UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD

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1 UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Social Sciences Bradford Centre for International Development Programme title: MSc in International Development Policy and Management Awarding and teaching institution: Final and interim award(s): University of Bradford Postgraduate Certificate in International Development Policy and Management Postgraduate Diploma in International Development Policy and Management MSc in International Development Policy and Management [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7] Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: International Development Policy and Management N/A Relevant subject benchmark statement(s): FHEQ Level: Duration: 7 2 years part-time UCAS code: Date produced: Last updated : May

2 Introduction Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID) has been working closely with organisations that lead or deliver international development. This is within the University s ethos of Making knowledge work and you will be pleased to know that several such initiatives have been successfully completed. The MSc in International Development Policy and Management is designed exclusively for the staff of Aga Khan Development Network based on the University of Bradford s existing programmes. Its aim is to provide you with the critical and analytical skills to enable you to be more effective in critically analysing policies and delivering development programmes and projects within challenging and fragile environments. As a tailor-made programme, the course consists of six taught modules and a dissertation all of which are considered core. However, there is scope for some degree of choice in terms of topics of assessment and greater degree of freedom in selecting a dissertation topic in line with your interests but relevant to the programme. Like you, many postgraduates in the Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID) show a personal commitment to development and have some work experience in related areas of the public, private and voluntary sectors. The degree is usually seen as a means to develop careers: to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to become a more effective professional in the field of international development. As a member of staff employed by the Aga Khan Development Network, you and other students on this programme will already have embarked on a career in international development with a strong element of local level participation. Studying for a BCID postgraduate degree will facilitate you to enhance and develop knowledge and skills required for advancement to more senior, specialist posts. BCID is a multidisciplinary department within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Centre s activities include postgraduate degrees, short training courses for development professionals, collaborative research and promoting scholarship through conferences or symposia. Teaching staff have academic backgrounds in economics, management and other social sciences, and have specialist areas of expertise in topics such as project and programme management, public policy analysis and strategic management, globalisation and trade, community development and organisational change. This course programme also includes modules from the internationally renowned Division of Peace Studies also in SSIS. Programme Aims The programme aims to enable you to: Postgraduate Certificate A1 A2 A3 Develop your skills to enable you evaluate and apply theoretical concepts relevant to international development theory, public policy, project and programme management contexts;. Develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning. Develop your personal and transferable skills in communication, research and planning Postgraduate Diploma (in addition to the above) A4 A5 Equip you with the knowledge and skills to develop and analyse international development policy and practice especially in fragile environments and contexts of plurality and inequality with a deep understanding of gender inequality; Equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical practitioner 2

3 MSc (in addition to the above) A6 A7 A8 Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice. Critically appraise the nature of evidence guiding international development management. Formulate and independently investigate a complex research question and communicate your findings at an advanced level. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have successfully completed Level 7 of the programme you will be able to: Postgraduate Certificate LO1. Critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in international development theory. LO2. Critically appraise policies and projects in the context of understanding institutions and governance; LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to international development and policy contexts; LO4. Use your own initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument LO5. Critically reflect on advanced concepts in international development, public policy and programme management. Postgraduate Diploma LO6. Critically appraise the challenges of development and peace building in fragile environments and in contexts with different forms of inequality including gender inequality. LO7. Develop a critical reflective approach to practice or policy-based interventions and projects LO8. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues. MSc LO9. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and scholarship in a specialist area of international development, policy analysis and project management in fragile environments. LO10. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and applications LO11. Identify gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence base guiding policy and practice LO12. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship 3

4 Curriculum Postgraduate Certificate Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory (AKF) Core K SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management (AKF) Core K SD-7004D Project Planning and Management 1 (AKF) Core K Postgraduate Diploma Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period SD-7002D Issues in Development Policy (AKF) Core K SP-7009D Fragile states and the security-development nexus (AKF) Occ Occ Core K SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development (AKF) Core K MSc Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period SD-7015Z Dissertation (AKF) Core 60 7 DISS K The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Occ Teaching and Assessment Strategies As this is an off-site programme, in each module teaching takes place over an intensive period of delivery. Throughout the programme you will be at the centre-stage of your own learning we will do everything possible to facilitate your learning. The various teaching strategies used in the modules will include: lectures, research-informed cases, discussions, debates, small group work and presentations. At the start of the programme and prior to the commencement of the first module, there will be an induction programme that provides you with an overview of the Master s programme its elements, regulations. This will also provide an introduction to the Blackboard and to the library resources. You will be introduced to academic writing, research and analytical skills which form important elements of the different modules. The induction and subsequent sessions within modules will also help you in terms of preparation for writing your dissertation. The induction programme will also introduce you to the generic marking criteria. In each module, lectures and presentations will aim to develop core conceptual ideas and theories. As the programme is tailor-made, the cohort size will be between 18 and 30 students. This group size makes it possible to have adequate interaction within lectures by way of question and answer sessions. It is expected that you will be actively participating throughout the lectures. Each module will have two lecturers from Bradford thus alternative view-points and perspectives are represented within the course. Where appropriate and feasible, some experts from the organisation s team within Tajikistan with relevant expertise may be invited as guest speakers. Where appropriate, the module lecturers may present findings from their own research studies and empirical analysis. 4

5 In addition to lectures, there will be seminars and group work in the form of case studies or critical literature review exercises. Such small group work will focus on comparing, contrasting and evaluating the content of theories, their application to policy and project contexts and key challenges related to effectiveness and success. Group based work may be used for both formative assessment (i.e., mainly for learning purposes but not considered towards the assessment of the module) and summative assessment (where it is a formal part of the module assessment). In such cases, there will be scope for peer assessment input to group work contribution. Please see the appendix for further details. After the intensive delivery of teaching, there is a 12-week period when you will be working on your individual assessment. During this period learning is mainly in terms of directed study following up the critical concepts, theories and applications discussed in the intensive teaching period with a more critical and in depth engagement with relevant literature. You will be using the electronic sources such as journal literature which will form an important base to prepare your assessment.. There will be opportunities to interact with module lecturers and fellow students through Blackboard. One to one correspondence with module lecturers is also possible. Assessment will be set to demonstrate module learning outcomes and will have been scrutinised and approved by External Examiners. Assessment will test that you have developed a systematic and advanced understanding of core concepts and theories relevant to the module and that you are able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques and tools of analysis by applying these to relevant case studies or empirical examples as the particular form of assessment might require. While you are expected to show a critical understanding of existing literature it is also expected that you display originality and creativity in the way you approach the issues concerned and in deriving conclusions from the evidence that you present in the arguments. You will be expected to deal with complexity and you may choose to take risks in terms of applying new techniques or using new sources of data. Successful completion of assessment also demonstrates your ability to plan and organise the various tasks, have your own internal monitoring of progress and ability to work to tight deadlines. Each assessment will be marked according to the marking criteria and regulations and you will receive feedback on your work. The dissertation is an important element of a Master s degree and it gives you further opportunity to develop and demonstrate a number of competencies including critical review of literature, research design, developing and applying a research methodology, analysing evidence and drawing conclusions. A research proposal is required in the initial stage and this proposal would count towards assessment. You will be allocated a supervisor with whom you will have regular interaction via and develop a timetable for submission of your chapters and receiving feedback. Dissertation is assessed by two markers reading independently and then arriving at an agreed mark. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: Admission Requirements A typical application would include an Undergraduate Degree (2.2 honours or above) UK system or comparative result if outside UK. The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual 5

6 application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience in accordance with the University policies and guidance on recognition of prior learning. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these. Learning Resources The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library the Faculty of Management and Law provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. As an off-campus student, you will have access to all the electronic resources of the library including e- books and electronic journals as well as bibliographic and other databases. Access to electronic journals is likely to be the most valuable resource as you begin to research literature for writing your assessment in various course units or your dissertation. Subject librarian will be able to provide guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment. Student Support and Guidance As an off-campus student, your main mode of communication will be through . In addition to the course lecturers, you will be able to communicate with the programme director both through Blackboard and also through s. The subject related discussions will be mainly with course lecturers while any issues regarding academic progress or concerns can be discussed with the programme director. You will be provided with various handbooks at different stages in the course that you can consult on a range of learning issues. Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to discuss (by ) about any academic or personal concerns especially if any personal factors are affecting your progress.. 6

7 Any matters related to your programme Programme director You Questions specific to dissertation Questions or issues related to an individual module Dissertation supervisor Module lecturer Personal factors affecting progress Personal academic tutor You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. We value the feedback provided by you and at the first module, course representatives would be nominated. There will be opportunities for receiving feedback through course representatives. Also you will elect representatives who will be members of the Staff Student Liaison Committee which will meet once in every period of intensive teaching delivery or at other times as appropriate by Skype or electronic discussion board. SSLC minutes are submitted to the Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee and any issues you wish to raise will be addressed through these channels. Student Charter and Students Union The Student Charter is available here: As an off-campus student, there is a limit to how you can get involved with the activities of the Student Union most of which tend to be based on campus. However, through your course representatives, we will aim to connect you with Students Union representatives so that any of your concerns or issues can be raised and discussed with the Union. The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. As an off-campus student you will mainly access such advice through contact through your course representatives. Employability and Career Development As an employee of AKDN you already have several skills. The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. As an off-campus student there is a limit to how you can access the campus based Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources though most of these are on campus. As an off campus student you will be able to contact the career development services through .. More information on Career Development Services is available on their web site 7

8 The Career Development Service annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website Academic Skills Advice Service As an off-campus student there is a limit to how you can access the services of the Learner Development Unit. However, a range of many useful resources are available on their website: Disability The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment though primarily their support tends to be focused on students on the campus here. You can however, contact your personal tutor or the programme leader or the Disability Unit if you wish to discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, especially concerning the academic aspects of the programme. For more information contact the Disability Service via disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives You can access all the relevant policies, regulations and ordinances of the University from the website of the University. Many of them are available here: Education for Sustainable Development The University of Bradford, and the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), are committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) set out in UNESCO s definition (see which include: interdisciplinarity; value-driven; critical thinking and problem solving; participatory decision-making; and applied learning which is relevant and culturally appropriate to local and other contexts. In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching learning and assessment strategies. The subject matter of this programme is focussed on development as a concept and policy analysis as an activity that involves deliberation therefore throughout the course the subject matter engages with debates around equity, social justice and the use of resources on a global level. We strive to ensure that students are able to become critical, independent thinkers who can apply knowledge and take action. In addition there are modules in which the themes and issues of ESD are particularly exemplified, such as: Issues in Development Theory engages directly with the theory of sustainable development and critiques more broadly the concept of development as a whole. Public Policy Analysis and Management focuses on interdisciplinarity, critical thinking and problem solving with regard to institutions and the key challenges to accountability and transparency. Gender Conflict and Development module engages with the issues of inequality and power dynamics. Issues in Development Policy takes a holisitic approach to the reduction of poverty and analyses policy and practice aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods. 8

9 We are also committed in FSS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates about the meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice of ESD, for example, through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a series of activities as a Faculty. For more information on Ecoversity activities throughout the university see Further Information For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact the Programme director. Dr PB Anand The Programme director AKF MSc programme at the BCID Faculty of Social Sciences The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK Ms Joanne Dunne Postgraduate Administrator Faculty of Social Sciences The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) (0) The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. 9

10 Appendices: MSc International Development Policy and Management (Aga Khan) 1. Programme Learning Outcomes Level Code Title Type LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 L10 L11 L12 7 SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Core A A A A S 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and management Core A A A A S S S S 7 SD-7004D Project Planning and Management 1 Core A A A S S 7 SD-7002D Issues in Development Policy Core S S A A S S 7 SP-7009D Fragile states and the Security Development Core S A S A S Nexus 7 SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Core S A S A S 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation Core A A S S S S S A A A A A Notes A = indicates that the outcome is formally assessed in the module S = indicates that the outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed 10

11 2. Teaching map Level Code Title Type SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Core X X X X 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and management Core X X X X 7 SD-7004D Project Planning and Management 1 Core X X X X X 7 SD-7002D Issues in Development Policy Core X X X X X 7 SP-7009D Fragile states and the Security Development Nexus Core X X X X 7 SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Core X X X X 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation Core X X X X X Teaching and Learning Methods 1. Lectures 2. Seminars/ tutorials 3. Practical labs/workshops 4. Directed study 5. Personal research 6. Case study analysis 7. Supervised research 11

12 3. Assessment map Level Code Title Type SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Core X X X 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and management Core X X X 7 SD-7004D Project Planning and Management 1 Core X X 7 SD-7002D Issues in Development Policy Core X X X 7 SP-7009D Fragile states and the Security Development Nexus Core X X X 7 SP-7002D Gender, Conflict and Development Core X 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation Core X X X Methods of Assessment 1. Individual assignment/case study 2. Group assignment/project 3. Group presentation 4. Research proposal 5. Project/Dissertation 12