Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for MA Global Governance and Public Policy 1. Programme title MA / PGDip / PG Cert Global Governance and Public Policy: International Development 2. Awarding institution Middlesex University 3. Teaching institution Middlesex University 4. Programme accredited by 5. Final qualification MA/PGDip/PGCert Global Governance and Public Policy (International Development; Sustainable Environment) 6. Academic year 2014/15 7. Language of study English 8. Mode of study FT/PT 9. Criteria for admission to the programme 2 nd class or above honours degree in a relevant discipline; or 2 nd class or above honours degree in any discipline plus relevant work experience; or A minimum of three years relevant voluntary or professional experience, and other professional qualifications. These applications are considered on an individual basis. International applicants whose first language is not English must prove competence to study at post-graduate level in English. Normally this will involve certification of competence (IELTS minimum 6.5 or equivalent). 10. Aims of the programme The programme aims to: 1. Provide students with an in depth knowledge of evolving theoretical and conceptual, governance and policy debates.
2. Develop students' systematic critical awareness of the limitations of national and international policies to effectively address global challenges such as poverty and climate change. 3. Provide an intellectual setting in which students can develop appreciation of substantive issues in relation to processes of governance and public policy formulation in different societies and contexts. 4. Develop critical understanding of notions such as social justice, rights and sustainability, and their application to their chosen specialist pathway. 5. Enhance opportunities for senior/managerial level employment through advanced intellectual, communication, technological and work related skills. 6. Provide students with a multi-disciplinary understanding of the changing trends in thinking in their chosen pathway specialism - International Development or Sustainable Environment. 7. Foster students ability to collect, analyse and interpret information on key issues related to their programme of study and to use this to construct reasoned, evidenced argument. 8. Apply research, policy, legislation and best practice principles to complex situations relevant to their own area of work or career aspirations through a substantial piece of independent study. For the PG Certificate the aims will be as in 1-5 above. For the PG Diploma aims 1-7 will be as above but aim 7 will be developed to a lesser extent. For the MA the aims will be as in 1-8 above. 11. Programme outcomes A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1. Analyse the historical and contemporary processes of governance and their application to their specialist area - International Development or Sustainable Environment. 2. Critically discuss the key concepts and frameworks relevant for the comparative analysis of processes of policy formulation and implementation in their specialist area. 3. Appraise the key challenges facing the key actors, both historical and emerging, that are engaged in managing global processes and critically evaluate their responses.
4. Differentiate between understandings of notions such as social justice, rights and sustainability and assess their relative utility. Additionally PG Dip / MA students will be able to: 5. Critically appraise the main methods of data collection and analysis, and apply these to construct evidenced based arguments and solutions. MA students will be able to: Create evidence and provide new insights into a particular area of study related to governance and policy processes. Teaching/learning methods Students gain knowledge and understanding through a programme of lectures and seminars in core modules. Students will complement generic knowledge of governance and public policy with in-depth specialist knowledge of one of the 2 pathways through specialism specific seminars and workshops. Teaching methods are designed to facilitate independent study and development as autonomous learners. Assessment Method Students knowledge and understanding is assessed by a variety of assessment methods including essays, reports, reviews and a research proposal. The range of coursework submissions allows students to demonstrate their understanding of theory and practice and their ability to sustain a coherent argument. B. Cognitive (thinking) skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Critically evaluate the potential of national, regional or transnational organisations to address major global issues such as poverty and climate change. 2. Analyse and evaluate the formulation and implementation of policy, and link this to appropriate theories and concerns in the fields of International Development and Sustainable Environment. 3. Apply conceptual and theoretical understandings as well as empirical material to contemporary issues of concern within their area of specialism. Additionally PG Dip / MA students will be able to: 4. Summarise and synthesise information from a variety of primary and secondary sources and critically reflect on this data. MA students will be able to: Apply conceptual and theoretical approaches to empirical material in the in-depth study of a particular area of policy.
Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through interactive lectures, workshops, seminars, directed reading and coursework. Students will complement generic knowledge of governance and public policy with in-depth specialist knowledge of one of the 2 pathways through specialism specific seminars and workshops. Assessment Method Students cognitive skills are assessed by a variety of methods. The core modules place considerable emphasis on the acquisition of skills 1 3 and students are given the opportunity to demonstrate these in both oral and written form. Skills 4 and 5 are enhanced through the research methods module and best demonstrated through the dissertation or placement project. The coursework also allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of their chosen area of specialism through applying generic ideas to a specific academic context. C. Practical skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Critically evaluate policy, policy formulation and implementation. 2. Demonstrate proficiency in work based problem solving skills such as action planning, service evaluation, and scenario planning. 3. Demonstrate competence in report writing and oral presentation of key ideas contained therein, including writing and presenting position papers, funding bids and briefings. Additionally PG Dip / MA students will be able to: 4. Use quantitative and qualitative data to evidence arguments. MA students will be able to: 5. Plan and deliver an individual piece of research in their specialist area Teaching/learning methods Students learn practical skills progressively throughout the programme within the core modules (skills 1 3) and within the research methods module (skills 4 5). These skills are developed through computer based exercises, workshops, interactive learning using UniHub, and preparation for and delivery of presentations. Intensive weekend master classes give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt in lecture sessions to real life scenarios from their chosen specialism and help them develop their subject specific practical, problem solving skills. Those students who chose to take a work placement and produce a project report will have further opportunity to enhance their practical skills.
Assessment Method Students practical skills are assessed by a variety of methods. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate skills 1 3 in a variety of modules through workshop exercises and through diverse formative and summative assessments. Skills 4 and 5 are best demonstrated by an independent research project. 12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements) 12. 1 Overall structure of the programme The MA/PGDip/PGCert Global Governance and Public Policy with named pathways in International Development and Sustainable Environment, is studied full time over one year or part-time over two years. The programmes have two entry points: September and January. Full time MA students will take 120 credits of taught modules over the academic year plus undertake a dissertation or alternatively complete a placement project for a further 60 credits. Students who successfully complete the 120 taught credits but who do not undertake a dissertation or placement project will be awarded a PG Diploma in one of the named pathways. Students who successfully complete 60 taught credits (SSC4010 and SSC4020) will be awarded a PGCert Global Governance and Public Policy. The majority of modules have a credit rating of 30 points and as such full time students will usually take 4 taught modules. While each module is 30 credits and is taught across two terms, in order to accommodate a September and a January start date the modules are offered in two blocks, both of which must be taken but which can be taken in any order. Each module has summative assessment in the form of coursework which is graded and there is formative coursework during the module on which students are given feedback before the summative assessment takes place. This allows students to develop their knowledge and skills over time and through supportive feedback. All students will take two core knowledge based modules. The module 'Globalisation and Governance' reflects on the notion of governance and what this means in a changing international context examining the balance of governance between the North and South and between super-national and national actors. A key theme will be the notion of social justice and how this can be achieved and maintained given the pressures of globalisation and global governance. The module also allows students to develop their key academic skills of critical reading and writing.
The second knowledge based module focuses on 'Policy Makers and Processes'. Once again taking an international perspective, it will consider the range of actors that engage, or seek to engage in policy processes, exploring the tensions between domestic and international pressures in policy making processes and critically examining notions such as responsibility and rights. The programme is designed to help students develop the skills necessary for leading and managing policy change. This module will expect students to engage with emerging and evolving policy processes and to understand these processes from start to finish, from formulation through to monitoring and evaluation, as well as developing the skills to effectively influence these processes. While the core modules share teaching across the three pathways, students are expected to apply this generic knowledge to a specific pathway specialism. This will be encouraged through the assessment but also through pathway specific seminars and workshops. The application of generic knowledge to specific subject specialisms will occur in particular during intensive weekend workshops which will replace traditional teaching delivery on a number of the core modules. MA and PGDip students will further develop pathway specific knowledge through a taught module that will focus on a key area within their specialism. In addition all students that can demonstrate sufficient academic and practitioner experience in their specialist field can, with the agreement of their pathway Programme Leader undertaken a 30 credit Integrated Work and Learning module in place of the taught module.* Students wishing to obtain the award of MA or PGDip will also study 'Applied Research Methods'. This generic skills module will use pathway specific data sets and exercises. This module prepares students not only to undertake a dissertation or placement project, but also looks to the application of these skills in the work place, thus improving their ability to develop evidence based arguments, advocacy and problem solving. To complete the course to Masters level, it is proposed that students have the option of researching for and producing a traditional dissertation in a pathway related topic of their choice, or instead produce a placement project report based on work integrated learning. This choice is seen to reflect the applied nature of the programme and allows students to gain practical experience in their chosen pathway specialism and to use this as the basis for a substantial report akin in size and depth to a Postgraduate dissertation, which is relevant to the workplace, grounded in theory
and applied to practice. The placement will provide a the opportunity for experiential learning and instead of undertaking more traditional dissertation fieldwork the student will undertake an action research project within their institution. Those who enter the programme at the January start date will have the opportunity to undertaken a full time placement during the Summer in the UK or overseas. The project would be the culmination of their studies and demonstrate development as academics and practitioners. * Students can take either the 30 credit Work Integrated Learning module or the 60 credit module but not both 12.2 Levels and modules COMPULSORY PATHWAY MODULES PROGRESSION REQUIREMENT All students must take: Globalisation and Governance (SSC4010) Policy Makers and Processes (SSC4020) Additionally PGDip and MA students must take: Applied Research Methods (SSC4041) MA students must also take: Dissertation (SSC4994) OR Work Integrated Learning (SSC4060, 60 credits)* * Barred combination PGDip and MA students must also take the pathway module for their named degree which fro GGP with International Development is: Environmental Law and Governance (SSC4560) Migration and Citizenship (SSC4057) OR they can, with the agreement of the Programme Leader take: Integrated Work and Learning (SSC4030, 30 credits)* For the PGCert students must successfully complete SSC4010 SSC4020 For the PGDip and MA students must also successfully complete SSC 4560/4057 or 4030 SSC4041 MA students must complete the above before undertaking SSC4994 or SSC4060
12.3 Non-compensable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels) Module level Module code 7 SSC4010 SSC4020 SSC4041 SSC4560/4057/ 4056 or SSC4030 7 SSC4994 13. Curriculum map See Curriculum Map attached SSC4060 14. Information about assessment regulations Assessment regulations are those detailed in the University Guide and Regulations. 15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable) Students may elect to undertake an Integrated Work and Learning (30 credits - SSC4030) or a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) module (60 SSC4060) credits in an area which is relevant to their career pathway or aspirations. The programme team are able to advise about WIL projects and may be able to link students with potential internships. However the process of researching, selecting and negotiating the internship is a crucial element of the learning process and assessment and as such should be student led. Students will be allocated a workplace mentor and a university supervisor. 16. Future careers (if applicable) It is envisaged that on graduating students will have opportunities to work within several sectors of employment. They will be prepared for work in the Third or Notfor-Profit sector, national and international NGOs, charities and community groups. Graduates will also be equipped to work at a decision making level within the health sector, environmental agencies or organisations dedicated to developing countries. Graduates may also seek policy related appointments with national governments, regional bodies and global regulators. 17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
Students whose first language is not English can access the specialist English Language and Learning Support (ELLS) centre on the Campus. The University English Language Centre offers English language courses (preentry) to enable applicants to achieve the required entry score Moodle provides additional information and resources to support students. Course materials, links to resources and interactive exercises are provided. Dissertation web-site to support dissertation supervision and tutorials Each student will have a designated research or work-integrated learning supervisor 18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) L430, L420 19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) There are no specific benchmarks for this programme although reference has been made to the benchmark statements for Social Policy and Administration (2007) 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 programme handbook and the University Regulations.
Curriculum map for MA Global Governance and Public Policy 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 Analyse historical and contemporary processes of governance and their application to their specialist area - International Development, or Sustainable Environment. A2 Critically discuss the key concepts and frameworks relevant for the comparative analysis of processes of policy formulation and implementation in their specialist area. A3 Appraise the key challenges facing the key actors, both historical and emerging, that are engaged in managing global processes and critically evaluate their responses. A4 Differentiate between understandings of notions such as social justice, rights and sustainability and assess their relative utility. A5 Critically appraise the main methods of data collection and analysis, and apply these to construct evidenced based arguments and solutions. A6 Create evidence and provide new insights into a particular area of study related to governance and policy processes. Cognitive skills Practical skills C1 Critically evaluate policy, policy formulation and implementation C2 C3 C4 C5 Demonstrate competence in work based problem solving skills such as action planning, service evaluation, and scenario planning Demonstrate competence in report writing and oral presentation of key ideas contained therein, including writing and presenting position papers, funding bids and briefings Use quantitative and qualitative data to evidence arguments Plan and deliver an individual piece of research in their specialist area Postgraduate Skills B1 Critically evaluate the potential of national, regional or D1 Take initiative and direct their own learning, effectively
B2 B3 B4 B5 transnational organisations to address major global issues such as poverty and climate change. Analyse and evaluate the formulation and implementation of policy, and link this to appropriate theories and concerns in the fields of International Development or Sustainable Environment. Apply conceptual and theoretical understandings as well as empirical material to address contemporary issues of concern within their area of specialism Summarise and synthesise information from a variety of primary and secondary sources and critically reflect on this data Apply conceptual and theoretical approaches to empirical material in the in-depth study of a particular area of policy D2 D3 D4 organising their own timetable of work and meeting delivery deadlines Contribute effectively to group work with those from diverse cultural backgrounds and various professional disciplines, negotiating goals and contributions and handling tensions as appropriate Demonstrate development through personal academic and professional reflection, problem solving and application of research based evidence. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills utilising IT skills as appropriate Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 Highest level achieved by all graduates 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Exit Award PG Diploma MA Module Title Module Code and Level Programme outcomes A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 Globalisation and Governance SSC4010 X X X X X X X X X Policy Makers and Processes SSC4020 X X X X X X X X X X X X Applied Research Methods SSC4041 X X X X X Plus ONE of the below SSC4560 Environmental Law and SSC4560 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Governance Development and Disasters SSC4056 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Migration and Citizenship SSC4057 X X X X X X X X X X X X X Integrated Learning and Work SSC4030 X X X X X X X X X X X X Globalisation and Governance SSC4010 X X X X X X X X X Policy Makers and Processes SSC4020 X X X X X X X X X X X X Applied Research Methods SSC4041 X X X X X Plus ONE of the below Environmental Law and SSC4560 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Governance Development and Disasters SSC4056 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Migration and Citizenship SSC4057 X X X X X X X X X X X X X Integrated Learning and Work SSC4030 X X X X X X X X X X X X Plus Either Dissertation SSC4994 X X X X X X X X OR Work integrated learning (60) SSC4060 X X X X X X X X