each week where they are available to meet with students. Students are also able to make appointments to meet with staff if necessary. All students have access to the library, elibrary, CUOnline, open access computing facilities, email, support services such as careers and counselling services, and learning support services such as the Centre for Academic Writing and the Mathematics Support Centre. Students with disabilities are supported by the University s Disabilities Office and by nominated learning support staff within the Faculty and the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences. Other learning resources available for use by students on the MSc Business Psychology include laboratories and a modern, well-equipped library (http://www.library.coventry.ac.uk). 15 Criteria for Admission The criteria for entry in September 2012 are; All students on the MSc Business Psychology must normally have; An honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Psychology, Business, Social Science or Science) and An upper second or first class award Applicants who do not meet one or both of the two criteria above but have relevant experience will also be considered for entry on an individual basis. Applicants for whom English is not their first language must also be able to demonstrate IELTS 6.5. at the start of the course. 16 Method for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning The Programme is managed by the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Board of Studies of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The Programme Assessment Board (PAB) for Psychology and Behavioural Sciences is responsible for considering the progress of all students and making awards in accordance with both the University and course-specific regulations. The assurance of the quality of modules is the responsibility of the Boards of Studies which contribute modules to the programme (in this case Psychology and Behavioural Sciences) External Examiners report annually on the programme and their views are considered as part of the annual quality monitoring process (AQM). Details of the AQM process can be found on the Registry s web site. 8

Students are represented on the Student Forum, Board of Study and Faculty/School Board, all of which normally meet two or three times per year. Student views are also sought through module and course evaluation questionnaires. 17 Regulation of Assessment University policy requires the internal moderation of all assessments. External Examiners are appointed for all named University awards. The role of the External Examiner at module level is to ensure that academic standards are in line with national norms for the subject. External Examiners undertake the moderation of examination papers and assessment tasks, and view representative samples of work for the modules for which they have responsibility. At programme level, External Examiners help to ensure fairness in the consideration of student progression and awards. They have the right to comment on all aspects of the assessment system and participate as full members of the assessment boards. The Pass mark for all modules is 40%. This overall module mark may comprise more than one component (e.g. coursework and exam). The individual module descriptors give the precise pass criteria and the weighting of the component marks that contribute to the overall module mark. Awards for Taught Master programmes may be made with Distinction or Merit (i.e. achievement of an average mark of at least 70% or 60% respectively). 18 Indicators of Quality and Standards The Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences has high student satisfaction ratings as shown in the National Student Satisfaction Survey, and the authority of staff to deliver high quality postgraduate courses is evidenced by their active involvement in consultancy, income generation, professional body work, and applied research. The Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Department has considerable experience in delivering successful accredited and non-accredited postgraduate programmes in psychology through a variety of delivery means. 19 Additional Information Key sources of information about the course and student support can be found in: Course Moodle site Course Handbook Noticeboards Academic regulations, general regulations: (http://www.stile.coventry.ac.uk/registry/reg_home.htm) Student Services (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/structur/ss/index.htm) Study Support (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/structur/ss/dyslexia/) Module Guides Module Information Directory (http://mid.coventry.ac.uk/) National Student Satisfaction Survey 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 s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the Module Information Directory (MID), student module guide(s) and the course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be verified by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. 9

Section 20: Modules and status of modules. Module code Module title Credit value Status M127PY Employee Engagement and Well-Being 20 M M128PY Recruitment and Selection 20 M M129PY Training and Development of Individuals at work 10 M M130PY Personal and Career Development 10 M M131PY Consumer Psychology 1 Market research and Marketing 20 M M132PY Consumer Psychology 2 Advertising and Sales 20 M M133PY Strategic Management and Leadership 10 M M134PY Global Business Psychology in Practice 20 M M135PY Business Psychology Literature Review 50 M Key M = Mandatory (i.e. must be studied and passed) 10

21 Curriculum Map Module codes Knowledge and understanding Cognitive Skills Practical Skills Transferable skills KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 CS1 CS2 CS3 PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 TS1 TS2 TS3 TS4 TS5 TS6 M127PY X X X X X X X X X X X X X M128PY X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X M129PY X X X X X X X X X X X X X X M130PY X X X X X X X X X X X X X M131PY X X X X X X X X X X X X` X X X M132PY X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X M133PY X X X X X X X X X X X X M134PY X X X X X X X X X X X X M135PY X X X X X X X X X X X X X L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 11

Section 22: Capabilities (Skills) Map Key: T = Taught P = Practised A = Assessed Module codes Learning to Learn Working with others Problem Solving and Innovation IT and Online Learning Communication Information Management M127PY TP TP TPA P TP TPA M128PY P PA TPA P TPA TPA M129PY PA P TPA P TPA TPA M130PY TPA PA P PA TPA M131PY PA TPA TPA PA TPA TPA M132PY P PA TPA P TPA TPA M133PY TPA TPA TPA TPA M134PY TPA P TPA P TPA TPA M135PY TPA TPA TPA Capability Outlines (from the Code of Practice for Academic and Skills Development) Learning to Learn students should be ready to accept responsibility for their own independent learning. They should also be able to reflect on their learning and appraise their capabilities and achievements. Students should also be able to identify their individual needs for effective learning. Working with Others Students should be able to work effectively as part of a group, and respect the dignity, rights and needs of others. L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 12

Problem Solving and Innovation Students should be able to use problem-solving skills in a variety of practical situations. They should be able to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, perception, decisiveness, confidence and an awareness of values. IT and Online Learning Students should be able to use computer-based systems for learning, communicating, collaborating with peers and tutors, and working with data. Communication students should be able to communicate effectively in appropriate forms in a wide variety of situations. Information Management Students should be able to carry out research relevant to their field of study by retrieving and using information drawn from a variety of resources 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 s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the Module Information Directory (MID), student module guide(s) and the course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be verified by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 13

Part 2: Supporting Information for MSc Business Psychology 1 Relationship to the National Qualifications Framework, Subject Benchmarks and Professional/Statutory Body requirements The National Qualifications Framework indicates that Masters degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated: i a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice; The learning outcomes for Knowledge and Understanding (Part 1 section 11.1) require all students on the Masters to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the empirical, theoretical and methodological issues relating to their field of study, and to demonstrate knowledge of cutting-edge applied practice issues. ii a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; iii originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; For both points ii and iii above the learning outcomes for KU2, KU3 and KU4 in Part 1 section 11.1, CS1 to CS3 in Part 1 section 11.2, and PS3 in Part 1 section 11.3 clearly fulfil the requirement to be able to understand and apply the latest techniques, methods and analytic strategies for research and advanced scholarship in the study of Business Psychology. iv conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. Learning outcomes CS2 and CS4 (Part 1 section 11.2) clearly articulate the cognitive skills required to achieve the conceptual understanding outlined above with both research and methodology. Neither the Psychology Subject Benchmarks nor any Professional Body or Statutory Requirements pertain to a Masters degree in this particular subject. 2 Teaching and Learning Strategy A broad range of teaching and learning strategies is utilised to develop student skills as identified in the learning outcomes stated in the Programme Specification, as is in line with University Teaching and Learning strategy. The strategies employed reflect the aims and L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 14

learning outcomes of the new Masters in Business Psychology programme with teaching methods selected to be appropriate for the content and aims of each module on the programme. Students gain knowledge and develop critical and evaluative skills through a structured series of lectures, problem-based learning workshops and independent learning activities. They develop critical awareness through small group discussions following engagement with primary materials. They are also directed to lecture related resource materials and essential and additional reading. Much of the work is done in small groups with supervisory guidance from a tutor, and may involve specialist equipment as well as computer generated exercises. Through structured problem-solving exercises, students practise skills synthesis, analysis, interpretation and report writing. Generic transferable skills are embedded within teaching on the modules. The course is also informed by teaching and research excellence the course team includes staff who are Chartered Psychologists and Registered Occupational Psychologists with a wealth of experience in this area, and who are active researchers and/or practitioners. Key features are thus: 1. Reflective and autonomous learning the nature of the curriculum design focuses on developing student skills in reflection and independent learning. Students are encouraged to apply theoretical ideas to practitioner/real life scenarios and to reflect on how best to achieve an appropriate outcome. 2. Critical evaluation one of the key aims of the course is to facilitate the development of a critically evaluative approach to theory and research in order to ensure that evidence-based practice is informed by criticality rather than a passive acceptance of previous practice. 3. Students are exposed to very high quality materials informed by pedagogical research and design, and they also benefit from an interactive environment in which they can engage with fellow students as well as staff 3 Assessment Strategy The assessment strategy for Psychology is designed to take account of module learning outcomes and informed by the University regulations and guidelines for assessment, Faculty policies and national guidelines. The assessment pattern has been designed to ensure diversity and balance alongside the need for a credible measure of the achievement of learning outcomes. The assessment diet thus includes: essays, practical business reports, evidence based portfolio and an advanced literature review. A broad range of assessment techniques is used to facilitate the performance of students. Through their engagement with different modules and assessment patterns students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. Learning outcomes are clearly linked to assessment in each of the module descriptors to ensure that students meet the threshold requirements given in the Masters level indicators. Module guides are given to students for each module and these clearly state the learning outcomes of the module and the requirements for assessment. L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 15

The Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Department has developed clear assessment criteria for each of the assessment types employed and these are presented to students in student handbooks. As well as these generic assessment schemes, each module leader also produces advice for students, and specific marking guidelines for co-markers, detailing the type of content to be expected in an answer. These are used to further promote equity of marking. Moderation of assessment is carried out for all examinations and coursework following University and Faculty policies. External Examiners for each module are required to comment on the appropriateness of the marking and standards achieved. Tutor feedback is provided on all assessed coursework in the form of standard assessment front sheets with sections relevant to the published assessment criteria. Written comments are provided on each aspect of the work considered in marking with guidance on ways of improving similar future work. Policies for the submission of late work, queries about marks awarded and other assessment regulations are clearly stated in the Student Handbook. Assessment for all modules is in line with Faculty policy on parity of student effort across modules, which specifies the appropriate number of units of assessment to be applied to modules with differing credit ratings. All coursework is marked anonymously. 4 Programme/Course Management The management of the course is shared between the following role-holders and committees/boards: 1. Course Director responsible for the overall management of the course, the coherence of the award and the quality of the student experience. 2. Module Leader responsible for the management and delivery of individual modules, and for the monitoring and assessment of student achievement. 3. Academic and Personal Tutor each student will be assigned to an Academic and Personal Tutor who is responsible for monitoring the academic progress of their tutees as well as facilitating access to appropriate support mechanisms. 4. Admissions Tutor responsible for the recruitment and admission of appropriately qualified applicants and liaising with the Admissions Unit. 5. Course Administrator the course is supported by the Course Administrator in the Department of Psychology who also services the assessment boards. 6. Assessment Boards a Subject Assessment Board and a Programme Assessment Board are responsible for considering the progress of students at module and course level and ultimately making awards in accordance with the university postgraduate regulations. 7. Board of Studies the course is managed by the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Board of Studies which receives a report from the Course Director each term. Quality assurance in relation to modules and the course is managed by the Board, which reports to the Faculty Board. 8. Student Forum students will be consulted about their experience on modules and the course via online discussion groups and a formal student forum. 9. Module and Course Evaluation students will be asked to complete an evaluation of all modules and the course on an annual basis and their feedback will inform the content of the Annual Quality Monitoring Report. 5 Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and current legislation L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 16

The course complies with the Coventry University Academic Regulations, and specifically the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Awards. L:\REG\Quality Enhancement Unit\Quality\Programme Specifications\New or revised Programme Specs\HLS\Postgrad\Mode P\Business Psychology MSc Sept 2012.docx 17