Programme
Specification
Final Award and Title MSc Nuclear Security Management
Exit Award(s) and
Title(s) Postgraduate Certificate in Nuclear Security Management Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Security Management
Name of Route /
Pathway / Framework Not applicable
Professional Qualifications
Completing the programme will contribute towards gaining Membership of The Security Institute and enable the student to use the “Standard Path” to gaining the status of Chartered Security Professional.( http://csyp-register.org/)
Programme Accreditation
The university is seeking accreditation with the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) as they develop their own accreditation process. We are also seeking formal recognition by The Security Institute (SyI). So far, the degree is recognised as enabling our graduates to use the “Standard Path” to Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) status.
Modes of Study Part-time, Distance Learning, Flexible and Distributed Learning (FDL), blended learning
Delivery Sites Energus and Lancaster
Programme Length 2 years part time
Extended Work Based Learning
The extended work based project for Module HMSN7008 will be based in student’s own Nuclear sites (including sites outside the Nuclear Fuel Cycle)
1. Educational Aims of the Programme
The overall aims of the programme are:
To meet the development needs of security specialists working either in the context
of special nuclear materials, or radioactive sources, or both.
To develop the student’s interest and knowledge as well as their professional skills, in
the subject of Nuclear Security Management.
To produce practitioners who have mastered the science, art and engineering of
effective Nuclear Security Management. In this way, we aim to support the growth of global capacity building in Nuclear Security Management.
To develop effective first line managers and middle managers who are well equipped
to support their Senior Management Team/ Board of Directors in the day-to-day running of nuclear sites (including those outside the nuclear fuel cycle) and who remain effective in responding to security incidents.
To equip students with sufficient technical and managerial knowledge and skills to ensure sustainability of Nuclear Security Management at their workplace and effective interfaces with other onsite disciplines and offsite stakeholder organisations.
The programme is intended to build capacity and expertise for managers and leaders and those who aspire to these positions and will prepare students for a professional career in Nuclear Security Management in the UK or in other countries. Successful students will possess the essential knowledge, skills, experience and attributes required of a newly qualified Nuclear Security Manager, in accordance with extant international standards and to aspire to Senior Management and Strategic Management posts in the future.
At the point of graduation, students will be able to:
Practise competently according to the standards described in international consensus
best practice guides published by the IAEA and WINS;
Critically evaluate the security status of a nuclear site and articulate needs for
improvement ad provide a management plan for enhancement of the security status and the onsite security culture;
Demonstrate clear supervision, leadership and management abilities through
appropriate decision-making, resource allocation and team working;
Undertake security programme development and innovation in practices on a
site-specific basis
Understand and apply the values enshrined within the Security Institute and WINS in
all aspects of their professional practice.
2. Programme Features and Requirements
This is a highly multi-disciplinary degree, featuring aspects of law, physics, engineering, political science, business management and relevant social sciences. It is intended only for students who are already working in the nuclear industry. It is expected to become very distance-learning-enabled soon after its first cohort enrols, but an optimum level of tutor and peer contact will be provided as the programme develops.
This highly vocationally-oriented degree starts from the concept of the Design Basis Threat and the “performance-based approach” to security on nuclear sites. It then extends to the use of the prescriptive based approach, and combined approaches which are more straightforward to implement, for example on sites where other radioactive materials are used. It uses the UK model of radioactive source security as an example.. The security of radioactive sources is arguably the most significant security risk in the nuclear world and education in this is a unique feature of the Cumbria programme.
No sensitive information is shared or expected to be shared during the programme.
It is highly vocational and focuses on producing effective practitioners and developing them as security professionals. It is envisaged that these will be some of the senior decision makers of the nuclear industry and regulation in the future, in the UK and abroad.
The Cumbria degree puts emphasis on the design and implementation of security
systems, as well as vulnerability assessment. It provides training in leadership skills as a key method of ensuring successful and effective implementation of the skills learned in the work environment and as the route to development of and sustaining, a security culture. In recognition of the need to support Senior Management Teams/ Boards of Directors and with an eye to future career development, it also provides a module on strategic management.
Having reviewed the Module Descriptor Forms, the World Institute for Nuclear Security
said: “The World Institute for Nuclear Security believes that excellent nuclear security
management relies on the effective implementation of security strategy and ensuring that security culture is embedded throughout the organisation. This programme supports these objectives and is recognised as reflecting international best practice”
3. Learning Teaching and Assessment
The programme learning and teaching strategy has been developed with reference to the University of Cumbria Learning and Teaching Plan 2012-2017.
A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the programme. These are designed to match the intended learning outcomes and to provide every student with some experience of methods best suited to their own learning style, supporting the move to an independent and mature learner. All these features are key in reducing attrition and increasing student satisfaction.
Learning and teaching methods are designed to:-
instil the values of the emergent nuclear security profession as fundamental in the
delivery of effective and proportionate security on nuclear sites;
be student-centred, flexible and modern whilst being challenging and stimulating;
support different learners’ needs at different stages of development;
be fully supported by, and integrated with, technological approaches such as the
Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) and others;
actively ensure the linkage of theory with practice;
explicitly consider, value and incorporate effective procurement and personnel
management processes by involving industrial lecturers, tutors and advisers in directly in formative assessment;
be fair, objective and impart academic rigour to the teaching and learning processes;
develop the student as independent and self-directed, inculcating the ethos of lifelong
and reflective learning;
develop the student’s abilities to learn effectively and progress academically,
performing academically at level 7 in terms of achieving the programme aims and outcomes through a variety of assessments, including an in-depth evidence based professional report as well as the demonstration of student communication,
leadership and change management skills to instil and sustain a security culture.
Modules use formative and summative assessment so that students progress through a module in a structured and constructive way and build knowledge for practice in a coherent and logical way. Formative assessments are designed so that feedback on the
individual student’s performance is provided prior to the submission of the final,
summative assessment. The wordage, or equivalent, for both formative and summative assessments is counted towards the whole module assessment wordage.
(i) Learning, Teaching and Assessment approaches, pedagogy and values that underpin LTA design throughout the programme
The programme will provide a blended learning experience involving a mixture of lectures, face-to-face workshops, online activity and resources, and self-study. The programme will use novel applications of narrative pedagogy to overcome security constraints and costs.
(ii) Contexts For Learning
The programme will be delivered initially by a part-time campus-based learning
experience which includes a mixture of more formal learning and teaching experiences but an increased proportion of the curriculum delivered by practical scenario based and simulated learning using virtual case studies based on the respected field of narrative pedagogy. What the student sees is:-
An introductory ”scene setting video” of the geography and socio-economic context of
a number of virtual nuclear facilities;
A menu of characters, each with a different role, or a different set of perspectives,
such as:-
o A site scientist/engineer
o A site guard
o A firefighter
o A Site Director
o A Site security manager
o A legitimate protestor
o An adversary with malicious intent
When used as part of a training package, selection of a character can provide the student with a series of educational themes that can then be explored by viewing short video sequences, listening to audio clips, reading articles from the fictitious media and other textual resources. These develop the thinking of the student. There are a number of alternative navigation routes through the scenario and the student can simulate the various outcomes resulting from their own decision making.
Potential Nuclear Security themes include:-
Site Security
Transport Security
Deterrence
Security Culture
Insider threat
This will be delivered by University based staff but will be actively supported with contributions from industry-based lecturing staff (with honorary or fractional University contracts) and mentors and tutors from industry.
(iii) Learning, Teaching and Assessment Methods
Teaching and learning methods will include: discourse, discussion, debate, small group work, seminar presentations, reflection-on and in-practice, context-based learning (also
referred to as problem-based learning), and flexible, distributed learning (FDL) using Blackboard and virtual learning environments (VLEs). Each module will facilitate the further development of communication and influencing skills, as well as the development of other key professional lifelong learning skills. Tutors and students will monitor and evaluate this development via personal tutor meetings and the use of formative assessment methods.
Students and staff will work in a culture of respect to each other’s security constraints, given the constraints of and support from nuclear industries that the programme involves. This means that locations and other sensitive details will not be required in learning activities or assignments.
Development of professional security skills through simulation will be used where possible. Simulation provides safe learning opportunities in basic as well as potentially complex situations and also helps students acquire important skills before going into a new workplace situation. Simulation will also be facilitated using role play, workshops and the VLE. Simulation is also a unique way of managing international security policy issues, enabling the sharing of practice without compromising UK security.
(iv) Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is seen as requisite in the development of the University Learning and Teaching Plan. It is also central in enabling students to understand the development of their own professional skills, especially with respect to communication. Formative assessment is used in each module to enrich self-perception and personal communication skills.
4. Programme Outcomes
The modules have been designed and sequenced to provide a body of knowledge for security systems design, planning and evaluation with a “golden thread” of management skills running through them. The purpose is to enhance nuclear security on a student’s relevant sites. As knowledge and skills are progressively acquired the quality of
professional judgements are expected to improve and increasing amounts of
management skills are layered onto the technical foundations, to increase the intellectual and professional challenges.
This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and
demonstrate:
(i) Knowledge and Understanding
1. Understand and apply legal, scientific principles, methods and knowledge
underpinning nuclear security management and technology;
2. Understand and apply scientific and management methods and approaches to nuclear
security management, professional development and innovation;
3. Understand professional, ethical and legal principles; in order to influence others and
work effectively within a small team;
(ii) Employability Skills
4. Demonstrate an ability to carry out technical investigations relevant to nuclear
security management, safely and effectively as appropriate to their role;
safeguards, as well as a wide range of other stakeholders, including guard forces, the police, the public and the media.
6. Recognise the need to use and protect information effectively in a nuclear security
context;
(iii) Qualities, Skills and Other Attributes
7. Demonstrate a range of transferable generic academic skills and capabilities to
promote life-long learning, including study skills, independent learning, reflective practice, communication, team working, management and leadership skills;
8. Demonstrate the necessary skills and attributes for further professional development,
through professional study and continual lifelong learning as a security management professional
5. Level Descriptors
At HE Level 7 (Masters level), students will be able to demonstrate that they have the
ability: to display a mastery of a complex and specialised area of knowledge and a critical awareness of issues at the forefront of the area of study; employ advanced subject-specific and cognitive skills to enable decision-making in complex and
unpredictable situations; generate new ideas and support the achievement of desired outcomes; accept accountability for decision making including the use of supervision; analyse complex concepts and professional situations by means of synthesis of personal and work place reflection and data drawn from scholarship and research in the field.
6. Curriculum Map Programme Structure
Level Module
Code Module Titleand Module Aims Credit Points Core/ Compulsory/
Optional/ Qualificatory * Notes (eg pre/co-requisites,’core optional’ etc)
7 HMSN7001 Introduction to Nuclear Security Management and
Legislation
To introduce the multi-disciplinary challenges of nuclear security management and introduce the essential technical background.
20 Core
7 HMSN7002 The Need for Nuclear Security Management
To describe nuclear technologies, their applications and security risks so as to be clear about what needs to be protected. To acquaint with radiation detection
technologies and their use in nuclear security management
20 Core
7 HMSN7003 Security of Special Nuclear Materials
To develop a professional mastery of the methods and technologies used to secure nuclear licensed sites, associated facilities and transport vehicles
20 Compulsory
Students exiting at this point with 60 credits at Level 7 would receive a PGCert in Nuclear Security Management
7 HMSN7004 Security of Radioactive Materials
technologies used to secure radioactive materials outside of the nuclear fuel cycle
7 HMSN7005 Leadership Skills for Nuclear Security Management
To develop a critical awareness of leadership theories and models and their relationship and application to
sustainable nuclear security and to develop a critical awareness of financial management techniques
20 Core
7 HMSN7006 Managing External Relationships in Nuclear Security
Development of the knowledge and management skills to ensure effective relationships with all stakeholders in nuclear security
20 Core
Students exiting at this point with 120 credits at Level 7 would receive a PGDip in Nuclear Security Management
7 HMSN7007 Strategic Management Issues for Nuclear Security
To provide a comprehensive and critical awareness of strategic management issues relevant to the management of nuclear security. To develop the professional skills required to recognise the business risks and provide an effective response to Boards as part of corporate strategy
20 Core
7 HMSN7008 Extended Work Based Project
The module aims to enable students to undertake an extended work based project through which they will: i) display a mastery of complex and specialised knowledge and critical awareness of issues at the forefront of nuclear security management professional practice
ii) employ advanced subject specific and cognitive skills in order to advance professional practice in their sphere of influence
Students achieving 180 credits at Level 7 would receive an MSc in Nuclear Security Management Progression / Award requirements
Module pass mark:50% (Postgraduate)
* All modules must be passed for the student to attain progression and eligibility to apply for SyI membership on graduation. Only students completing the entire programme and who meet all the professional competence requirements (as
demonstrated by completion of the non-mandatory Professional Portfolio) will be able to graduate with the named award in Nuclear Security Management. Students must maintain their suitability for workplace learning throughout the programme. Should a student exhibit non-professional behaviour, irregular attendance, continuing failure to make satisfactory progress, they will not be eligible to progress the programme. In such cases the workplace concerned will alert the programme leader. An adjudication interview will be convened involving the programme leader and either the personal tutor or workplace co-ordinator and a representative of the workplace. This meeting will consider evidence and make a recommendation to the next available module assessment board in relation to the student’s ability to progress on the programme. Should the board not be scheduled within four weeks then ‘chair’s action’ will be taken. Each Module Assessment Board (MAB) will consider all students fitness for professional progression.
Candidates will normally be expected to continue in a relevant place of employment for the duration of their programme. Should a workplace refuse to continue to host a particular student, then the University will not be obliged to seek another workplace.
(*) Note: Core Modules – must be taken and successfully passed.
Compulsory Modules – must be taken but can be carried as fails (if the award permits).
Optional Modules – students would be required to take an appropriate number of optional modules Qualificatory Unit of study – Non-credit bearing pass/fail components that are used to satisfy relevant
7. Programme Assessment Map
This map charts the assessment of the Programme Learning Outcomes across the different modules. It is designed to ensure that assessment tasks are focused on demonstrating achievement of the Programme Learning Outcomes including knowledge, understanding, academic and vocational skills, and other qualities.
The following letters denote the contribution of each module: D = programme outcome is developed in this module
F = programme outcome, or aspects of the programme outcome, are formatively assessed on this module S = programme outcome, or aspects of the programme outcome, are summatively assessed on this module
Module
Code Module Name
P rogr am m e out co m e 1 P rogr am m e out co m e 2 Pr ogr am m e out co m e 3 P rogr am m e out co m e 4 P rogr am m e out co m e 5 P rogr am m e out co m e 6 P rogr am m e out co m e 7 P rogr am m e out co m e 8
HMSN7001 Introduction to Nuclear Security Management and Legislation
D F
S D F D F D F D F D F D D
HMSN7002 The need for Nuclear Security Management D S D F F S D F F D F D D
HMSN7003 Security of Special Nuclear Materials D F
S D F S F D F F D F D D
HMSN7004 Security of Radioactive Materials D F
S
D F S
F D F F D F D D
7. Programme Assessment Map
This map charts the assessment of the Programme Learning Outcomes across the different modules. It is designed to ensure that assessment tasks are focused on demonstrating achievement of the Programme Learning Outcomes including knowledge, understanding, academic and vocational skills, and other qualities.
The following letters denote the contribution of each module: D = programme outcome is developed in this module
F = programme outcome, or aspects of the programme outcome, are formatively assessed on this module S = programme outcome, or aspects of the programme outcome, are summatively assessed on this module
Module
Code Module Name
P rogr am m e out co m e 1 P rogr am m e out co m e 2 Pr ogr am m e out co m e 3 P rogr am m e out co m e 4 P rogr am m e out co m e 5 P rogr am m e out co m e 6 P rogr am m e out co m e 7 P rogr am m e out co m e 8
HMSN7006 Managing External Relationships in Nuclear Security D F
S D,S D F S D F F S D S D F S F S
HMSN7007 Strategic Management Issues for Nuclear Security D F D F D F D F
S D F S D F D F S F S
8. Indicative Assessment Calendar
Module
Code Module Title Method(s) of Assessment Weighting
Approx assessment deadline (eg
mid semester)
HMSN7001 Introduction to Nuclear Security
Management and Legislation Written report 100 Mid sem. 1
HMSN7002 The Need for Nuclear Security
Management Written report 100 Mid sem. 1
HMSN7003 Security of Special Nuclear Materials Written report 100 Mid sem. 2
HMSN7004 Security of Radioactive Materials Written report/short presentation to
group 80/20 Mid sem. 2
HMSN7005 Leadership Skills for Nuclear Security
Management Written report/ short presentation to group 80/20 Mid sem 3
HMSN7006 Managing External Relationships in
Nuclear Security Written report/set exercise 80/20 Mid sem. 3
HMSN7007 Strategic Management Issues for
Nuclear Security Written report 100 Mid sem. 4
9. Support for Students and their Learning Initial and on-going induction
There is a need for some essential physics and maths competencies. These need to be assessed as part of student selection. Online material will be provided where this is necessary, but this will represent about 32 hours of extra study in the first semester.
Personal Development Portfolio
This will be a non-mandatory component of the programme for the purposes of SyI accreditation.
Special facilities
Specialised radiation metrology facilities are provided by the university, at a level consistent with the role of a security manager.
Personal Tutor (PT) System
A personal tutor will be allocated to each student, either from university staff, or a member of the programme steering group who will be industry based but accessible remotely.
Tutorials
Contact time with tutors will be delivered face-to-face when possible, or remotely otherwise.
Library and Students Services
As a student of University of Cumbria, you will have access to Library and Student Services (LiSS) facilities; careers and employability, financial help, counselling, health and wellbeing, support for disabled students and those with specific learning requirements and taught sessions to develop a high level of information fluency, digital skills and academic skills. You will have embedded skills interventions from LiSS as part of your induction experience and beyond. Typically the interventions have taken the form of workshops but equivalent online input could be chosen through liaison. Embedded induction input will cover IT network passwords, basic intro to Blackboard and webmail, library services and electronic resources (ebooks, ejournals, image collections etc). Later input will cover more advanced (including level 7) information fluency and critical reading and writing skills.
LiSS will provide quantitative and qualitative feedback to the faculty on the impact of the skills support offered to participants on an annual basis.
You can access individual support from LiSS via email guidance and by face to face advice throughout your student journey. Further LiSS Learning and skills development workshops may be requested by tutors or directly by you. These sessions focus on a range of skills including; preparing for the online TA skills tests, using smartboards, planning for
dissertations and introducing the requirements of academic research and writing at Masters level.
In addition, you will have access to online tutorials and the skills@cumbria support area on Blackboard and on the LiSS website: http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/SkillsatCumbria/.
Module leaders will collaborate with LiSS learning enhancement advisers to ensure reading lists are current and that ebooks and electronic journal titles have been considered. Reading lists will be made available to LiSS Learning advisers who will transform them into interactive electronic lists using the Talislist tool. The finished lists will be made available on an open access basis (for prospective students) from the LiSS website (and other appropriate platforms).
10. Criteria for Admission
The vocational and technical nature of this programme requires that we define additional criteria for admission compared to standard post-graduate programmes:
Restricted to applicants already working in the nuclear security sector; this includes sites
outside the nuclear fuel cycle working with radioactive sources. This is because students need to have some experience in the industry and normally be employed in a nuclear context with relevant national security clearance for their workplace. Further, they need access to the workplace for mentoring support and professional development throughout the programme.
There are no nationality or country of origin restrictions beyond those of the normal
requirements of UK Border Agency, please see the UK Home Office website for definitive information. UKCISA also offers a range of information for international applicants and students; to visit the website.
Applicants normally hold an honours degree in relevant scientific, and technology
engineering and maths (STEM) subjects related to the nuclear industry, grade 2:2 or above. Relevant arts degrees will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. There are minimum maths and physics competencies that will be satisfied by a STEM degree. Where such competence is not made clear to the satisfaction of the university by
previous qualifications then a Maths and Physics test will be used for relevant applicants prior to acceptance on the programme. All candidates will be judged on an individual basis and will be required to be interviewed, remotely if necessary.
Overseas equivalent qualifications and English IELTS 6.5 or equivalent if English is not
the first language.
Students with qualifications such as HND with relevant industrial/engineering experience
are welcomed. They will be judged on an individual basis and will be required to be interviewed, remotely if necessary. Admission would be granted in accordance with the University’s Procedures for APL
Standard entry criteria as indicated in the University Admissions Policy. Standard
University practice will be followed with respect to applicants without traditional entry requirements. Non-standard entrants are required to demonstrate ability to benefit from and successfully complete the programme. All non-standard entrants are interviewed.
Advanced standing on the programme will not be considered. This is in line with the
11. Methods for Evaluating and Improving the Quality and Standards of Learning and Teaching
Mechanisms for review and evaluation of LTA, the curriculum and outcome
standards
Student Module Evaluations, Feedback from Personal tutors to Module and Programme Leader, Departmental Quality Committee
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
The university has established a Steering Group of representatives from the nuclear security industry to advise so as to ensure it meets their needs as well as those of the students. Other relevant committees are: Departmental Quality committees (DQCs), Faculty Academic Quality and Standards Committee (FAQSC), Learning and Teaching Committee (LTC)
Mechanisms for gaining (and responding to) student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience
Staff/student liaison, DQCs, work placement audit, peer review, NSS, programme/module evaluation. Feedback from Personal Tutors to module and programme leader.
Staff development priorities for staff
teaching this programme (i) scholarly and research activities, professional updating as evidenced in staff CVs and appraisals;
(ii) staff are encouraged to work toward Standard 2 of the National Professional Standards
12. Additional Information
The University of Cumbria has a Student Code of Conduct which all students are required to be familiar with and abide by:
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/LISS/Documents/Procedures/StudentCodeOfConductAndAdj udicationProcedure.pdf
Students are expected to attend 100% of the programme and any deviation from this must be approved by the programme team. Procedures for sickness and absence must be adhered to as outlined in the Programme Handbook and Placement Handbooks.
For more information, refer to the following:
QAA Quality Code – Chapter B4: Student Support, Learning Resources and Careers Education, Information and Guidance
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (2001) (SENDA) Techdis
13. Administrative and Supporting Information
Key sources of information about this programme and its development can be found in the following:
IAEA Nuclear Security Series 12 : educational Programme for nuclear security. www.iaea.org
Also see www.wins.org
Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 30 -
http://publications.npl.co.uk/npl_web/pdf/mgpg30.pdf NRPB R326
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/11949473136 66
UoC programme website and how to apply:-
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Courses/Subjects/HealthAndSocialCare/P ostgraduate/NuclearSecurityManagementMSc.aspx
Department: Department of Medical and Sport Sciences
Faculty Health and Science
Teaching Institution University of Cumbria
Collaborative
Partners Not applicable
Description of type
of Collaboration Not applicable
JACS code: N220
Programme code
(CRS): PM-NUCSEC
UCAS code:
(where applicable) Not applicable
Date of last
engagement with external bodies (eg QAA, Ofsted, etc)
Not yet applicable
Date of Programme Specification
validation 1
st May 2013
Validated period of
programme: 5 Years (January 2014 to December 2018)
Date of changes to Programme
Specification:
Reason for change:
(eg minor changes) Date:
process your personal data. The University may be required to disclose student data, but will only do so within the terms of this Act. Please see the University of Cumbria website for more information.
About Programme Specifications
This programme 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 is provided in the Programme Handbook and associated Module Guides.
Programme Specifications are written with the student audience in mind and are available to students. In addition, they are used in a number of ways:
As a source of information for students and prospective students seeking an
understanding of the programme.
For the teaching team to ensure there is a common understanding about the aims and
learning outcomes for a programme.
As a reference point for audit, review and monitoring purposes
As a source of information for employers, and professional bodies to provide evidence
that required skills or abilities are developed by the programme.
For more details about Programme Specifications, refer to the QAA Quality Code, Chapter A3: The Programme Level.
