Summary Programme Specification 2010 MSc Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in the Sustainable Development Title and name of awards MSc in Sustainable Development MSc Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Development The University offers individual modules of these MSc degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificate as credit bearing short courses. Students may take a maximum of three modules from these programmes. See Glossary for an explanation of terms. These programmes are part of a number of awards, offered by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Centre for Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP) through the External System. For further information refer to the Regulations for the MSc degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates in the fields of Agribusiness and Food Management, Applied Economics, Environment and Biodiversity, Sustainability and Development. Level of the programmes The awards are placed at the following Levels of the Framework for Higher Education (FHEQ): MSc Level 7 (formerly level M ) Postgraduate Diploma - Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate Level 7 Relevant QAA subject benchmarks group(s) Not applicable Awarding body The FHEQ forms part of the academic infrastructure of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in England and Wales. See the Quality Assurance Agency website for information. University of London Registering body University of London, through the External System Lead College www. londonexternal. ac.uk See Glossary for an explanation School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Centre for Development Environment and Policy (CeDEP) Accreditation by professional or statutory body Not applicable Language of study and assessment English Mode of study See also section 4 of the Further details about student 1
Distance Learning enhanced by the CeDEP online study centre Programme structures and requirements The MSc consist of nine modules and a research report as follows: Four core modules plus Four further modules chosen from a list of options plus A research methods module A research report. support are in the student handbook. Full details are in section 1 of the In order to proceed to the further modules and the research report a student must normally successfully complete the core modules and receive a recommendation from the Board of Examiners that they may proceed. The Postgraduate Diplomas consist of eight modules as follows: Four core modules plus Four further modules chosen from a list of options. The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Development consists of four compulsory core modules. A student may be permitted to transfer their registration to one of the other degrees, diplomas or certificate, offered by CeDEP, subject to approval of the degree tutor. There are no exemptions for courses at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc level. Students who are permitted to transfer to one of the other degrees, diplomas or certificates, offered by CeDEP, may apply for credit for relevant modules already passed. Applications for credit will be considered on an individual basis. Full details are in section 11 of the Details of credits and exemptions are in section 2 of the Applications for credit from other students and graduates of the University of London will be considered on a discretionary basis. A student who successfully completes one or more of short courses may be considered for progression to the related MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate. Students permitted to progress may be credited with any short course they successfully complete. The maximum and minimum periods of registration, from a student s effective date of registration, are: Minimum Maximum Full details are in section 3 of the MSc Two calendar years Five calendar years Postgraduate Diploma Two calendar year Five calendar years Postgraduate Certificate One calendar year To be considered for the award of an MSc a student must have attempted and passed all nine modules and the research report. To be considered for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, a student must have passed the assessment in all eight modules. To be considered for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate, a student must have passed the assessment in all four modules. See also section 8 of the Programme Examinations for the MSc are marked on the following scale: Mark range Class equivalent 70 and over Distinction 2
60-69 Merit 50 59 Pass Below 49 Fail Examinations for the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate are marked on the following scale: Mark range Class equivalent 70+ Distinction 50 69 Pass Below 49 Fail Students registered prior to 1 January 2005 should refer to the Programme Regulations for details of the relevant Scheme of Award. The award is normally given on the basis of achieving marks within the appropriate range in each module. All modules are weighted equally. The Board of Examiners retains the right to use its discretion and to take into account the student s overall performance when determining a student s results. In order for a Postgraduate Certificate student to proceed to the related Postgraduate Diploma or MSc, the student must normally obtain a pass in all four of the Postgraduate Certificate modules and receive a recommendation from the Board of Examiners that they may proceed. In order for a Postgraduate Diploma student to proceed to the related MSc the student must normally obtain a pass in all eight of the Postgraduate Diploma modules and receive a recommendation from the Board of Examiners that they may proceed. A student who accepts one of the awards (Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma) will not be permitted to re-register for the related Postgraduate Diploma or MSc at a later date. At the discretion of the Board of Examiners, a student who does not complete or achieve a pass at Master s level overall may in recognition of the passes obtained in the modules for the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma be awarded the related Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Entrance requirements An applicant must satisfy the relevant entrance requirements given in this section. In order to be considered for registration as an External Student, they must also submit an application in accordance with the procedures and deadlines given in the appropriate prospectus. In order to be considered for registration for the MSc an applicant must have: A good degree agriculture, horticulture, agricultural economics, economics, or other appropriate disciplines from a university or other institution acceptable to the University (qualifications in other subjects will be assessed on their merits) In order to be considered for registration for the Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate an applicant must have: A first degree in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural economics, economics, or other appropriate disciplines, which has, in the opinion of the University, included suitable preliminary training Or Previous education and experience without a first degree, which satisfies the University as a qualification on the same level as a first degree, and which has included suitable preliminary training. The prospectus gives details of the application process, alternative qualifications that may be accepted and English Proficiency tests. Students with special needs should refer to section 12 of the All students must have: 3
A high level of English language ability in reading, writing and study skills. This is equivalent to a score of 6.0 overall in the IELTS text or a score of 580 (or 237 on the computerised test) in the TOEFL test of English. Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of language ability as tested by the British Council, GMAT or another registering body. Educational aims and learning outcomes of the programmes These programmes are designed for those who wish to pursue careers in sustainability and development. For example in government ministries and other public sector organisations concerned with policy analysis in the fields of sustainable development and environmental planning; in international and non-governmental organisations concerned with the sustainable dimensions of economic change; in consultancies and development projects concerned with issues of sustainability and analyses of the interface between environment and poverty; in applied research and teaching in institutions of research and higher education. The programme aims to enable students to acquire the skills needed to analyse and understand current globalisation and sustainability issues and debates as follows: to enhance knowledge for informed decision- and policy-making on sustainable development issues; to enhance critical, analytical, and integrative skills for resolving environmental and sustainable development challenges to provide practical research experience and opportunities for reflection in order to promote sustainable development (MSc only) Successful completion of a Postgraduate Certificate may allow progression to the related Postgraduate Diploma and on to the related MSc. Successful completion of an MSc may allow a student to undertake postgraduate research in a related subject. There is a natural progression through these programmes from the core modules through the further modules and on to the research methods and research report (MSc only). The further modules may not in themselves more difficult than the core modules. However, as students progress through the programmes they will develop a greater understanding and a sophistication of thinking. Students taking the MSc and the Postgraduate Diploma can choose elective modules within a particular specialism. Students will be able to develop skills relevant to specific professional interests. Learning outcomes of the programmes Subject specific - knowledge and understanding On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to: understand the relationship between ecological science and management; understand the application of economics by institutions for development; understand the relationship between climate change and development. In addition depending on the specialism and modules selected MSc and Postgraduate Diploma students will understand issues of agribusiness, development management, environmental analysis, environmental economics, environmental management, natural resource management, and rural development and change. In addition MSc students will develop skills associated with research methods and be able to write a research report. Intellectual and transferable skills On successful completion of these programme, students should be able to: Think creatively; 4
Gather, question and analyse information; Develop arguments in a systematic fashion; Express ideas clearly in written work and to develop problem solving skills by applying theory and theoretical models in practical situations; Pursue effective research; Manage their own learning, including working effectively to deadlines, plan, organise and prioritise tasks. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies These programmes are taught using learning materials sent through the post and accessed via the online study centre. A core text is provided for each module studied. These guides are intended to steer the students through the modules as well as introduce the student to particular topics within the syllabus. They are written with distance learning principles in mind and complement the textbooks which are provided for most modules. Also provided is a collection of key articles. Some courses provide lectures on DVD that expand on important issues that have been raised in the course. To help a student to organise their time, a Study Calendar is provided for each course. This sets out the timetable for coursework and assignment deadlines. The Study Skills textbook and an audio CD give suggestions on how to study by Distance Learning. The Online Study Centre gives instant access to current course materials and to electronic journals and other materials provided online by the University of London. There is a direct link to a named University of London tutor who is available to answer any questions about the academic content of the programme. A member of the administrative staff is also available to answer questions about the administrative aspects of studies. A technical team can help with any difficulties in accessing the Online Study Centre. There is also access to discussion forums with other students. It is External System policy that there should be a preponderance of unseen written examinations in the assessment of programmes. This is to ensure security and reduce the possibility of plagiarism. In these programmes each module, except for the research methods module and the research report (MSc only), is assessed by unseen written examination only. Examinations will consist of questions structured to allow students to demonstrate that they have acquired appropriate knowledge and understanding. MSc students submit a research report which involves either desk based or field based research. The purpose of this is to enable student to develop and demonstrate their capacity to carry out a substantial piece of independent academic work on a selected topic. Students will be assessed on their capacity to define a topic, to articulate a coherent scheme for examining the topic, to gather necessary information and to analyse and present this information in a way which satisfactorily assesses the topic which they have set themselves. Assessment criteria for the programme will indicate the level at which skills have been achieved. Assessment methods For all programmes each module, with the exception of the Research report and Research methods, will be assessed by one two-hour unseen written examination. Examinations will take place in October each year and are held at examination centres throughout the world. Research methods (MSc only) is assessed by the submission of two written assignments. The Research report on a specified topic will be assessed by the submission of a research proposal (10%) and a written report of 10,000 words (90%) including tables Full details of the assessment and the scheme of award are sections 4 and 5 of the 5
and figures, excluding appendices and references. Student support and guidance The following summarises the support and guidance available to students: Help and advice are available through the Online Study Centre; Further information on support and guidance refer to http://www.soas. ac.uk/cedep/ Core texts for each module studied; Textbooks and articles that are important to the subject. Multimedia tools course lectures on DVD that expand on the important issues that have been raised in the course. Computer software may be included A University of London email account and web area for personal information management. University of London library - registered students may use the resources located within the Senate House library. Regulations, containing full details of syllabuses, programme structure, assessment regulations, degree classification criteria, etc; Past examination papers and Examiners' commentaries which provide generic feedback from assessment. Online student-to-student network - which allows students to communicate with each other and provide mutual support. Quality evaluation and enhancement The External System is a partnership between the central University and individual Lead Colleges/ Consortia. Agreed systems are in place to assure the quality of the programme development, delivery, management, systematic monitoring and ongoing review and enhancement of all External programmes. The policies, partnerships and systems are defined within our key documents: The Quality Framework, the Quality Assurance Schedules, Guidelines for Examinations and Programme Quality assurance arrangements are not static and enhancements will be made as necessary to ensure that systems remain effective and rigorous. For details on the current system-wide quality assurance procedures refer to: http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/quality/acad_inf/index.shtml Parity of Award Standards The central University Regulations state that candidates granted degrees and other awards shall have attained the same academic standard irrespective of mode or place of study or examination. Every programme of study is developed and approved by a Lead College, or Consortia, to the same standards and requirements as would be applied in the Lead College(s); Learning materials are written and examinations are set and marked by academic staff employed or chosen by the Lead Colleges, who are required to apply the University s academic standards. For further information please refer to: http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/quality/ Review and Evaluation Mechanisms Annual programme reports are prepared in order to enhance individual 6
programmes and to plan ahead; Periodic programme reviews are conducted on a 4-6 year cycle to review how a programme has developed over time and ensure that it remains current and up-to-date; Annual External Examiner reports are prepared by Independent External Examiners and confirm that a programme has been assessed properly and meets the appropriate academic standards; Thematic reviews report on specific issues to ensure that the External System is up-to-date in the light of developing knowledge and practice in the Higher Education sector; Data on student numbers, examination performance, completion rates and other statistics are reviewed annually and feed into all systematic reporting within the External System. Student Feedback Mechanisms Annual Student Experience Surveys collect programme level feedback according to the student lifecycle and the stages reached by students in their learning. In addition some Lead Colleges schedule their own modular or unit level surveys; An External programme s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) provides the opportunity for informal feedback and discussion; External System committees and sub-committees include student membership where appropriate. Some External programmes recruit their own student representatives at the programme level. For further information on the External System governance structure, including Terms of Reference, Agendas and Papers, please refer to the Committee Zone at: http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/quality/comte_zone/index.shtml This Programme Specification is presented in support of our commitment to the nationally agreed reference points for assuring the quality and standards of higher education, known as the Academic Infrastructure. Further information can be found at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/default.asp 7