Part one: Programme Specification Course record information Name and level of final award: MA Name and level of intermediate awards: Postgraduate Diploma The Master of Business Administration is a Masters degree that is Bologna FQ-EHEA first cycle degree or diploma compatible. Postgraduate Certificate Awarding body/institution: University of Westminster Status of awarding body/institution: Recognised Body Location of delivery: Marylebone Campus Language of delivery and assessment: English Course/programme leader: Dr Sue Balint I Mr Simon Healeas Course URL: Mode and length of study: 1-year full-time and 2-year part-time University of Westminster course code: 004400 JACS code: UCAS code: QAA subject benchmarking group: Business and Management (Postgraduate) Professional body accreditation: Association of MBAs Date of course validation/review: May 2011 Date of programme specification: 2013/14 Admissions requirements Entrants will normally have: 1) a good first degree (equivalent to.at least a UK lower second class honours or a US GPA of 3) or an equivalent professional qualification. In exceptional cases, mature and experienced managers with the potential to meet the learning requirements of the MBA may be considered 2) at least 3 years of significant work experience beyond graduation, in a managerial or professional capacity 3) evidence of proficiency in the English language, either as a native speaker or demonstrated via an English language qualification, such as IELTS of 6.5 or higher, and assessment during an interview 4) a GMAT score of 650 if a candidate can not be interviewed 5) exceptionally candidates without formal qualifications, with considerable work experience may be considered as eligible
The University operates a system of awarding credit for prior learning either accredited (APL) or experiential (APEL). Applications are considered on an individual basis following acceptance on to the course, and any credit awarded for prior certified or experiential learning will be notified to the Course Conferment Board. Credits for prior learning are not granted on the full-time MBA programme. They are only granted on the part-time MBA programme in exceptional circumstances. Any such credits may not exceed the equivalent of 20o/o of the total programme credits and the prior learning for which credit is granted must have been acquired no later than five years before enrolment on the MBA programme. Aims of the course The aim of the MBA is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become effective senior managers by: 1. Developing a strategic, integrated and holistic perspective on organisations and management through a study of management at: a. an individual, group and organisational behavioural level b. a functional, process and strategic level c. through reflection on prior experience (both personal and within the cohort) 2. Equipping students with an advanced critical understanding of concepts and current and pervasive issues in business and management. 3. Developing their analytical and research skills needed to make logical arguments and creative contributions to improve business and management practice. 4. Enhancing their personal and interpersonal skills and, in particular, leadership capability and skills to facilitate organisational change and business development. 5. Developing a greater degree of self awareness of their strengths and aspirations so as to identify potential career development paths. 6. Promoting the adoption of attitudes promoting embedded sustainability, CSR, lifelong learning and personal development. Employment and further study opportunities Today's organisations need graduates with both good degrees and skills relevant to the workplace, ie employability skills. The University of Westminster is committed to developing employable graduates by ensuring that: Career development skills are embedded in all courses Opportunities for part-time work, placements and work-related learning activities are widely available to students Staff continue to widen and strengthen the University's links with employers in all sectors, involving them in curriculum design and encouraging their participation in other aspects of the University's career education and guidance provision Staff are provided with up-to-date data on labour market trends and employers' requirements, which will inform the service delivered to students.
Learning outcomes Learning outcomes are statements on what successful students have achieved as the result of learning. These threshold statements of achievement and are linked to the knowledge, understanding and skills that a student will have gained on successfully completing a course. On completion of the programme students should be able to: analyze complex multi-disciplinary business problems from different perspectives using appropriate knowledge, theory and ideas gained on the programme, critically evaluate options including the implications of trade-offs and develop appropriate sustainable and socially aware strategies have developed the capacity to integrate the knowledge and information acquired from a variety of sources to form rigorous conceptual models of business situations that promote problem solving capabilities and the capacity for continued learning have the communication skills and confidence needed to interact effectively with individuals and groups in business and managerial contexts understand managerial processes such that a graduate will have knowledge about how to do things and how to get things done. in what are often complex and messy work situations develop self-knowledge, including the ability to conduct self-assessment, being aware of personal performance, and using feedback to improve personal performance. have an advanced understanding of the nature of business organisations, the national and global contexts in which they operate including their relationships with internal and external stakeholders and how they can be successfully managed in a sustainable and socially aware manner be aware of contemporary issues and debates and be able to devise an appropriate research plan or investigative strategy to increase your understanding of the issues. be an effective inspirational leader able to direct, motivate and establish high performing teams and organisations. be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations Knowledge and understanding Specific skills The programme is designed to develop the following skills: namely to apply consistently in-depth knowledge and understanding, based on previous work experience and advanced study, to complex business situations; apply strategic management skills at a senior level in changing business environments; transform organisations through strategic leadership, intellectual rigour and professional ethical values; understand and have experience of global issues; lead and develop others in an organisational context; have well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively and to interact with groups and individuals at all levels; make sound judgements with incomplete data and communicate conclusions clearly to a range of audiences;
be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects; and, take responsibility for continuing to develop their knowledge and skills. Key transferable skills Key transferable skills include the ability to: work effectively in a team and when necessary manage the activities of others solve complex or unstructured problems in a systematic way, informed by a range of relevant knowledge, tools and techniques act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks in a professional setting apply strategic management skills in complex or changing business environments reflect on personal performance and plan for personal development apply interpersonal, group-working and leadership skills to enhance performance communicate effectively with others, in both written and spoken form Learning, teaching and a sessment methods We do not regard it as adequate to simply teach business theory. Students must understand the practical implications and gain the ability to apply this theory in the workplace and get results. Development of people management skills is critical, and we place a great emphasis on the need to learn from each other. We act as facilitators helping you develop these qualities and understanding. It is our role to stimulate and challenge. We recognise that the MBA is an intensive learning experience for students. It requires students to develop an awareness of their capabilities and limitations in several areas: intellect, stamina and the capacity to influence and co-operate effectively with others. At the same time, it exposes you to a variety of new influences that increase their knowledge, both through the material confronted in the classes and the diversity of backgrounds and experiences that they encounter in their fellow students We use a wide range of teaching methods on the programme - from short lectures, to case studies and role-playing exercises as well as computer simulations. We expect our students to be autonomous learners, able to take responsibility for their own development and that of their peers. Active class participation is essential and the combination of experience and diversity creates a rich learning environment. Therefore students are expected to be proactive in their learning through the study and debate of case studies and real world examples. These help to develop an application of key concepts and at the same time develop your analytical and decision-making skills. The course aims to achieve an appropriate balance knowledge and the application of that knowledge in situations which require that students explicitly demonstrate understanding of the internal and external business environments and the need to manage those situations effectively, as well as the people involved in them. This will
involve students in the critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of information necessary in the solving of business problems. The context in which students are asked to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge, be it in coursework, examination or discussion, will require demonstration of personal and interpersonal skills that are appropriate to a business and management environment. These include effective self-management and the willingness to become a reflective practitioner, as well as sensitivity to the diverse issues associated with managing people and situations in a working environment. As befits a programme at this level, considerable emphasis will be placed on independent research and study. We shall emphasise the development of problem solving and decision-making skills, ability to lead and also work as part of a team, and demonstrate evidence of effective oral and written communication. Students are also expected to demonstrate numerical and quantitative skills. The MBA has no set hours of study per credit as with undergraduate programmes. Your total hours of effort, including class, group and private study should amount to around 1800 hours. As a student on the MBA, each of you will come to the programme with different subject and work experience. The MBA is a broad based generic course and you will be studying a wide range of management and functional subjects. Some of these will relate to your previous studies or experience, others will be new to you and you will find the amount of time you to study to achieve the required standard will vary. Course structure This section shows the core and option modules available as part of the course and their credit value. Full-time Postgraduate students study 180 credits per year. Full-time Postgraduate students study 180 credits in the academic year. Part time students normally complete the 180 credits in two academic years. The programme consists of 8 core modules and 2 elective modules. The core modules are compulsory. Modules can be taken in ANY order. Module Title Core /Elective Credit value Personal and Professional Development Core (Level 7) Creating Customer Value Core 20 Identifying and Evaluating Value in the Organisation Core 20 Leading and Managing People Core 20 MBA Compass Core 10 Consultancy Skills Core 10 Strategic Management Core 30 MBA Dissertation Core 30 0
Elective 1* Elective 20 Elective 2* E!"ective 20 Two electives to be chosen from the following list: Contemporary Leadership Financial Strategy Futures and Foresight Studies Social Entrepreneurship Innovation and Entrepreneurship Responsible Organisations Sustainability and the Corporation Programme and Project Management Strategy Dynamics International Business Negotiation Note: the availability of any elective is subject to a minimum number of 8 participants. With the permission of the MBA Director, one of the electives may be selected from other available WBS postgraduate modules. Academic regulations The MA Business Administration and its intermediate awards operate in accordance with the University's Academic Regulations and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in 2008. All students should make sure that they access a copy of the current edition of the general University handbook called Essential Westminster, which is available at westminster.ac.uklessential-westminster. The following regulations should be read in conjunction with Section 18: Modular Framework for Postgraduate Courses and relevant sections of the current Handbook of Academic Regulations, which is available at westminster.ac.uklacademic-requlations. Award To qualify for the award of MA Business Administration, a student must have: obtained a minimum of 180 credits at Level 7; attempted modules worth no more than 240 credits; and Note: A first attempt of any module will count as an attempt, and are attempt of any module that a student has failed will count as a further, separate attempt. Re-assessment following referral at the first sit will not count as a further separate attempt. satisfied the requirements contained within any course specific regulations for the relevant Course Scheme (e.g. Personal and Professional Development, International Study Trip).
The University may award: a Masters Degree with Merit to a student whose marks average at least 60% across modules at Level 7. a Masters Degree with Distinction to a student whose marks average at least 70% across the modules at Level 7. Support for students Upon arrival, an induction programme will introduce students to the staff responsible for the course, the campus on which they will be studying, the Library and IT facilities and to the School Registry. Students will be provided with the Course Handbook, which provides detailed information about the course. Students are allocated a personal tutor who can provide advice and guidance on academic matters. Learning support includes four libraries, each holding a collection of resources related to the subjects taught at their School. Students can search the entire library collection online through the Library Search service to find and reserve printed books, and access electronic resources (databases, e-journals, e-books). Students can choose to study in the libraries, which have areas for silent and group study, desktop computers, laptops for loan, photocopying and printing services. They can also choose from several computer rooms at each campus where desktop computers are available with the general and specialist software that supports the courses taught at their School. Students can also securely connect their own laptops and mobile devices to he University wireless network. The University uses a Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard where students access their course materials, and can communicate and collaborate with staff and other students. At University level, Services for Students provide advice and guidance on accommodation, financial and legal matters, personal counselling, health and disability issues, careers and the chaplaincy providing multi-faith guidance. The International Office provides particular support for international students. The University of Westminster Students' Union also provides a range of facilities to s pport all students during their time at the University. Course approval, monitoring and review The course was initially approved by a University Validation Panel in 2011. The panel included internal peers from the University and external subject specialists from academia and industry to ensure the comparability of the course to those offered in other universities and the relevance to employers. Periodic course review helps to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and that the skills gained on the course continue to be relevant to employers. The course is monitored each year by the School to ensure it is running effectively and that issues which might affect the student experience have been appropriately addressed. Staff will consider evidence about the course, including the outcomes from each Course Committee, evidence of student progression and achievement and the reports from external examiners, to evaluate the effectiveness of the course. The Annual Monitoring Sub- Committee considers the School action plans resulting from
this process and the outcomes are reported to the Academic Council, which has overall responsibility for the maintenance of quality and standards in the University. Student involvement in Quality Assurance and Enhancement Student feedback is important to the University and student views are taken seriously. Student feedback is gathered in a variety of ways. The most formal mechanism for feedback on the course is the Course Committee. Student representatives will be elected to sit on the Committee to represent the views of their peer group in various discussions. The University and the Students' Union work together to provide student representatives with a full induction to the role of the Course Committee. All students are invited to complete a Module Feedback Questionnaire before the end of each module. The feedback from this will inform the module leader on the effectiveness of the module and highlight areas that could be enhanced. The University also has an annual Student Experience Survey, which elicits feedback from students about their course and University experience. Students meet with review panels when the periodic review of the course is conducted to provide oral feedback on their experience on the course. Student feedback from course committees is part of the Schools' quality assurance evidence base. Please note: This programme specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. This specification should be read in conjunction with the Course Handbook provided to students and Module Handbooks, which provide more detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods for each module. Copyright of University of Westminster 2014@