MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY PS/1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Basic Programme Details 1 Programme title Postgraduate Diploma/MA/MSc Interdisciplinary Studies 2 Mode(s) and duration Certificate: 1 year part-time Diploma: 1 year part-time MA/MSc: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time 3 Awarding institution Manchester Metropolitan University 4 Teaching institution(s) Manchester Metropolitan University 5 Final award(s)/title(s) MA Counselling MA Counselling Studies MA Psychology of Self MSc Sustainable Outdoor Studies 6 NQF position Masters 7 Stage award(s)/title(s) Postgraduate Certificate Counselling Postgraduate Certificate Counselling Studies Postgraduate Certificate Psychology of Self Postgraduate Certificate Sustainable Outdoor Studies Postgraduate Diploma Counselling Postgraduate Diploma Counselling Studies Postgraduate Diploma Psychology of Self Postgraduate Diploma Sustainable Outdoor Studies 8 Home Department Interdisciplinary Studies 9 Home Faculty MMU Cheshire 10 UCAS code(s) N/A 11 Type of collaborative N/A provision 12 Collaborative partner(s) N/A
13 Date/outcome of last MMU review/approval 14 PS/1 effective date: September 2005 Quinquennial Review and Major Modification, May 2003. Modifications approved. Minor Modification, January 2004. Approved. 15 QAA Benchmark Statement(s) 16 Date/outcome of last Subject Review None clearly applicable at Masters level. Some relevance of Psychology undergraduate benchmark statement. Not clearly applicable 17 PSB(s) N/A 18 Date/outcome of last PSB approval(s) N/A Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes 19 Programme Aims To provide a flexible scheme for postgraduate study in a multi-disciplinary department. To enable students to complete an award by full-time or part-time mode. To enable students to combine study with professional or other paid work. To develop students abilities for critical thinking and reflective practice at postgraduate level. To provide an appropriate preparation for MPhil/PhD research, or for professional development. To provide an opportunity for students to engage in applied or practice-oriented research. 20 Programme Learning Outcomes On completion of the programme students will:- Have planned and completed a piece of original research congruent with their subject pathway at M-Level. Be able to engage critically and reflectively with their own theory and practice as researchers. Have developed their academic knowledge in their subject pathway commensurate with the level of the award. Have made an original contribution to academic knowledge through their research. Be able to engage appropriately and effectively with ethical issues in research. Be able to communicate the outcomes of their research, both orally and in writing, in ways that are critically engaged and academically appropriate. Be able to plan, and carry out a plan of academic work substantially independently.
21 Stage Learning Outcomes On entering the dissertation phase of the MA programme, students will:- Have acquired an effective knowledge base in specific topics directly relevant to their own research area and a critical awareness of the relevant published literature. Have developed a critically reflective awareness of their own academic development and their practices and role as researcher as well as the political and ethical implications of such practices and role. Be able to position their own research and study in its academic and/or professional context, both as regards its disciplinary and theoretical approaches. Have an understanding of the variety of methods which can be employed when conducting the research process and be able to choose and use appropriate inquiry, analytical and interpretative processes in their individual research and study. Have developed effective skills both in the organisation and self-management of their own study and research, and in negotiation and interaction with others both within peer groups and with academic staff. Be able to develop and communicate academic arguments, both orally and in writing, which demonstrate both their understanding of the topic and their own contribution to academic debate in this area and to negotiate appropriate assignments that demonstrate their achievement of these objectives. 22 Teaching/Learning and Assessment Strategies Intensive Weekend or Residential Workshops Individual tutorials Group study Online learning Independent study and research
23 Programme structures, levels, credits, awards and curriculum map Research Issues, Ideas and Pathway Specific Research Methods EITHER: 2 taught units OR: 1 double unit 2 Modules or equivalent 40 Diploma Essay 5,000 words 40 Dissertation 15,000 words 60 180 Research Issues, Ideas and Pathway Specific Research Methods EITHER: 2 taught units 2 modules or equivalent 40 OR: 1 double unit Diploma Essay 5,000 words 40 120 The Postgraduate Certificate Programme will consist of the following components:- Research Issues Ideas and EITHER: 2 taught units OR 1 double unit 2 Modules or equivalent 40 60 24 Additional Information Pathways available from September 2005: Counselling (with award outcomes in Counselling AND Counselling Studies Psychology of Self Sustainable Outdoor Studies
25 of reference Internal University Mission and Strategic Aims Regulations for the Academic Awards of the University University common Regulatory Framework Faculty Validation/Review Steering Group report University Learning and Teaching Strategy Staff Research External QAA National Qualifications Framework QAA Code of This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of a Programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, curriculum content, teaching/learning, assessment methods for each unit and on the Programme s relationship to QAA subject Benchmark Statements may be found in the definitive document and student handbook for the Programme. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be subject to verification by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.