MSc in Production Engineering and Operations Management (ECT119)

Faculty of Engineering and Computing Taught Postgraduate Programmes Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering (MAM) Programme Specifications for: MSc in Production Engineering and Operations Management (ECT119) September 2015 1

Contents Introduction Part 1: Programme Specification Page 1-10 Basic Programme information 3-4 11 Educational Aims of the Programme 5 12 Intended Learning Outcomes 6-8 13 Programme Structure and Requirements 9-10 14 Support for Students and their Learning 11 15 Criteria for Admission 12 16 Methods for Evaluation and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and learning 17 Regulation of Assessment 12 18 Indicators of Quality and Standards 13 19 Additional Information 14 20 List of mandatory and core option modules 15 21 Curriculum Map 16 Part 2: Supporting information 12 1 Relationship to the national Qualifications Framework, Subject Benchmarks and Professional/Statutory Body requirements. 17 2 Teaching and Learning Strategy 17 3 Assessment Strategy 18 4 Programme/Course management 18 5 Entry Requirements and Selection Procedures 18 6 Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and Current Legislation 18 2

Introduction Coventry University has a distinguished history in the provision of teaching in production, manufacturing and operations management, having run courses in these areas for well over 30 years in different formats. Recently, the area of manufacturing and production has received particular attention with the release of the Perkins report on Engineering, which particularly highlights manufacturing as an area where there is a great need for highly-skilled engineers as well as the University approach that has seen the creation of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. One of the new Faculty Research Centres within Engineering and Computing will be around Materials and Manufacturing, indicating the importance to the Faculty of this area, as well as creating an opportunity to create a research-informed, inspiring degree course. In combination with the industrial connections that are brought by the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, there is the potential for the provision of an engaging course for those student looking to enhance their ability to perform in industry, as well as those that are seeking to pursue a research path in manufacturing, materials and related technologies. This course seeks to attract high-calibre graduates from overseas (other EU countries as well as internationally), from a variety of engineering disciplines (for example mechanical, automotive, aerospace, production, materials), where adequate materials, mathematical, analytical and problem solving knowledge and skills have been developed as part of the curriculum. In addition, there are many undergraduate courses internationally in Production Engineering or Industrial Engineering and students progressing to study at Coventry University would be ideal candidates for this MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management. Production engineering is a specialised area, so projected numbers will be 20-30 per year (with a single cohort intake) per year. The course will have many innovative features students working on real-world problems in their first two semesters, integrative assessment to allow integrated learning, structured career support through the Global Leaders Programme as well as a series of industry or research guest speakers, working on a group project around new product introduction, the opportunity to participate in an online international collaboration (OIL) in the Optimisation and Simulation module in their 2 nd semester. 3

Part 1: Programme Specification for MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management 1 Available Award(s) and Modes of Study Title of Award * Mode of attendance* FHEQ Level* MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management PgDip/PGCert Production Engineering and Operations Management (fall back awards) F/T One Year F/T 7 7 2 Awarding Institution/Body * Coventry University 3 Collaboration N/a 4 Teaching Institution and Location of delivery* Coventry University and Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering 5 Internal Approval/Review Dates Date of approval*/latest review*: Feb 2015 Date for next review: 2017/18 6 Programme Accredited by* None (although it is planned to seek accreditation through the Institute of Engineering and Technology) 7 Accreditation Date and Duration N/a 8 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s) and/or other external factors * National Qualifications Framework QAA Master s Subject Benchmark Statement for awards in Engineering (2010), specifically the Engineering Council guidelines on MSc courses. http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/thequality-code/subject-benchmark-statements 9 Date of Programme Specification * September 2015 10 Programme Wendy Garner Manager/Course Director * 4

11 Educational Aims of the Programme * MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management Programme Aims The overall aim of this course is to advance the students abilities within the area of production engineering and operations management within a global environment. As such the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering offers an opportunity to provide students with real-world problems and to support the development of the students academic acumen as well as capability to find solutions to current and emerging industrial challenges. Due to the nature of the Institute and regional industry, industrial examples that will be often be used come from the automotive and aerospace industries and their supply-chain. The specific course aims are: To design solutions to complex production engineering and operations management problems through structured analysis. To evaluate engineering design and process choices around materials, production technologies and production processes. To appreciate the challenge faced in the implementation of production engineering and operations management techniques within real industrial environments that requires approaches, such as project and change management along with the management of risks. To appraise the importance of business decisions within engineering and operations management solutions and the important role that external influences as well as internal constraints have on success; students will examine typically financial, strategic, tactical and operational impacts of engineering decisions. To integrate the technical and non-technical perspectives within a new product introduction context; To conduct themselves professionally and ethically within their future profession. To research independently and synthesise emerging academic and industrial perspectives with their existing knowledge in innovation and improvement activities. And further educational aims of this programme are: To provide an education consistent with the guidance from the Engineering Council on Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (2014 revision) that would support the further learning to Masters level required to ultimately achieve Chartered Engineer status. To develop the students ability to engage in critical reflection that supports on-going career development. To create a learning environment that reflects industrial requirements, so will cover technical and nontechnical approaches (soft-skills and business acumen risks, legal, environmental, ethical, social and economic). The use of projects and active learning will be used to support the students development in practical application of theory and recognising its limitations. To expose the students to leading edge research and projects, as may result from the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering as well as the emergent Faculty Research Centre in Materials and Manufacturing. Such an approach should see the students understand how new knowledge is created and how to integrate this within their own practice. 5

12 Intended Learning Outcomes 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 evaluation of current and emerging materials and their associated manufacturing processes and technologies (SM1, EP1) The optimisation of production engineering and production operations management using appropriate mathematical, statistical and simulation methods, recognising the limitations of these methods (SM2) The critical appreciation of the engineering and management challenges in global production operations including the ethical, legal, social, environmental and economic constraints (SM3, ELS-1, ELS-3) The systematic understanding of digital manufacturing technologies and approaches and the impact that digital artefacts and digital data has on the competitiveness of manufacturing environments (SM1, SM3) The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below: KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 Lectures, tutorials, flipped classroom, projects, Cambridge Engineering Selector, textbooks, journals Lectures, tutorials, flipped classroom, simulations, projects, Arena, Excel, Minitab, textbooks, journals Lectures, tutorials, flipped classroom, projects, textbooks, journals Lectures, tutorials, flipped classroom, projects, CATIA, PLM, textbooks Examinations; project work Simulations through coursework; examination; project work Project work; coursework Coursework; project work 12.2 Cognitive (thinking) Skills* On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to: CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 CS5 Formulate innovative solutions to real-world problems and challenges with incomplete data through an ability to synthesise current and leading-edge knowledge (EA2, AGS-1) Evaluate the limitations of current and emerging products and technologies against both technical as well as commercial constraints (EA2) Design creative solutions to current and emergent problems by taking a holistic technical and non-technical perspective, including commercial and sustainability concepts (EA3, DS1, DS2, DS3, ELS-all) Apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems within production operations management, recognising any limitations and commercial and industrial constraints (EA1, EP3) Critically appraise how new knowledge is generated within production engineering and production operations management 6

The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below: CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 CS5 Lectures, seminars, Problem based learning, project work Lectures, seminars, Problem based learning, project work Lectures, seminars, Problem based learning, project work Lectures, seminars, Problem based learning, project work Lectures, seminars, Problem based learning, project work Written project report; individual and group presentations Written project report; individual and group presentations Written project report; individual and group presentations; timed activity Written project report; individual and group presentations Written project report; individual and group presentations 12.3 Practical Skills* On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to: PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 Show competence in using specialist software appropriate to the analysis, simulation and optimisation of engineering and production management problems (AGS-1) Show awareness of current and emergent practice within production engineering and production operations management (EP2) Appreciate the different roles within an engineering team and a self-reflective ability that results in personal initiative and accountability (EP4, AGS-4) Undertake structured engineering investigation using appropriate analytical equipment and methods The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods normally used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are identified below: PS1 Lecture, tutorial, project work E.g. Demonstration room work, work placement, laboratory or studio work PS2 (Guest) Lectures, research seminars Dissertation PS3 PS4 Lecture, seminars, Project work, tutor sessions Demonstration work, laboratory, project work Written reports; Individual and group presentations Reflective portfolio; critical reflection Individual and group presentations; lab reports 7

12.4 Transferable Skills * On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to: TS1 TS2 TS3 Communicate complex issues effectively in written and verbal formats (AGS-1) Work effectively in multi-cultural teams, demonstrating an ability to function in a global environment (EP4, AGS1, AGS4) Engage effectively in personal and career development working towards a mastery of production engineering and production operations management (AGS-2, AGS-3) 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. 8

13 Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards Modules within the programme, their status (whether mandatory or options), the levels at which they are studied, their credit value and pre/co requisites are identified in section 20. 13.1 Background The programme may be studied only full-time. The programme has been designed with the latest Engineering Council guidance on the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, which for the first time has specifically outlined the requirements for Masters Degrees other than the Integrated Masters (MEng). As such the 6 areas of Science and Mathematics (SM), Engineering Analysis (EA), Design (DS), Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context (E3LS), Engineering Practice (EP) and Additional General Skills (AGS) have been reflected above in the intended learning outcomes. Indicative features of this programme are: A move towards integrated assessment in each of the first two semesters, to reduce assessment burden on the students and facilitate deeper learning. Real-world cases to analyse as part of their studies and assignments. Dissertation module that supports the future aspiration of the student (research, industrial or general). Potential for collaboration with Coventry University partner institution in the second semester envisaged around the Optimisation and Simulation module. Integrative New Product Introduction project working on a real-world problem. Expose and inclusion in the research community linked with the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering as well as the emerging Faculty Research Centre on Materials and Manufacturing, particularly in the second semester. Pre-engagement with students to prepare them for their studies at Coventry University. 13.2 Delivery Module code Module title Credit value M09MAM M29EKM M12MAM M10MAE M08MAM Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Management of Quality Global Lean and Agile Operations Computer Aided Design Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Pre/Co requisite M/O 15 None M Y 15 None M Y 15 None M Y 15 None M Y 15 None M Y M10MAM Automation and Robotics 15 None M Y M15MAM Optimisation and Simulation 15 None M Y M14MAM M04EKM And either New Product Introduction Group Project Study Skills and Research Methods 15 None M Y 10 None M N M99EKM Master Dissertation 50 None O N Or Condonable 9

M76EM Industry based Master Dissertation 50 None O N The course structure is shown below: September Start M04EKM 10 credits M09MAM 15 credits Semester 1 Sept Start M29EKM M12MAM 15 credits Semester 2 Sept Start M10MAE M08MAM 15 credits M10MAM 15 credits M15MAM 15 credits M14MAM 15 credits Semester 3 Sept Start Project 50 credits 13.3 Awards MSc in Production Engineering and Operations Management: All the taught modules and the project as listed in the programme of study above (180 CATS credits). 13.3.1 Fall back awards PgDip in Production Engineering and Operations Management: 120 CATS credits excluding M04EKM. PgCert in Production Engineering and Operations Management: 60 CATS credits excluding M04EKM, M99EKM and M76EM. 10

14 Support for Students and their Learning Induction Students attend an induction program in the week preceding the beginning of their enrolment period. The induction timetable includes a number of academic, administrative and social events that include a welcome and introduction to the university, the facilities and the faculty. As part of the induction process, all students are directed to an online student handbook and a course handbook which provides key information. Student will also have the opportunity of working in a team as part of induction activities. Buildings and Equipment The faculty is mainly based within two buildings ECB and Sir John Laing building, both of which are equipped with specialist equipment to support all students. This includes a high performance engineering centre which houses a full size harrier, three further simulators, a wind and smoke tunnel, civil engineering specialist testing equipment, a range of CNC machinery and a laser workshop. Student Support A comprehensive support and guidance system exists for all postgraduate students within the faculty of Engineering and Computing. Support is available via Course Directors, who are available to advise students on academic and pastoral issues. Times that Course Directors are available to meet with students will be shown on course Moodle webs and also their location. Module Leaders and the associated module team are available to offer support at module level. Again module leaders advertise their contact times on module Moodle webs and also their location. Outside of office hours, you can also email any member of academic staff. Prior to the commencement of the Masters project, individual supervisors with appropriate expertise or research experience are assigned to each student. The Faculty Registry team support you through your studies, providing information and guidance on the rules and procedures that affect your academic progress. We can help you deal with problems you may be having with academic life and help you understand the University s academic processes and regulations. We have a detailed understanding of the curriculum structures and other specialist support that is available to you within the University. The Faculty Registry has offices located close to the main Receptions. You can drop by the Registry support desk which is next to reception in the ECB; Monday Friday from 1000 1600. Or you can contact Registry staff via the Reception desks in the main EC building or the John Laing building; Monday Friday from 0830 1700. This team can also be emailed facultyregistry.ec@coventry.ac.uk at any time and this will be passed to each student s dedicated course support team to respond to. The Faculty Learning Support Co-ordinator works closely with Disabilities Office and Departmental Course Teams. Reasonable adjustments will be made for students with disabilities who have registered with the University as requiring additions support with their studies. The University has an excellent record on widening access and welcomes students from all backgrounds and neighbourhoods with low participation in higher education. Students have access to a Maths Support Centre called SIGMA based in the library. The Centre for Academic Writing (CAW) can also provide support on topics ranging from how to organise an academic argument to improving grammar and sentence structure. The university provides support for students health and wellbeing which includes a Medical Centre, Spirituality and Faith Centre, Counselling and Mental Health Services, Sports and Recreational Centre and a Nursery. The Student s Union also provide recreational facilities and support and advice for students. International Students may obtain further help from the student welfare team in the International Office. There is a careers service where qualified consultants are available to help students think about the issues they face as they move through University studies and prepare for employment. All postgraduate students are also eligible to enrol and be a part of the Global Leaders Program (GLP). This is an initiative focussed on better preparing Coventry University s postgraduate students to become the leaders of tomorrow in their chosen fields and to further develop a global mind set. Please see website for more information: www.coventry.ac.uk/glp. 11

15 Criteria for Admission An applicant for the MSC in Manufacturing Engineering programme will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following: A minimum of a second class honours degree in any engineering related subject. A relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level. A lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant experience at a professional level. Satisfactory independent evidence of working for several years in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate, in a relevant area, which would lead to gaining benefit from the course. Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Alternatively students may be admitted with IELTS 6.0 if they attend an d pass a compulsory five week pre- sessional English course, operated by Coventry University, before joining their master s programme. There is an accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) process available which is in accordance with University regulations for taught postgraduate courses. The accreditation for Prior Experiential learning (APEL) will only be awarded for achievements equivalent to master s level. 16 Method for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning The Programme is managed by the MAM Board of Study in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. The Post Graduate Subject Assessment Board (SAB) and the Post Graduate Programme Assessment Board (PAB) are 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 Study which contribute modules to the programme. 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. Students are represented on the Student Forum, Boards of Study and Faculty Board, all of which normally meet two or three times per year. Student views are also sought through module and course evaluation questionnaires via CU -Online. All programmes are subject to a major review involving subject experts external to the University, normally on a three year cycle. At these reviews the views of employers and current and former students are sought where appropriate. 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). 12

18 Indicators of Quality and Standards The report of QAA s Institutional Audit undertaken in November 2008 confirmed that: Confidence can be placed in the soundness of the institutions current and likely future management of the academic standards of its awards. Confidence can be placed in the soundness of the institutions current and likely future management of the quality of the learning opportunities. Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Department: This course sits within the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering. The Department excels in the National Student Survey, an independent survey where student satisfaction is measured. The Departments score is regularly above 90%. Mechanical Engineering at Coventry is rated highly by the Times and Guardian National Newspapers. The Department works closely with relevant Institutions (IMechE and IET) and Associations who inform on the curriculum. The industrial relevance of courses is assured by close links with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, UNIPART, SAIC, Prodrive, Airbus, Tata, GKN, Ricardo and MIRA. The Department engages in a wide variety of research and attracts governmental funding. Areas of research which inform teaching and learning include: Lead partner in the EPSRC-funded PROMINENT consortium, researching Performance and Reliability of Metallic Materials for Nuclear Fission Power Generation. Partner in the Lloyd s Register Foundation International Joint Research Centre in Nuclear Safety. Programme with Airbus on the application of laser shock peening for fatigue life enhancement of aerospace structures. Institute for Advanced Manufacture and Engineering (AME), HEFCE funded. Virtual exhaust prototyping system in conjunction with UNIPART, EPSRC funded. GyroDrive - Flywheel Hybrid System for City Bus and Commercial Vehicle use, Innovate UK funded. Towards Affordable Recyclable Future Low Carbon Vehicle Structures - TARF-LCV, EPSRC funded. Hydrogen electric vehicle research. The European FCH JU funded project SWARM. Vehicle seat research in conjunction with Jaguar Land Rover and Innovate UK. Radical train, Innovate UK funded. CAD/CAM Research, European Union funded. These programmes satisfy the Engineering Council benchmark statements on the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, revision 3 (2014), which are strongly linked to the QAA benchmark statements for Engineering. 13

19 Additional Information Key sources of information about the course and student support can be found in: Student Handbook Course Handbook Module Guides Moodle Course & Module Webs Module Information Directory https://webapp.coventry.ac.uk/midwebnext/main.aspx EC Student Portal https://students.coventry.ac.uk/ec/pages/home.aspx Coventry University Student Portal https://students.coventry.ac.uk/pages/index.aspx 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. 14

20 Mandatory and Option Modules Module code Module title Credit value Pre/Co requisite M/O M09MAM Engineering Materials and Processes 15 None M M29EKM Management of Quality 15 None M M12MAM Global lean and agile Operations 15 None M M10MAE Computer Aided Design 15 None M M08MAM Advanced Manufacturing Technologies 15 None M M10MAM Automation and Robotics 15 None M M15MAM Optimisation and Simulation 15 None M M14MAM New Product Introduction Group Project 15 None M M04EKM Study Skills and Research Methods 10 None M And either M99EKM Masters Dissertation* 50 None Or M76EM Industry Based Individual project 50 None O O Key M = Mandatory (i.e. must be studied and passed for the named award) O = Option *This module will be the default dissertation module. 15

21 Curriculum Map MSc. Production Engineering and Operations Management Intended Learning Outcomes Knowledge & Understanding Cognitive Skills Practical Skills Transferable Skills Module codes KU1 KU2 KU3 KU4 CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 CS5 PS1 PS2 PS3 PS4 TS1 TS2 TS3 M09MAM x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x M29EKM M12MAM x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x M10MAE M08MAM x x x x x x x x M10MAM x x x x x x x M15MAM x x x x x x M14MAM x x x x x x x x x x M04EKM x x M99EKM x x x x x x x x x x x x x M76EM x x x x x x x x x x x x x 16

Part 2: Supporting Information MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management 1. Relationship to the Frameworks and Benchmarks The descriptors as specified for a Higher Education Qualification at level 7 are all delivered by the proposed course, MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management. The programme has been designed with the latest Engineering Council guidance on the Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, which for the first time has specifically outlined the requirements for Masters Degrees other than the Integrated Masters (MEng). As such the 6 areas of Science and Mathematics (SM), Engineering Analysis (EA), Design (DS), Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context (E3LS), Engineering Practice (EP) and Additional General Skills (AGS) have been reflected above in the intended learning outcomes. The range of module requirements that support the courses aims, together with the project, will enable students to demonstrate the necessary spread of capabilities ranging from understanding of concepts and knowledge, through evaluation and application, to originality and innovation. 2. Teaching and Learning Strategy The delivery of the curriculum will be informed by University and Faculty/School developments in teaching and learning, including the University s Teaching and Learning Strategy. The programme adopts a teaching and learning strategy that enables students to achieve the learning outcomes. A range of teaching styles and opportunities are provided and utilised that provide both an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of relevant material and an opportunity to skills and competence. This is a 1 year FT course with an exam board after each of the 3 semesters to decide on progression and awards. The students will typically study 60 credits per semester FT providing a balanced workload during their studies. The modules and learning outcomes have been designed in parallel and therefore students passing the modules will by definition have achieved all the learning outcomes in both the technical and management subject areas. The EC faculty is developing an activity led learning delivery approach to all its courses and the Engineering and Computing Building has been designed to support this. The course will have modules that are structured around a 1 hour lecture in a large lecture theatre followed by a 2 hour tutorial in the smaller group work areas. It is during the tutorial sessions that further sector focused examples and material will be delivered and students are given the opportunity to practice the application of the taught material. To assist with the delivery of the small tutorials the department have employed a number of teaching assistants who are identified in the resources document. The modules are predominantly assignment based and as such the assignments are spread out over the 11 week teaching schedule, with most modules setting an early coursework of low weighting, to give students feedback during the module and to encourage engagement. Engagement is also encouraged through the Activity Led Learning (ALL) practiced within the tutorials and the formative assessments. Activity Led Learning requires a self-directed process in which the individual learner, or team of learners, seek and apply knowledge, skilful practices, resources (personal and physical) relevant to the activity being undertaken. (Wilson-Medhurst, 2008). The balance of the student workloads during assessments is helped by the standardised academic calendar as this provides 5 study / assessment weeks without lectures for the students to focus on their assignments. 17

3. Assessment Strategy The course meets the requirements of the University s Assessment Strategy. A review of module assessments and their timings gives a satisfactory picture of student loading and assessment type. Practical and written assessments, presentations, posters, oral examinations and formal reports provide the course with a variety of assessment methods. This full range of assessments allows students to demonstrate critical and analytical thinking, application of theory, understanding of knowledge, and original work. The extensive use of tutorials and group working enable formative assessments to be made. Whilst most modules include group working, the majority of summative assessment is individual and therefore more discriminatory. The individual project accounts for a 50 credits of the 180 credits, and is an individual summative piece of work. 4. Programme/Course Management Student applications are managed by the admissions office or International Office; however the programme manager will provide support when further advice is required on the suitability of candidates. The programme manager will be responsible for the induction programme at the start of the course and will support admin to confirm the programme of study. During the students studies at the university the programme manager will be responsible for academic support and guidance. They will also provide the pastoral care, where necessary, until a personal tutor or project supervisor is allocated. The project supervisor will then assume the role of personal tutor. During exam board preparations, the programme manager will be involved in the verification of the results and will make recommendations at the board for progression and awards. Student Forum Meetings will be held in line with the Faculty/Student Union schedule each semester and gives the students opportunity to feedback concerns and best practice to the programme manager and to assist the development of the course. 5. Entry Requirements and Selection Procedures An applicant for MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following: A minimum of a second class honours degree in any engineering related subject A relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level. A lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant experience at a professional level; Satisfactory, independent evidence of working for several years in a position that would normally be occupied by an honours graduate, in a relevant area, which would lead to gaining benefit from the course. Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Alternatively students may be admitted with IELTS 6.0 if they attend and pass a compulsory five week pre- sessional English course, operated by Coventry University, before joining their master s programme. There is an accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) process available which is in accordance with University regulations for taught postgraduate courses. The accreditation for Prior Experiential learning (APEL) will only be awarded for achievements equivalent to master s level. 6. Compliance with the University s Academic Regulations and current legislation This proposal complies with the post graduate University Academic Regulations. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the teaching, learning, assessment and support of the course to maximise accessibility to students with disabilities. The faculty has an excellent record on widening access and welcomes students from all backgrounds on to its course. 18