Programme Specification

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Faculty of Business and Law

Professional Development Network

Programme Specification

This document provides a concise summary of the main features of the courses & associated awards offered through this Programme Specification, and includes 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 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 dedicated 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

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Versioning of Programme Specification

This programme specification is valid for the period of approval confirmed at the time of the approval/last review event and relates to provision approved at that point. Programme specifications are updated on an annual basis to include modifications approved through the University’s quality assurance processes.

This version provides a description of the programme as approved for the academic session indicated in section 3 of the following table.

1 Date of initial Approval or last review: 23 January 2014 2 Effective date of Approved/Reviewed Programme Specification: 01/09/2014 –

31/08/2020

3 This Version effective from: September 2015

4 Version number: PROFDEV/Sep14/V2

Students who commenced their study on awards within this programme specification prior to 01/09/2015

should refer to the previous version of the programme specification published on the CASQE website.

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/specs/index.php

Modifications to Programme Specification

Modifications to the programme specification since approval/ last review, and the cohort of students affected by the change, are listed in Section H (Log of Modifications) at the back of the document.

Cross Referencing of Programme Specifications

The following elements of provision included in this document is/ are also included in the following programme specifications

Award Programme Specification

MSc Management MSc Multi-Channel Retail MSc Strategic Business Management Masters Network Digital Communications Programmes

CIMA Degree Programmes Amendments made to provision listed in this table, must also be reflected in the relevant programme specifications listed above

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CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC STANDARDS & QUALITY ENHANCEMENT

Programme Specification

The information in this document is organised into the following sections: Section A – Administrative and Regulatory Information

Section B – Outcomes Section C – Structure

Section D – Teaching, Learning and Assessment Section E – Programme Management

Section F – Mapping

Section G – Points of Reference

SECTION A – ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY INFORMATION

1 Overarching Programme Specification Title

Professional Development Network

2 Brief Summary

This network of awards is designed to develop the professional and academic capabilities

associated with specific disciplines within management and business. Students will gain specialist knowledge relevant to current managers. The focus in all awards is on the development of high level skills, and on the relationship between theory and practice, with all awards including the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to business practice. There is an emphasis in this Network on flexibility of design and delivery to meet the continuous professional development needs of students.

3 Awarding institution Manchester Metropolitan University

4 Home Faculty Business and Law

5 Home Department/ School/

Institute

Postgraduate, Professional and Commercial Department

6 UCAS/GTTR code(s)

7 Framework for HE Qualifications positionof final award(s)

Intermediate (Level 5)

Honours (Level 6 Masters (Level 7)

8 Alignment with University Curriculum Framework

Postgraduate Undergraduate Flexible

9 Engagement with the University’s Uniwide Language Provision

Uniwide is not available for Postgraduate programmes

10 Compliance with University Assessment Regulations

Taught Undergraduate Taught Postgraduate

11 Approved Variations/Exemptions from University Assessment Regulations

N/A

12 Relationship with Faculty Foundation Year

N/A

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13 Final award title(s) MSc/PG Diploma/PG Certificate: Leadership

Leadership in Health and Social Care Management

Place Management and Leadership Professional Development

Public Relations and Media Management

PG Certificate:

Public Relations and Digital Communications

Certificate in Professional Studies: Management and Leadership Human Resource Management

University Certificate/University Diploma/Advanced Diploma:

Professional Studies in Business

14 Combined Honours

N/A

14a (i) Combined Honours Awards

available eg:

 BSc/BA (Hons) AB

 BSc/BA (Hons) AB and XY

 BSc/BA (Hons) AB with XY (ii) Single Honours Awards available through Combined Honours (ie Named Awards)

(iii) Approved Subject

Combinations administered by this Programme Specification

(ie “home” combinations)

N/A

14b Approved Subject Combination administered by other Programme Specifications

Approved Combination Home Programme Specification &

Home Dept

N/A N/A

15 Interim exitawards and Subject title(s)

PG Diploma/PG Certificate:

Leadership

Leadership in Health and Social Care Management

Place Management and Leadership Professional Development

Arrangements with Partners

16 Approved Collaborative partner(s) Partner Name Type of Collaborative Partnership

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Arrangements with Partners

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies

18 PSRB(s) associated with final award

of any route within the programme specification

Chartered Management Institute Accreditation of individual units (re-accreditation of units in process March 2014).

Chartered Institute of Public Relations MSc Publication Relations and Media Management (re-accreditation of units in process March 2014)

Date: 2011

2011

19 Date and outcome of last PSRB approval/accreditation

See section 18

Approval Status

20 Date and outcome of most recent MMU review/ approval

(i) Latest review/approval

23 January 2014

(ii) Major Modifications to Programme Specification since last review/approval

21 Next Scheduled Review Date: January 2020

22 Programme Specification effective date:

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SECTION B - OUTCOMES

23 MMU Graduate Outcomes

On successful completion of their course of study MMU graduates will be able to:

GO1. apply skills of critical analysis to real world situations within a defined range of contexts;

GO2. demonstrate a high degree of professionalism characterised by initiative, creativity, motivation and self-management;

GO3. express ideas effectively and communicate information appropriately and accurately using a range of media including ICT;

GO4. develop working relationships using teamwork and leadership skills, recognising and respecting different perspectives;

GO5. manage their professional development reflecting on progress and taking appropriate action;

GO6. find, evaluate, synthesise and use information from a variety of sources;

GO7. articulate an awareness of the social and community contexts within their disciplinary field.

24 Programme Rationale

These awards have been developed to support graduates (and equivalent) in their academic development and progression within specialist professional and managerial careers. The emphasis on all programmes in on the integration of academic theory with practical application in a business context, to support continuous professional development.

The Network has a suite of awards that enables progression from undergraduate to postgraduate study. We are proposing specific award titles that have demonstrable demand from individuals wishing to progress to masters level study. By making use of the University’s Flexible Framework we have also devised a Professional Development award structure that will enable students, and their employers, to build around their own continuous professional development requirements.

Students in employment have the opportunity to apply theory to their work contexts, wherever possible making a difference in their workplace. Students studying to MSc level will complete a dissertation that can be directly related to addressing a specific business issue. In these ways students will enhance their employability skills.

25 QAA Benchmark Statement(s)

QAA Master’s Degrees in Business and Management 2007 QAA UG General Business and Management 2007

26 Programme Specific Outcomes

Assurance of Learning (AoL) refers to a process used to continually improve student performance through improving student learning. The Business School has established a common set of outcomes for all programmes that are business-specific skills and knowledge appropriate to the mission of the School. These are referred to as programme level learning outcomes (PLO). Each award has its own clear goals whilst maintaining the overall mission of the School. The learning outcomes for each programme are expressed in the Programme Specification. They underpin what

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career advancement. The Outcomes Mappings provided in the appendix to this document indicate the units in which each Programme Specific Outcome will be developed. An Assurance of Learning mapping will be approved annually by the Faculty Assurance of Learning Steering Group/Faculty Student Experience Committee for each programme indicating the unit(s) in which each PLO will be assessed.

(a) Final Award Learning Outcomes

Common set of Programme Learning Outcomes constructed to comply with MMU requirements and AACSB Standards.

On successful completion of all MSc awards, students will be able to:

PLO1: apply critical thinking to the analysis of situations, draw appropriate conclusions and make recommendations for action

PLO2: be effective communicators

PLO3: apply a critical and reflective awareness of sustainability and ethical issues PLO4: be professional and commercially prepared

On successful completion of MSc Leadership/Leadership in Health and Social Care, students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues in a leadership/leadership and health and social care context.

On successful completion of MSc Management, students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues in a management context.

On successful completion of MSc Place Management and Leadership, students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues in a place management context.

On successful completion of MSc Public Relations and Media Management, students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues in a public relations and media management context.

On successful completion of MSc Professional Development students will be able to: PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues in a business and management context.

On successful completion of all PG Diplomas, students will be able to:

PLO1: apply critical thinking to the analysis of situations, draw appropriate conclusions and make recommendations for action

PLO2: be effective communicators

PLO3: apply a critical and reflective awareness of sustainability and ethical issues PLO4: be professional and commercially prepared

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students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and general research skills to specific leadership issues.

On successful completion of PG Diploma in Management students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and general research skills to specific management issues.

On successful completion of PG Diploma in Place Management and Leadership students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and general research skills to specific place management issues.

On successful completion of PG Diploma in Professional Development students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and general research skills to specific issues in the business and management domain.

On successful completion of PG Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, students will be able to:

PLO5: apply advanced subject specific knowledge, professional and general research skills to specific public relations and media management issues.

On successful completion of all PG Certificates, students will be able to:

PLO1: apply critical thinking to the analysis of situations and draw appropriate conclusions PLO2: communicate in writing

PLO3: be professional and commercially aware

On successful completion of PG Certificate in Leadership/Leadership in Health and Social Care, students will be able to:

PLO4: apply advanced subject specific knowledge in leadership.

On successful completion of PG Certificate in Management, students will be able to: PLO4: apply advanced subject specific knowledge in management.

On successful completion of PG Certificate in Place Management and Leadership, students will be able to:

PLO4: apply advanced subject specific knowledge in place management.

On successful completion of PG Certificate in Professional Development, students will be able to:

PLO4: apply advanced subject specific knowledge in business and management.

On successful completion of PG Certificate in Public Relations and Media Management, students will be able to:

PLO4: apply advanced subject specific knowledge in public relations and media management.

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On successful completion of PG Certificate in Public Relations and Digital Communications, students will be able to:

PLO4: apply advanced subject specific knowledge in public relations and digital communications.

Specialist award titles

On successful completion of University Diploma in Professional Studies in Management and Leadership, students will be able to:

PLO1: Select and apply management and leadership tools in professional practice PLO2: Distinguish and contrast between a range of management and leadership

knowledge and skills and their relevance to practice

On successful completion of University Diploma in Professional Studies in Human Resource Management, students will be able to:

PLO1: Select and apply human resource management tools in professional practice PLO2: Distinguish and contrast between a range of human resource management

knowledge and skills and their relevance to practice

Generic award titles

On successful completion of University Certificate in Professional Studies in Business, students will be able to:

PLO1: Apply a range of business and management tools in professional practice

PLO2: Draw on business and management knowledge and skills in professional practice

On successful completion of University Diploma in Professional Studies in Business, students will be able to:

PLO1: Select and apply appropriate business and management tools in professional practice

PLO2: Distinguish and contrast between a range of business and management knowledge and skills and their relevance to practice

On successful completion of Advanced Diploma in Professional Studies inBusiness, students will be able to:

PLO1: Evaluate, select and apply business and management tools in professional practice PLO2: Demonstrate critical awareness of business and management knowledge and skills

and their relevance to practice

(b) Combined Honours Learning Outcomes

N/A

(c) Pass Degree Learning Outcomes

N/A

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SECTION C – STRUCTURE

28 Structures, modes of delivery (eg FT/PT/DL etc), levels, credits, awards, curriculum map of all units (identifying core/option status, credits, pre or co-requisites) potential entry/exit points and progression/award requirements

IN RELATION TO ALL PROGRAMMES LISTED BELOW:

 All Business School Level 7 units may be used as Option units. Those indicated in each programme structure may be replaced by alternative approved units listed in appendix 1.

 All programmes are offered in part time mode. Where there is an alternative mode this is indicated in the programme structure diagram.

 The Internship unit is available as an Optional unit attracting Practice Credits.

Option Units

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Certificate in Professional Studies: Human Resource Management

Core Units

Code Status Unit Title No of

credits 5T5Z0063 Also offered to students from Manchester City Council by off-site delivery

HR Policy and Practice 30

5T6Z0055 Also offered to students from Manchester City Council by off-site delivery

The Effective HR Practitioner 30

On successful completion of the following credits:

60 credits: final exit award – Certificate in Professional Studies: Human Resource Management

MSc Leadership

PG Diploma Leadership PG Certificate Leadership

MSc Leadership in Health and Social Care

PG Diploma Leadership in Health and Social Care PG Certificate Leadership in Health and Social Care

Core Units

credits 5T7Z0069 Critical Reflections on Self as Leader and

Leadership Practice

30

5T7Z0070 Leadership Strategies for Performance 30 5T7Z0067 Sustainable Leadership for the Future 30

5T7Z0092 Dissertation 60

Option Units

Choose 1 from options listed

5R7Z0067 Academic and Professional Development 30 5T7Z0090 Investigating Business Practice

AND

15

5T7Z0091 Research Methods 15

On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits:

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Leadership/Leadership in Health and Social Care 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Leadership/Leadership in Health and Social Care 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Leadership/Leadership in Health and Social Care

Students on both award titles study the same unit titles but are context-specific for assessment of the Health and Social Care students.

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MSc Management PG Diploma Management PG Certificate Management

Core Units

credits

5T7Z0065 Management Practice 30

5T7Z0070 Leadership Strategies for Performance 30

5T7Z0092 Dissertation 60

Option Units

5U7Z0046 Project Management Organisation and Systems 30 Approved option unit 30 5R7Z0067 Academic and Professional Development 30 5T7Z0090 Investigating Business Practice

AND

15

5T7Z0091 Research Methods 15

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Management 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Management 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Management

This award title is also offered on a full time basis in the Masters Network. Students achieve the same learning outcomes but the structure of the programme differs to reflect the general orientation of the full time course.

Certificate in Professional Studies: Management and Leadership Core Units

credits 5T5Z0021 Personal Development as a Leader and Project

Manager

30

5T6Z0053 Organisation Improvement – Developing Business and Operational Analysis and Application Skills

30

On successful completion of the following credits:

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MSc Place Management and Leadership – Full Time PG Diploma Place Management and Leadership PG Certificate Place Management and Leadership

Core Units

credits 5U7Z0056 Place Intelligence and Forecasting 15

5U7Z0062 Research Methods 15

5U7Z0064 Dissertation 60

Option Units

5U7Z0087 Place Operations Management 30 5U7Z0061 Principles of Place Management, Marketing and

Branding

30

5U7Z0057 Principles of Place Leadership, Governance and Partnership Development

30

5U7Z0058 Place Development Theory and Practice 30

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Place Management and Leadership 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Place Management and Leadership 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Place Management and Leadership

MSc Place Management and Leadership – Part Time PG Diploma Place Management and Leadership PG Certificate Place Management and Leadership

Core Units

credits 5U7Z0056 Year 2 Term 1 Place Intelligence and Forecasting 15 5U7Z0062 Year 2 Term 1 Research Methods 15 5U7Z0064 Year 2 Term 2 Dissertation 60 Option Units

5U7Z0087 Year 1 Term 1 Place Operations Management 30 5U7Z0061 Year1 Term 1 Principles of Place Management, Marketing and

Branding

30

5U7Z0057 Year1 Term 2 Principles of Place Leadership, Governance and Partnership Development

30

5U7Z0058 Year1 Term 3 Place Development Theory and Practice 30

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Place Management and Leadership 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Place Management and Leadership 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Place Management and Leadership

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MSc Public Relations and Media Management

PG Diploma Public Relations and Media Management PG Certificate Public Relations and Media Management

Core Units

credits 5U7Z0065 Public Relations Theory and Strategy 30 5U7Z0084 Strategy and Planning for Digital and Social

Media Communications

30

5U7Z0060 Corporate Reputation and Media Management 30 5U7Z0052 Leadership and Management in PR 15

5U7Z0063 Research Methods 15

5U7Z0064 Dissertation 60

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Public Relations and Media Management (Must include the unit Corporate Reputation and Media Management)

120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Public Relations and Media Management 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Public Relations and Media Management

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PG Certificate Public Relations and Digital Communications Core Units

credits 5U7Z0065 Public Relations Theory and Strategy 30 5U7Z0084 Strategy and Planning for Digital and Social

Media Communications

30

On successful completion of the following level 7 credits:

60 credits: final exit award – PG Certificate Public Relations and Digital Communications

MSc Multi Channel Retailing

Core Units

credits 5U7Z8017 Masters Level Thinking 20 5U7Z8014 Strategy and Planning for Integrated Digital

Communications

20

5U7Z8018 Marketing and Customer Insight for Multi-Channel Retail

20

5U7Z8010 Product and Service Development for Multi-Channel Retail

20

5U7Z8015 Multi-Channel Retailing Operations 20 Multi-Channel Retailing Dissertation 60 Option Units

5U7Z8011 Offered to students who come via MMC Learning

Digital Strategy, Thinking and Innovation 20

5U7Z8020 Offered to students who come via JD Sports

Strategy and Planning for Multi-Channel Retail 20

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Digital Communication 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Multi Channel Retailing 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Multi Channel Retailing

This award title is also offered in the Digital Communications Programmes Programme Specification. JD Sports students achieve the same learning outcomes but the structure of that programme differs to reflect the specific requirements of the collaborative partnership with MMC Learning.

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The following awards are made under the University Flexible Curriculum Framework. These awards are made in relation to the accumulation of credits achieved by completion of units taken as

individual CPD. A minimum of 50% of units for each award must belong to the Business School.

Students will be enrolled on individual units until they have accumulated enough credits to be eligible for an award.

MSc Professional Development

PG Diploma Professional Development PG Certificate Professional Development

Core Units

credits 5R7Z0067 Academic and Professional Development 30

Dissertation 60

Option Units

Level 7 Unit(s) 90

60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate Professional Development 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma Professional Development 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Professional Development

University Certificate in Professional Studies in Business Option Units

credits Units that include minimum Level 4 60

On successful completion of the following credits including minimum level 4 units: 60 credits: final exit award – University Certificate in Professional Studies in Business

University Diploma in Professional Studies in Business Option Units

On successful completion of the following credits including minimum level 5 units: 60 credits: final exit award – University Diploma in Professional Studies in Business

Advanced Diploma in Professional Studies in Business Option Units

On successful completion of the following credits including minimum level 6 units: 60 credits: final exit award – Advanced Diploma in Professional Studies in Business

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Approved Option Units

5R7Z0067 - Academic and Professional Development 5R7Z0057 - Applied Economic Theory

5R7Z0054 - Behavioural Economics and Financial Decision Making 5U7Z0049 - Business Analytics

5R7Z0064 - Business and Performance Management 5T7Z0083 - Business Psychology in Action

5U7Z0050 - Contemporary Issues in Marketing Strategy 5U7Z0059 - Corporate Finance and Strategy

5R7Z0060 - Corporate Reporting and Finance

5U7Z0060 - Corporate Reputation and Media Management 5U7Z0055 - Creative Advertising

5T7Z0069 - Critical Reflections on Self as Leader and Leadership Practice 5T7Z0078 - Developing Skills for Business Leadership

5U7Z0048 - Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise 5T7Z0080 - Employment Resourcing, Relations and Law 5T7Z0084 - Ethics, Responsibility and Equality

5R7Z0056 - Financial Economics and The Banking Crisis 5R7Z0052 - Financial Planning and Wealth Management 5R7Z0092 – Economic and Quantitative Analysis

5T7Z0077 - HR in Context

5T5Z0063 - HR Policy and Practice

5U7Z0053 - Integrated Marketing Communications Planning and Control 5U7Z0051 - International Brand Strategy

5T7Z0081 - International and Comparative HRM

5R7Z0058 - International Corporate Reporting And Governance 5T7Z0074 - International Environment

5T7Z0073 - International Strategy and Management

5T7Z0090 (Management), 5U7Z0062 (MODB), 5R7Z0061 (AFE) - Investigating Business Practice 5T7Z0075 - Key Debates in Contemporary International Relations

5U7Z0052 - Leadership and Management in PR

5T7Z0089 - Leading, Managing and Developing People

5U7Z0043 - Logistics and Supply Chain Concepts and Practices 5T7Z0065 - Management Practice

5T7Z0087 - Management Research Report

5T6Z0053 – Organisational Improvement – Development Business and Operational Analysis and Application Skills

5T7Z0086 - Organisational Learning and Knowledge Management 5T7Z0082 - Performance and Reward

5T5Z0021 - Personal Development as a Manager and Leader 5U7Z0054 - Place Development Theory and Practice

5U7Z0056 - Place Intelligence and Forecasting

6F7Z3002 - Policy for Sustainable Development (Science and Engineering)

5U7Z0057 - Principles of Place Leadership, Governance and Partnership Development 5U7Z0061 - Principles of Place Management, Marketing and Branding

5U7Z0045 - Project Management Concepts and Practices 5U7Z0046 - Project Management Organisation and Systems 5U7Z0059 - Public Relations Skills and Specialisms

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5U7Z0058 - Public Relations Theory, Strategy and Planning

5R7Z0062 (AFE), 5T7Z0091 (Management), 5U7Z0063 (MODB) - Research Methods 5U7Z0047 - Strategic Information Systems and Technology

5U7Z0084 - Strategy and Planning for Digital and Social Media Communications 5T7Z0085 - Strategy Learning, Coaching and Talent Development

5T7Z0068 - Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship 5U7Z0044 - Supply Chain Planning

5T7Z0067 - Sustainable Leadership for the Future 5R7Z0053 - Taxation and Retirement Planning

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SECTION D - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

29 Articulation of Graduate Prospects

Course Teams, Course Leaders and Programme Coordinators work collaboratively in establishing curriculum content for each award, drawing on Subject Benchmarks, accrediting and professional bodies, current curriculum research, and developments in business practice. In this way they can establish a curriculum based on skills and knowledge that will maximise the opportunities for graduate success. In keeping with the University’s Vision and Mission each award focuses on the professional development of students. This network contains those awards that are studied on a part time basis particularly targetted at the continuous professional development of staff in the workplace.

Each course team maintains links with its alumni, increasingly facilitated by social networking tools, and where possible includes alumni in direct involvement with future cohorts as guest speakers, providers of projects, internships and assignment contexts. The programme teams work in cooperation with the Alumni Office and Marketing Officers to draw up case studies of graduate careers (and their employers) that are used to guide applicants and current students. The DLHE is used for early career information. Student feedback provided in-course through the ISS and the PTES is used to assess the effectiveness of the programme in students’ perceptions of their employability and their confidence; and this is used to inform teaching, learning and assessment strategies.

30 Curriculum Design Knowledge

Each award includes core units of specialist knowledge. Awards of a more general nature (for example MSc Management) also include an option unit to provide students with the opportunity to develop a particular area of specialist knowledge. Option units are generally also core units on a specialist programme to ensure their viability. The nature of the specialist knowledge on MSc Professional Development will be determined according to the continuous professional development needs of individuals.

Academic Skills

The skills contained within each unit are defined in the unit specification, mapped, and actioned through the teaching, learning and assessment strategy as indicated below.

At postgraduate level a specific focus on academic skills is contained within the Academic and Professional Development unit. Delivery of this unit is split across the programme to ensure that it supports early skills development to support masters level learning and later skills development to underpin the dissertation. The undergraduate awards embed academic skills development in the core units, preparing graduates to progress to postgraduate level study.

Employability Skills

The skills contained within each unit are defined in the unit specification, mapped, and actioned through the teaching, learning and assessment strategy as indicated below. A specific focus on reflecting on employability skills is contained within the Academic and Professional Development unit. All students are able to access the Internship Programme supported by the Placement and Employability team in the Faculty who also provided personalised guidance on job seeking skills. The undergraduate level awards embed employability skills in the core units.

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Modes of Delivery

All awards in this network are offered in part time mode. Where a whole programme is offered in a distance learning mode this is indicated in the programme structure. In all cases students will be provided with an induction in to the university and course requirements, and preparation for study, as is appropriate to the mode(s) of delivery.

Individual units within a programme may be offered in more than one mode. The learning and teaching associated with each mode is outlined below.

Linear delivery: This is where units are taught on a weekly basis providing regular face-to-face contact, generally over a single term, although some units may be taught across a full academic year. Face–to-face contact is supported by materials/learning activities/communication provided through the university VLE. There is generally 20 hours of direct contact for each 10 credits.

Block delivery: This is where units are taught in one or more blocks of study. Generally these are two days of consecutive direct contact of a single unit for each 10 credits. Some of the direct contact time may be replaced by distance learning materials/activities/communication provided through the university VLE.

Online: This is where units are taught wholly at a distance with no requirement for attendance at the University. The course will generally be delivered through the University VLE.

Work-based: This is where students study the course materials at a distance and the form of assessment is amended to enable the completion of a work-based project and an academic reflection to address the learning outcomes of a unit. A Work-based Framework handbook is provided to students and to staff to support this mode of study.

Progression

This Professional Development network has been designed to facilitate progression from

undergraduate to postgraduate level study for students with work experience, as illustrated below. The network is aimed at those who have work experience and who wish to study on a part time basis.

Informed Design

The design of the curriculum as described above has been informed by feedback from current students, gathered through surveys and from focus groups held during the Programmes Review period. Potential employers have been involved in verifying our designs directly and indirectly through their contribution to professional body guidance. Government and non-governmental bodies (AACSB HEFCE, EFMD) have also informed the content and structure of our awards.

31 Learning and Teaching

The Business School has articulated its approach to learning and teaching in to a single strategy as presented below.

Introduction and Philosophy

Our philosophy is that students who study at MMUBS benefit from excellence and consistency in learning, teaching and assessment and the strengths of the individual subject specific expertise of staff within a supportive and inclusive environment where all contributions are valued.

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The MMUBS Blend

The MMUBS student experience is distinctive and is built around ‘modelling professional behaviour’.

This ‘immersive learning experience’ benefits our students in a number of ways including:

 Courses that reflect current business practice and values that help students to continually develop as world class professionals

 Courses that are accredited by professional organisations as recognition of our professional approach

 A business professional approach to the delivery of learning and teaching that is built upon staff professional skills, research informed subjects and continuous professional

development

 Degree+ _{- extra curricular opportunities, such as student societies engaged with their}

professions, that add value to the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study and enhance employability

The key attributes of learning, teaching and assessment on our courses are:

 An emphasis on professional skills development with embedded curriculum links to employability skills developed as part of the learning, teaching and assessment process. A commitment to sustainability and developing students as responsible managers including the use of case based scenarios to develop professional judgements and ethics.

 Assurance of learning* of programme level outcomes through authentic, relevant summative assessments based on the simulation of the professional environment.

Supportive assessment processes such as rehearsing how to solve problems together with additional, front ended support in early assessments within each academic level of study.

 A blended approach using a “coaching” model for Personal Academic Tutoring (PAT) to build on student strengths and help them to address their areas for improvement, including developing and monitoring inclusive learning plans such as PLPs. As students progress the contact time will be become more specific to their identified, agreed needs.

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to enable contributions from all of our students. A mix of alternative approaches such as lectures, seminars, videos and self directed study. Student learning styles and choices can influence the approach relevant to their level of study that is agreed with their tutors.

 Using research informed teaching (RIT) as a bridge between research and teaching with an increased emphasis on RIT at levels 6 and 7.

 A wide use of diagnostic online and in-class testing to identify student progress and individual learning needs. Flexible levels of additional support to challenge exceptional students and support those identified as needing further help to progress.

 The consistent use of a wide range of digital resources including imaginative use of a virtual learning environment and digital library resources. These resources are

complimentary resources for student development.

 A wide range of faculty events built around strong student societies that are connected to their professions. The events focus on, but are not limited to, improving

employability.

 Flexible, work based learning opportunities through formal placements, internships and the use of students own employment opportunities.

 Working in partnership with students to enhance their experience, including staff-student liaison meetings and regular staff-student surveys of learning, teaching and assessment at a unit and course level. This is accompanied by staff reflection on the feedback and reporting back on student feedback throughout their studies.

Application of Strategy

Specific mechanisms through which this Strategy is enacted in the Professional Development network are:

 Provision of pre-course reading and other resources to ensure preparedness of students for the expectations of the course.

 Early diagnostic and developmental work on writing skills to provide early feedback and to direct students to additional resources (eg ELSIS, The Writing Project, Student

Support Officers)

 Learning based on case studies (live and simulated) to encourage the relationship between theory and practice

 The integration of staff in research clusters and research units in to the postgraduate teaching team

 Opportunities for current faculty research to be included in delivery plans of units

 Assignment tasks that encourage relationship to direct business experience

 Development of reflective skills

 Consideration of ethics in business and in the conduct of business research

32 Assessment

Applying the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy presented in section 31, assessment tasks have been balanced across each award to ensure that each student experiences a variety of

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line with the overall philosophy of our provision, assessment tasks are designed to develop both academic and professional competence, as appropriate to the subject domain. These tasks have been mapped to ensure this variety and to ensure that all programme learning outcomes (PLO) are both developed and assessed across each course. The level of achievement of students across the network in relation to each PLO will be audited and evaluated against a target. Where targets are not met, or where performance on a particular course is weak, actions will be taken through the Continuous Monitoring and Improvement Process to improve future achievement.

Assessment Design

The norm for each 30 credit unit is two elements of assessment, totalling 6000 words or

equivalent. Each examination hour is treated as equivalent to 1000 words. This provides a level of consistency with variations from the norm having been agreed at the unit design/modification stage. Word counts do not always equate to ‘student effort’ and where tasks have required extended practical research the outcome document (particularly if targeted at a business audience) may be shorter. On the other hand in the economics domain higher word counts are expected. The norm for the balance between elements is 50/50 but again this can be adjusted by agreement to suit the nature of the assessment tasks within a unit, up to 30/70 (other than the dissertation which has a 15/85 balance).

Individual and Group Assessments

Consideration has been taken of the balance between individual and group assessment; and in most cases where group assessment is used, individual outcomes can be arrived at through the identification of individual contribution and/or through a process of peer assessment. In cases where the outcome relates to the whole group there is a rationale in relation to professional development. The majority of assessment on all courses is individual.

Inclusive Assessment

Consideration is made, in assessment design, of the student body. Where possible course work tasks are related to student experience; whether this be work experience, national origins, or case studies. Where examinations are used, students are provided with opportunities for formative practice in relation to the style of examination (eg closed book, open book, case study based). Examinations are often a requirement where there is professional body accreditation (eg Human Resource Management).

Assessment Processes

Students are provided with comprehensive coursework briefs which clearly articulate the PLO and Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO) to be assessed. Students are provided with assessment criteria for each element of coursework, with staff being guided by the University Standard Descriptors in setting their criteria. The Faculty has a robust system of internal and external moderation that conforms to the University policies on moderation.

Whilst the Faculty does not have a policy for the anonymous marking of coursework, all

coursework is submitted electronically (except for oversize poster work) and hence student names are not as apparent in the marking process. All examinations are marked and moderated

anonymously.

Formative feedback is provided on an early written submission in all programmes to support students’ transition to the expectations of the level of study and to signpost additional support

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units can take many forms, for example, tutorial exercises and online quizzes. Summative assessment feedback is designed to provide guidance on future performance, and so has a formative as well as summative purpose.

Feedback is provided to students within standard University turnaround times, with shorter feedback cycles where necessary for first elements of coursework in a unit, to ensure feedback is provided in a timely manner to support second elements/examinations. The design of the

curriculum in to short-fat units ensures feedback builds across the period of study.

Students are encouraged to reflect on their assessment performance and this forms part of the personal development planning activity for students.

33 Inclusive Practice

The network complies with the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy and relevant legislation regarding accessibility of learning opportunities. Staff seek to pre-empt students’ support needs through the provision of pre-course and induction information, and through early assessment and feedback.

34 Technology Enhanced Learning

The University VLE forms the foundation for technology enhanced learning on the network. All units engage with the VLE and there are additional programme areas to provide additional resources and communications with groups of students. Students are introduced to the VLE at induction and reinforced by unit staff.

Online learning is playing an increasing role in delivery, to support learning. Examples of this are staff podcasting their lectures and provision of online resources that enable students to engage in further learning. An online research methods course is being developed as a supplementary resource for full time students, and to replace some of the face-to-face attendance requirements of part time students.

A number of units have been developed to be delivered online as indicated in the unit specifications.

The development of technology enhanced learning is an on-going process; staff are supported in this by the Faculty e-Learning Support Officer.

35 Work-related Learning and/or Placement

The professional focus of these awards means that work-related activities are embedded in all programmes. Where possible, students are encouraged to use their own work place as a basis for learning.

Where students are working directly with organisations, other than in the course of their

employment, the University code of Practice for Placement Learning and Work-based Learning is followed.

Projects: Client-based projects are approved by unit leaders and are sourced and supported through the Business Gateway Office to ensure effective communications and monitoring of the student/client experience. Each student/team is supported by an academic member of staff in

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Short Internship: All students on the Professional Development network are eligible to register for the optional Internship unit that attracts Practice credits and is supported by the Faculty

Placement and Employability team (P&ET). The Placement and Employability team source internship opportunities and advertise these to the students. Students who register for the internship unit must do so via submission of a curriculum vitae which is checked by the P&ET and additional guidance where necessary. Students can seek guidance in their job seeking skills through meetings with the P&ET and through the many and varied sessions provided by the Careers and Employability service. A member of academic staff oversees the internship unit. Internships can be completed at any point in a programme provided it can be fitted around study commitments. The majority of internships are completed in the summer term and are used to underpin the dissertation unit.

Students are encouraged to take up all possible opportunities to engage directly with business to extend and deepen their learning. On the Professional Development network the majority of students will be in employment but the opportunities presented by their programme of study enables them to explore alternative employment situations and to extend their understanding to support progression within their employment.

36 Engagement with Employers

The Faculty has an employer forum who provide guidance and support on programmes design and delivery. Members of our alumni with significant work experience since graduation have provided feedback on the design of our courses.

Each course engages with employers dependent upon their professional body links. Some students have membership and access to the local network for their professional body. All courses invite employers to contribute through guest lectures, with some taking a deeper role in providing assignment situations. Additional opportunities to engage with employers are provided through the Business School’s lecture series, and through presentations by employers organised by the Faculty Placement and Employability team, and by the University Careers and Employability service.

Employers engage directly with the courses through the provision of internship opportunities.

37 Personal Development Planning

Students will be introduced to personal development planning through their induction programme, and will be encouraged to gather evidence throughout their programme. Each student registered for an award will be allocated a Personal and Academic Tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support.

Individual units on each course will require students to engage in reflection as part of their learning to support the gathering of evidence in relation to personal and professional development.

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SECTION E - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

38 Programme Specific Admission Requirements Entry to Masters Programmes

A candidate for entry must normally hold one of the following:

 Normally at least a Second Class UK honours degree (or equivalent awarded by recognised institutions outside the UK)

 A qualification from a professional body accepted by the Programme Coordinator as being an equivalent level to a Second Class UK honours degree (or equivalent awarded by recognised institutions outside the UK)

 A combination of qualifications and experience that demonstrates to the Programme Coordinator the necessary intellectual qualities and communication skills to study at Masters level

 A Certificate in Professional Studies: Management and Leadership or Human Resource Management from MMU (or equivalent)

Applicants whose first language is not English and whose first degree was not taught in English are required to produce evidence of English Language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any paper, or alternative qualifications as specified at

http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/international/courses/english-language-requirements/

Entry to Professional Studies programmes

Candidates for entry to professional studies programmes at levels 4, 5 or 6 must hold appropriate qualifications at the FHEQ level immediately below their entry level or demonstrate through the admissions process a mix of qualifications and experience which equip them to study at the entry level on the course of their choice.

Entry to Subsequent Stages

Candidates for entry to subsequent stages must normally have the qualifications described above plus the credits equivalent in content and level to the stages prior to their entry point on the programme. Admission to subsequent stages will be considered in accordance with the relevant University

Regulatory Framework: Flexible, Undergraduate or Postgraduate.

Admission with Exemption

Students are normally expected to complete the entire programme. Admission with exemption from a unit or units on the basis of relevant, verifiable, prior study, work experience or professional body qualifications may be considered. Applications for exemption will require appropriate documentary evidence and follow the agreed University procedure for AP(E)L.

Admission with Specific Credit

Candidates may be admitted with specific credit to the Advanced Standing mode when they have achieved a recognised qualification level as follows:

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University qualification Course options Units to achieve MSc

MMU PG Diploma gained in the Business School, not awarded as a fall back and achieved in the past 5 years.

An MSc course that relates to your PG Diploma

Dissertation (60 credits)

MMU PG Diploma gained in the Business School, not awarded as a fall back more than five years old.

Key Issues (10 credits) Dissertation (60 credits)

PG Diploma gained outside MMU Business School

Academic and Professional Development (30 credits) Dissertation (60 credits) PG Certificate An MSc course that relates

to your PG Certificate

Taught units (30 credits) Academic and Professional Development (30 credits) Dissertation (60 credits)

Professional qualification Course options Units to achieve MSc

Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in Public Relations

MSc Public Relations and Media Management

Taught units (30 credits) Academic and Professional Development or

Investigating Business Practice and Research Methods (30 credits) Dissertation (60 credits)

NB Minimum admission points for entry to the University are reviewed on an annual basis. For entry requirements refer to the current University on-line prospectus

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/

39 Programme Specific Management Arrangements

Programme management accords with the Management of Programme Delivery document on the CASQE website with the sole changes being:

1) That the duties of the programme leader are split between the Programmes Coordinator who leads a group of awards led in an academic department and the Course Leader who looks after the operation of an individual award. (Responsibilities outlined below.).

2) That in the Programme Committee membership the term Programme Leader is replaced by Programmes Coordinators and Course Leaders.

NB: the University’s Management of Programme Delivery is available from:

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/policies.php 40 Staff Responsibilities

Programme Coordinator

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professional bodies associated with the programme cluster and including approval and re-accreditation processes.

 Liaises with the Postgraduate Co-ordinator team, Programme Tutors and Unit Leaders to ensure the co-ordinated development and quality assurance.

 Creates an environment with the programme team members within the network that is supportive and encourages a positive contribution from members of staff.

 Leads the academic admissions process for the Programme cluster in liaison with the Postgraduate Co-ordinator Team, course leaders, MMU Admissions, MMU International and the Business School Programmes office.

 Takes cross-school management responsibilities within the Management and Business postgraduate, corporate and cpd programmes.

 Liaises with the Student Life Office, Programme Office, Course Leaders and Unit Tutors and advise the Head responsible over issues related to students such as disciplinary matters, mitigating circumstances, appeals etc.

 Participates in the development of collaborative partnership links both internally and externally in order to aid the dissemination of information, to share best practice, establish potential areas of collaborative work and enhance the reputation of the University.

 Identifies areas where current programmes need revision or improvement. Design, review and adapt unit content by interpreting student feedback and pre-empting needs in order to make input to the overall development of the programme.

 As part of the Postgraduate Programmes Management Team takes the lead in their own programme area on contributing to Business School programme strategic decision making on issues such as student recruitment and changes to the programme portfolio including planning the introduction of new programmes.

 Takes the lead in initiating, planning and organising cross Business School and programme focussed student events ensuring the effective use of time and resources.

 Assists in the development of Open Day activities, interacting with potential students in order to promote the department and gain a better understanding of student needs/expectations.

Course Leader

As Course Leader you are part of a wider group who are responsible for the operation of a programme area and improving the student experience in the Business School. You will be responsible for liaising with the students, Programme Coordinator, Unit Leaders, Unit Tutors and the programme administration team to ensure that the programme runs smoothly and that quality standards and procedures are maintained at all times.

General

 Take day-to-day responsibility for the management of a designated student cohort.

 Liaise closely with the unit leaders teaching the student cohort.

 Attend Programme Committee meetings, programme planning meetings, Staff-student Liaison meetings and Boards of Examiners.

 Work with and advise the Co-ordinator on the further development of the programme

 Take part in open/visit days, recruitment interviews and cover for clearing/summer admissions activities.

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of marketing the programme. Operational

 Produce pre-programme information and student handbook(s) for the appropriate programme year(s) in conjunction with the Programme Coordinator, Unit Leaders and Programme Administrator.

 Liaise with the Programme Co-ordinator and administrative teams and lead induction for the student cohort including providing information on rights, obligations, regulations and procedures in relation to the programme.

 Ensure the student timetable and changes to this are clearly communicated to students in liaison with the Programme Administrator.

 Organise the election of student representatives for the appropriate year(s).

 Liaise with unit leaders and programme administrator to ensure agreed policy of allocation of students in the student group to unit tutorial and workshop groups is managed and maintained effectively.

 Liaise with the Placement Manager to arrange for Placement/internship, careers and international exchange preparation to be addressed during induction and throughout the year (where relevant).

Communications

 To ensure that the programme area runs smoothly and that problems and conflicts are handled swiftly and appropriately.

 Use appropriate media as agreed by the Programme Management team to:

 Convey and relay to the student group, news, changes and other information about the programme year.

 Maintain frequent communications with students, including feedback on actions taken. Meet frequently, formally and informally, with student representatives.

Student performance

 Take action in relation to attendance and progress in the student group according to agreed procedures.

 Liaise with personal academic tutors over performance / disciplinary issues.

 Participate in Boards of Examiners/Progress Boards and pre-Boards as necessary to help monitor student progress on the programme(s). Take responsibility for the completeness of data for the student group in conjunction with the Programme Administrator. Participate to assist in the presentation of students to the Board of Examiners.

NB: the University’s Management of programme Delivery is available from:

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/policies.php 41 Programme Specific Academic Student Support

Generic academic student support is provided to all students in line with the guidance outlined in the University’s Student Handbook.

The University Student Handbook is available from :http://www.mmu.ac.uk/studenthandbook/

Programme Specific Support

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the Course Leader. The PAT system operates across all levels of awards in the Business School to ensure students are supported in their personal development planning and to signpost the student to pastoral, employability and academic support services.

42 Programme Specific Student Evaluation

The Programme complies with current institutional evaluation policies.

NB University information on Student Evaluation is available from:

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/experience/voice/docs/evaluation_of_opinion.pdf

Programme Specific Evaluation

In addition evaluation is undertaken on an ongoing basis through:

 informal communications between the student representatives and the Course Leader.

 termly staff-student liaison meeting for each award to identify and act on award specific issues, and to escalate more generic issues to the programme coordinator team and/or the Programmes Committee as is appropriate. All staff-student liaison meeting outcomes are reported back to all students and to the Programmes Committee.

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RELATIONSHIP TO SUBJECT BENCHMARK STATEMENT(S)

The Outcomes Mappings provided in the appendix to this document indicate the units in which each Programme Specific Outcome will be developed. An Assurance of Learning mapping will be approved annually by the Faculty Assurance of Learning Steering Group/Faculty Student Experience Committee for each programme indicating the unit(s) in which each PLO will be assessed.

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ASSESSMENT /OUTCOMES MAP

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SECTION G – POINTS OF REFERENCE

Internal

 University Mission and Strategic Aims

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/about/corporate-strategy/

 Programme Approval, Review and Modification Procedures outlined on the Centre for Academic Standards & Quality Enhancement website

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/event/

 University Regulations for Taught Postgraduate and Undergraduate Programmes of Study

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/assessment.php

 Previous Programme Approval/Review/Modification Report (23 January 2014)

 University Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategic Framework

http://www.celt.mmu.ac.uk/ltia/index.php

 University Curriculum Frameworks

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/curriculum-frameworks.php

 Institutional Code of Practice on Learning and Teaching  Institutional Code of Practice on Assessment

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/docs/assessment_icp.pdf  University Standards Descriptors

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/docs/assessment_procedures.pdf  Equality and Diversity policy

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/humanresources/equalities/sesconsultation/appendix-i-mmu-equality-&-diversity-policy.pdf

 University guidance on collaborative provision

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/collaborative/index.php

 Staff research

 Departmental Professional Advisory Committees

 Student Forums

 Alumni

External

 QAA Subject Benchmark statement

 QAA Framework for HE Qualifications

 QAA Code of Practice, particularly: - A3: The Programme Level

- B1: Programme Design and Approval - B8: Programme Monitoring and Review

 PSRB requirements:

 External examiner reports

 HEFCE Reports into Postgraduate Education

 EFMD

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SECTION H

Approved Modifications to Programme Specification since Approval/Last Review

The following log provides a cumulative of minor and major modifications made to the Programme Specification since its approval/last review. FAQSC Reference

(or PARM ref for Major

Modifications requiring strategic approval)

Programme Specification Title

(specify award titles/routes affected by change)

Brief Outline of Minor Modification/ Major Modification

(Minor - include level & title of units & a brief description of modification)

(Major - include details of change such as new routes, pathways etc)

Date of FAQSC Approval (or PARM event) Approval effective from: Details of cohort of students who will be affected by the modification

(eg students entering Level 5 wef September 2014 onward) 13.8_040215 Masters Network in

Management and Business and Professional

Development

Academic and Professional

Development 5R7Z0067 - change of assessment one, now takes form as a written submission (30%) 1500 words. (To replace Reflective Essay)

04/02/2015 September 2016 Students entering Level 7 wef September 2016

17.3_310715 Professional Development Network

PARM21 Major Modification (PARM-15-063): change of award title: MSc Place Management to MSc Place

Management and Leadership.