UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Social and International Studies Bradford Centre for International Development Programme title: MSc in Development and Project Planning Awarding and teaching institution: Final award and interim award(s): Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Duration: UCAS code Relevant subject benchmark statement(s): FHEQ Level: University of Bradford MSc Postgraduate Diploma;. Postgraduate Certificate;. [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7] Development and Project Planning N/A 1 year full-time (2 5 years part-time) N/A N/A 7 Date produced: Last updated : October 2013 July 2014 Introduction The MSc in Development and Project Planning will enable you to develop an indepth understanding of a range of approaches to development planning and economic policy issues, with a thorough training in techniques for the planning, design and economic analysis of development projects and programmes. There is a strong emphasis on issues and analytical techniques relating to choices in project design, and cost-benefit analysis. Issues related to policy analysis, institutional forces which affect policy design and its implementation are also studied. Many BCID postgraduates show a personal commitment to development and have some work experience in related areas of the public, private and voluntary sectors. You may see the programme as a means to change careers: to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to become a development professional. Other students may already have embarked on a career that has some involvement with international development - in finance or human resource management for example. A high proportion of BCID postgraduate students are from overseas, studying for a higher qualification with the support of their employer. University of Bradford 1
A BCID postgraduate degree course provides you with the knowledge and skills required for advancement to more senior, specialist posts. Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID) is a multidisciplinary division within the School of Social and International Studies. The Centre s activities include postgraduate degrees, short training courses for development professionals, overseas-based consultancy, training and research. Teaching staff have academic backgrounds in branches of economics and other social sciences, and have specialist areas of expertise in topics such as project and programme management, globalisation and trade, community development and organisational change. All BCID courses have strong vocational and skill-based elements, in line with the University s mission of Making Knowledge Work, and are designed to be relevant to contemporary issues and professions. Programme Aims The programme is intended to: enable you to: Postgraduate Certificate A1 A2 A3 Develop your skills to enable you evaluate and apply theoretical concepts relevant to project planning, design and appraisal. Develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning. Develop your personal and transferable skills in communication, research and planning Postgraduate Diploma A4 A5 MSc A6 A7 A8 Equip you with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse public policy and economic analysis of projects. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical practitioner Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice. Critically appraise the nature of evidence guiding development and project planning. 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 theoretical concepts in project planning design and appraisal. LO2. Critically appraise practice in project planning, design and appraisal. LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to project appraisal and the process of development. University of Bradford 2
LO4. Use initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument Postgraduate Diploma LO5. Critically reflect on advanced public policy analysis. LO6. Critically appraise projects using economic techniques. LO7. Develop a critical reflective approach to development and project planning. 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 related to development and project planning. 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 Curriculum Postgraduate Certificate [Level 7] Module Code SD-7009D SD-7004D Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Project Planning, Design and Appraisal Project and Programme Management Core 20 7 1 Option 20 7 1 SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Option 20 7 1 SD-7019D SD-7014D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Postgraduate Diploma [Level 7] Module Code SD-7013D SD-7006D SD-7010D Option 20 7 1 Option 20 7 1 Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Public Policy Analysis and Management Human Resource Management and Development Core 20 7 2 Core 20 7 2 Option 20 7 2 SD-7012D Project Management Skills Option 20 7 2 Masters [level 7] Module Code SD-7015Z Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Dissertation in Development and Project Planning Occurence Core 60 7 DISS A University of Bradford 3
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Teaching and Assessment Strategies Most teaching is lecture or group-based for taught modules, while individual supervisors provide specialist guidance during dissertation writing (starting in Semester 2). Hence, as the course progresses, the main learning method gradually becomes more individualised and student-centred. You start the programme with an intensive induction week to develop your learning and personal development planning skills and to provide an introduction to IT and library resources. Additional group and one to one support is provided to individual students who require it. You will be introduced to academic writing, research and analytical skills as part of the preparation for writing your dissertation. To ensure the systematic development of knowledge of key subjects, modules are assessed by a variety of assessments in addition to essays and formal examinations. Group work, where the assessment may be based on a report or a presentation, provides both team work experience and practice in different ways of expressing arguments and information. Some modules may also use problemsolving exercises or ask you to develop a portfolio of your work. Both assist you to develop your skills as an independent, critical and creative learner. Please see appendix for further details. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual 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. 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. A typical application would include an Undergraduate Degree (2.2 honours or above) UK system or comparative result if outside UK. 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. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. 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 University of Bradford 4
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 in the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. Student Support and Guidance 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 talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. 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. Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Students Union. Employability and Career Development 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. University of Bradford 5
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk. Career Development Services 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 www.careers.brad.ac.uk Academic Skills Advice Service For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including University of Bradford 6
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. 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 therefore 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: Project Planning, Design and Appraisal engages with designing projects in the context of developing countries. It asks you to critically engage with policy and to take decisions concerning the most efficient and sustainable use of resources. Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis pays specific attention to the analysis and valuation of the environmental impact of projects. Public Policy Analysis and Management critically analyses concepts in public policy and directly engages with debates over the equitable and sustainable use of natural resources. We are also committed in SSIS 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 School. We strive to ensure that all students are able to become critical, independent thinkers who can apply knowledge and take action. For more information on Ecoversity activities throughout the university see http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/ University of Bradford 7
Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/ Postgraduate Admissions Office Social and International Studies The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 23 5255/4198 http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/bcid The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures. University of Bradford 8
Appendices: MSc Development and Project planning 1. Programme Learning Outcomes Level Code Title Type LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO 12 7 SD-7009D Project Planning, Design and Appraisal 7 SD-7013D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation in Development and Project Planning 7 SD-7004D Project and Programme Management Core A A A A Core A A A A Core A A A S S S Core A A A A A A Option S A A 7 SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Option A A S A 7 SD-7019D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice 7 SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement 7 SD-7010D Human Resource Management and Development Option S Option A S S Option A S S 7 SD-7012D Project Management Skills Option S A S S S Notes A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed University of Bradford 1
2. Teaching Map Level Code Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 7 SD-7009D Project Planning, Design and Appraisal Core X X X 7 SD-7013D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Core X X X 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management Core X X X 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation in Development and Project Planning Core X X X 7 SD-7004D Project and Programme Management Option X X X 7 SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Option X X 7 SD-7019D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice Option X X 7 SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Option X X X 7 SD-7010D Human Resource Management and Development Option X X X 7 SD-7012D Project Management Skills Option X X X Teaching and Learning Methods 1. Lectures 2. Seminars 3. Group work 4. Work-based learning 5. Individual supervision University of Bradford 2
3. Assessment Map Level Code Title Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SD-7009D Project Planning, Design and Appraisal Core X X 7 SD-7013D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis Core X X 7 SD-7006D Public Policy Analysis and Management Core X X X 7 SD-7015Z Dissertation in Development and Project Planning Core X X 7 SD-7004D Project and Programme Management Option X 7 SD-7003D Issues in Development Theory Option X 7 SD-7019D Public Sector Management: Concepts and Practice Option X 7 SD-7014D Organisations and Capacity Enhancement Option X X 7 SD-7010D Human Resource Management and Development Option X X 7 SD-7012D Project Management Skills Option X X Methods of Assessment 1. Coursework 2. Examination 3. Presentation 4. Simulation exercise 5. Group work 6. Research Proposal 7. Dissertation University of Bradford 3
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