Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for MSc Work Based Learning (Professional Network Engineering) 1. Programme title MSc Work Based Learning (Professional Network Engineering) 2. Awarding institution Middlesex University 3. Teaching institution Middlesex University 4. Programme accredited by 5. Final qualification MSc 6. Academic year 2009/2010 7. Language of study English 8. Mode of study Part time 9. Criteria for admission to the programme: As the programme is work-related, applicants should be in employment in a related field (including Self employment) 1. A minimum of a second-class Honours Bachelor s degree (UK), or an equivalent overseas qualification in computer science or in a science or engineering subject in addition to a minimum of three year professional experience relevant to the programme. Candidates with other degrees but with relevant work experience would also be considered and are encouraged to apply. 2. Non-degree candidates would also be considered for admission to the programme provided they satisfy the following criteria: Five years experience at the appropriate level of professional practice i.e. middle to senior executive level. Where candidates do not have a degree, an offer can be made on the basis of achieving a minimum of 30 CPs (level 4 credits at RAL). If the RAL claim is below this minimum, the candidates will be charged for the RAL module only, and will be counselled to complete a degree programme first, or alternatively aim for PGCert/PGDip award. International students whose first language is not English or who have not been taught in the English medium throughout must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper based) 233 (computer based). 10. Aims of the programme The programme aims to: Widen access to higher education by: Offering award tracks from postgraduate Certificate and Diploma to Masters level, which recognise and accredit the learning achieved by students through work and other professional networking experiences at the appropriate level.
Building partnerships with employers and organisations which utilise accredited learning. Provide opportunities for students and/or their employers to negotiate individual programmes of study which are focused upon topics and issues relevant to their workplace Develop and support students in becoming autonomous learners, capable of: Managing and critically evaluating their learning. Undertaking work based projects which meet both their own continuous professional development (CPD) needs and those of their employers/sponsors/organisations (where applicable). Provide a learner centred curriculum which capitalises on the Institute for Work Based Learning Studies pre-eminent position as a provider of work based learning opportunities. Provide advanced research and development capabilities in networking, resulting in the creation of knowledge of significance to others. 11. Programme outcomes the programme offers opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of : A1. identification and appropriate use of sources of knowledge and evidence will be wide ranging, critical and often innovative. A2. selection and justification of approaches to task/problem will be self-directed and involve recognition, articulation and critical evaluation of a range of options from which a justified selection based upon a reasoned methodology is made. A3. ethical understanding will span a range of contexts, where applicable prescribed codes and their rationale will be critically understood and sensitively applied. B. Cognitive (thinking) skills In addition to the distinctive subject matter of the student s own work based learning, students also demonstrate generic intellectual capabilities on completion of their programme. B1. analysis and synthesis of information and ideas will result in the creation of knowledge of significance to Teaching/learning methods The following methods are offered to enable students to achieve and demonstrate knowledge and understanding : Feedback on drafts of work from the student s programme adviser, in person or at a distance, e.g. by email Tutor-led seminars used for discussion and small group work (optional) Self-directed learning facilitated by workbooks Access to the pedagogical environment of OASISPlus (Virtual Learning Environment - VLE) Assessment Method Students knowledge and understanding is assessed by: Coursework(WBS4802, WBS4835, CCM4500) Portfolio (WBS4802) Programme planning/learning agreement (WBS4811) Project proposal (CCM4900) Project report (CCM4900) Oral presentation of final project (CCM4900) Teaching/learning methods The following methods are offered to enable students to achieve and demonstrate 'cognitive skills': Feedback on drafts of work from the student's programme adviser, In person or at a distance, e.g. by email Tutor-led seminars used for discussion and small group work (optional) Self-directed learning facilitated by workbooks
others. B2. self-appraisal/reflection on practice will lead to significant insights which are likely to make a lasting impact upon personal and professional understanding. B3. action planning leading to effective and appropriate action will be complex and is likely to impact upon the work of others B4. independent and critical evaluation/argument of a position, within a particular networking context, concerning alternative approaches; can justify evaluations as constituting bases for improvements in practice. Learning diaries Negotiation of individual learning agreement Access to the pedagogical environment of OASISPlus (Virtual Learning Environment - VLE) Assessment Method Students cognitive skills are assessed by: CCM4500 Portfolio (WBS4802) Programme planning/learning agreement (WBS4811) Project proposal (CCM4900) Project report (CCM4900) Oral presentation of final project (CCM4900) C. Practical skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: C1. application of learning will transcend specific contexts C2. effective use of resources will be wide ranging and is likely to impact upon the work of others C3. effective communication both in writing and orally will be in an appropriate format to appeal to a particular target professional audience and will be clear, concise and persuasive C4. working and learning autonomously and with others will span a range of contexts, often in a leadership role, and is likely to challenge or develop the practices and /or understanding of others within the networking community. D. Graduate Skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: Acquire and apply relevant analytical techniques Analyse a problem systematically and implement effective solutions both individually and within a group Communicate effectively with peers and senior managers in writing, verbally and through graphical notations Teaching/learning methods Students learn practical skills through Feedback on drafts of work from the student's programme adviser, in person or at a distance, e.g. by email Tutor-led seminars used for discussion and small group work (optional) Self-directed learning facilitated by workbooks Learning diaries Access to the pedagogical environment of OASISPlus (Virtual Learning Environment - VLE) Assessment Method Students practical skills are assessed by: Coursework(WBS4802, WBS4835, CCM4500) Portfolio (WBS4802) Programme planning/learning agreement (WBS4811) Project proposal (CCM4900) Project report (CCM4900) Oral presentation of final project (CCM4900) Teaching/learning methods Students acquire graduate skills through: Feedback on drafts of work from the student's programme adviser, in person, by telephone or email Tutor-led seminars used for discussion and small group work (optional) Self-directed learning facilitated by workbooks Learning diaries Access to the pedagogical environment of OASISPlus (Virtual Learning Environment - VLE)
Apply acquired conceptual and practical knowledge in internetworking environments Effectively manage resources and time and share information with peers Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with openmindedness and in the sprit of critical enquiry Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development in a wider context Assessment method Students graduate skills are mapped against individual modules and assessed as part of the module s assessment scheme. These include: coursework reports, portfolio development, individual programme planning for personal and professional development and reflective writing the final project report. 12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements) 12. 1 Overall structure of the programme Autumn Start AT WBS4802 Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL) (50 cps) WT WBS4811 Programme Plan (10 cps) WBS4835 Research Methods (30 cps) ST CCM4500 Internetworking, Distributed Systems and Services (30 cps) AT & WT CCM4900 Postgraduate Project (60 cps)
Winter Start WT WBS4802 Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL) (50 cps) ST WBS4811 Programme Plan (10 cps) WBS4835 Research Methods (30 cps) AT CCM4500 Internetworking, Distributed Systems and Services (30 cps) WT & ST CCM4900 Postgraduate Project (60 cps) 12.2 Levels and modules Level 4 COMPULSORY 1 OPTIONAL 2 PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS Students must take all of the following: WBS4802, WBS4811, WBS4835, CCM4500 and CCM4900 None Students must pass all modules before they can progress to the final project (CCM4900) stage 1 Compulsory modules are those that must be taken, that is, the qualification cannot be awarded unless these modules have been successfully completed. Each of these modules makes a unique contribution to the learning objectives of the programme. 2 Optional modules are those from which a specified minimum number must be taken, that is, the qualification cannot be awarded unless this specified minimum number of optional modules has been successfully completed. Each of the possible combinations of optional modules will make a similarly unique contribution to the achievement of the learning objectives of the programme.
12.3 Non-compensatable modules Module level Module code 4 CCM4500 4 CCM4900 13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules See Curriculum Map attached. 14. Information about assessment regulations Information on how the university formal assessment regulations work, including details of how award classifications are determined, can be found in the University Guide and Regulations at www.mdx.ac.uk/regulations/. Modules are assessed in accordance with the School of Engineering & Information Sciences (EIS) and The Institute of Work Based Learning (IWBL) assessment strategies. Practical aspects of the programme are assessed by laboratory assignments and coursework tasks. Theoretical material is normally assessed by coursework. Grades are awarded on the standard University scale of 1-20, with Grade 1 being the highest. To pass a module, all components must be passed individually. 15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable) N/A 16. Future careers (if applicable) Graduates of this programme will become: Technologists, engineers, and managers in high-growth sectors such as internetworking and telecommunications. Students will also be well placed to increase their employability in fields such as network management and education.
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable) Designated programme adviser for tutorial support throughout the whole programme of study via distance, face to face or OASISPlus (VLE) tutorials Internet access to the Middlesex University Information and Learning Resources Services The negotiated nature of the programme facilitates participation for disabled students Access to WBS Virtual Learning Environment Additionally, The Module leader for CCM4500 will deliver and manage the programme of study via distance, face to face and OASISPlus (VLE) tutorials You are expected to be independent and to take responsibility for your own academic and personal life. However there is a lot of help available. Your tutors will direct your studies and ensure that you know what work you need to cover in any given module. Seek advice from academic staff either after class, during their office hours (published on their doors) or by email or telephone. General educational guidance, clarification of University Regulations and help with planning your programme is available from the student support team s duty advisers, who can be contacted by telephone or email or in person on any campus and who normally have regular drop-in hours. You can get a wide range of support, advice and information direct from the student website 24-7 (www.mdx.ac.uk/24-7) where you can also find the telephone numbers and email addresses of student support team staff. If you need personal advice call the Campus Student Office 020 8411 4422 or email eisso@mdx.ac.uk. If they cannot help you, they will refer you to someone who can. Do not hesitate to approach the student support team by telephone, email or in person for support services including: Fee payments Money, legal, practical welfare advice Financial management and debt counselling Changes to your personal record (address, name, etc.) Using MISIS (Middlesex Integrated Student Information System) Programme regulations advice Revising or recording module registrations Letters to landlords, banks and employers Council tax exemption certificates Submission of coursework Assessment deferral requests Recording extenuating circumstances Recording reasons for unavoidably being absent Arranging to interrupt your studies, change or withdraw from your programme Advice on where to make a suggestion or a complaint International student support social events and practical help Personal Counselling Specialist advice is also available from the Disability Support Service, Careers Advice and Placement Services, Accommodation Service, Childcare Service, and Sport and Leisure; and from the Middlesex University Students Union (MUSU). Ask at your student office for more information.
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) 19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) G420 Computing and Engineering 20. Reference points The following reference points were used in designing and reviewing the programme: QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland QAA Computing subject benchmarks Towards Benchmarking Standards for Taught Masters Degrees in Computing (sponsored by CPHC), May 2004 QAA/QAAS guidelines for programme specification QAA Code of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in HE University' Policy, Regulations and guidelines Middlesex University, School of Engineering and Information Sciences and IWBL Teaching Learning and Assessment policies and strategies. Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.
Curriculum map for MSc Worked Based Learning (Professional Network Engineering) This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed. Programme learning outcomes Knowledge and understanding A1 Identification and appropriate use of sources of knowledge and evidence Practical skills C1 Application of learning A2 Selection and justification of approaches to task C2 Effective use of resources A3 Ethical understanding C3 Effective communication A4 A5 Analyse and formulate solutions to the security threats of complex networks Provide a critical analysis and understanding of key concepts in the operation and deployment of network systems and services. C4 C5 Working and learning autonomously and with others Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development in a wider context throughout their career A6 Understand and use advanced optimization techniques. C6 Take personal responsibility for a range of activities and make decisions within an individual or group task context. A7 Critically evaluate the legal, social, ethical and professional implications of network design and development in general and in specific context. Cognitive skills C7 Understand the legal, social, ethical and professional issues related to network design and development. Graduate Skills B1 Analysis and synthesis of information and ideas D1 Acquire and apply relevant analytical techniques B2 Self appraisal/reflection on practice D2 Analyse a problem systematically and implement effective solutions both individually and within a group B3 Action planning leading to effective and appropriate action D3 Communicate effectively with peers and senior managers in writing, verbally and through graphical notations B4 Evaluation of information and ideas D4 Apply acquired conceptual and practical knowledge in internetworking environments B5 Design and develop a functional network systems using a D5 Effectively manage resources and time and share information with methodological approach peers B6 Develop security plans and policies and deploy appropriate safeguards for networked systems. D6 Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with openmindedness and in the sprit of critical enquiry B7 D7 Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development in a wider context
Module Title Recognition & Accreditation of Learning Module Code by Level Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 WBS4802 Programme Planning WBS4811 Research Methods WBS4835 Distributed Systems CCM4500 Postgraduate Project in Computer Communications CCM4900