Programme Specification

Transcription

1 Arts and Humanities MA International Relations and Global Communications Programme Specification This document provides a concise summary of the main features of the course(s) & associated award(s) 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 Document Date: January 2014

2 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: January Effective date of Approved/Reviewed Programme Specification: 1 September August This Version effective from: September Version number: 2014/v3 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 Units borrowed from another programme: Intercultural Communication Critical Discourse Analysis Digital Living Online Journalism Globalisation: Media, Culture, Consumption Units borrowed by another programme: Social Science Research Methods Policy Making and Comparative Public Policy Programme Specification MA Applied Linguistics MA Applied Linguistics Information and Communications Network Information and Communications MA Sociology and Criminology Master of Public Administration Master of Public Administration Master of Public Administration CASQE Page 1 of 21 Programme Specification

3 The EU in Turmoil Amendments made to provision listed in this table, must also be reflected in the relevant programme specifications listed above 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 H Log of Modifications SECTION A ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY INFORMATION 1 Overarching Programme Specification Title MA International Relations and Global Communications 2 Brief Summary This programme will equip students with a sophisticated understanding of contemporary international relations and of key developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs). It will also provide them with the knowledge, methods and techniques to effectively engage with and critically evaluate the interaction between these two areas of study. Students will take core units on International Relations Theory, Current Issues in Media and Communication and Research Methods and will then choose from a range of units addressing key contemporary developments in IR and Global Communications. To complete their studies they will write a dissertation that brings together both elements of the programme. CASQE Page 2 of 21 Programme Specification

4 3 Awarding institution Manchester Metropolitan University 4 Home Faculty Arts and Humanities 5 Home Department/ School/ Institute History Politics and Philosophy/Languages Information and Communications 6 UCAS/GTTR code(s) 7 Framework for HE Qualifications position of final award(s) Masters (Level 7) Framework for HE Qualifications 8 Alignment with University Curriculum Framework Curriculum Frameworks 9 Engagement with the Universitywide provision (eg Uniwide Language, EdLab) 10 Compliance with University Assessment Regulations University Assessment Regulations 11 Approved Variations/Exemptions from University Assessment Regulations Curriculum Framework for Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study Uniwide is not available for Postgraduate programmes Assessment Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study University Assessment Regulations 12 Relationship with Faculty Foundation Year Awards 13 Final award title(s) MA International Relations and Global Communications 14 Combined Honours There is no Combined Honours provision within this programme specification 14a (i) Combined Honours Awards available eg: BSc/BA (Hons) AB BSc/BA (Hons) AB and XY BSc/BA (Hons) AB with XY CASQE Page 3 of 21 Programme Specification

5 (ii) Single Honours Awards available through Combined Honours (ie Named Awards) (iii) Approved Subject Combinations administered by this Programme Specification (ie home combinations) 14b Approved Subject Combination administered by other Programme Specifications Approved Combination Home Programme Specification & Home Dept 15 Interim exit awards and Subject title(s) PG Cert International Relations and Global Communications PG Dip International Relations and Global Communications. Arrangements with Partners 16 Approved Collaborative partner(s) Partner Name Type of Collaborative Partnership 17 Articulation and Progression Arrangements with Partners Partner Name Details of Arrangements Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies 18 PSRB(s) associated with final award of any route within the programme specification 19 Date, outcome & period of approval of last PSRB approval/accreditation Approval Status 20 Date and outcome of most recent MMU review/ approval (i) (ii) Latest review/approval SAF approved by SPMI August 2013 PARM Event 22 January 2014 Date and Perod of most recent MMU review/approval CASQE Page 4 of 21 Programme Specification

6 6 Years 1 September August 2020 (iii) Length & Dates of Period of approval given In (i) above: 6 years 21 Next Scheduled Review Date: 2020/21 22 Programme Specification effective date: September 2014 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. The transformations in information and communication technologies (ICTs) over the past two decades have been so great that they have fundamentally transformed the nature of international relations: they challenge the traditionally secretive practices of international diplomacy and the ability of governments to control information, whilst creating powerful new tools for propaganda; they enhance the importance of cultural power in international relations and have also transformed the nature of warfare; the rapid acceleration of economic globalization would have been impossible without them, as would the financial crisis of This programme is designed to provide students with an understanding of that development and its implications alongside a solid grounding in international relations theory and key issues in international relations. In so doing it will provide something different to the education contained in a standard MA in International Relations. 25 QAA Benchmark Statement(s) CASQE Page 5 of 21 Programme Specification

7 There are no PG benchmark statements for International Relations or ICT. The award is therefore related to the QAA UG Benchmark Statements for Politics and International Relations and Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies in addition to the QAA FHEQ for Level 7 qualifications. 26 Programme Specific Outcomes (a) Final Award Learning Outcomes On successful completion of MA International Relations and Global Communications students will be able to: PLO1: assess the value and utility of different theoretical approaches and differentiate between the different paradigms of International Relations Theory. PLO 2: undertake a critical analysis of developments in International Relations Theory and apply them to real world scenarios. PLO3: analyze theories relating to Media audiences and relevant theoretical approaches derived from International Political Economy and Public Policy and apply and show the utility of these theories to an understanding and explanation of real-world contexts. PLO 4: evaluate the methodological validity of social science research and analyze a wide range of data using appropriate methodologies. PLO5: critically analyze a wide range of communicative situations and practices, discriminate between them and make appropriate comparisons and connections. PLO6: competently execute an independent research project that critically evaluates advanced scholarship and applies appropriate methodologies and theoretical concepts with minimal guidance. PLO7: systematically evaluate complex policy problems and present potential solutions to such problems in an appropriate format. PLO8: demonstrate self-direction and originality in problem solving and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks. PLO9: critically analyze the public policy-making process, differentiate between the various stages of that process, and apply that knowledge to contemporary real-world contexts. (b) Combined Honours Learning Outcomes (c) Pass Degree Learning Outcomes 27 Interim Award Learning Outcomes On successful completion of a PG Cert International Relations and Global Communications, students will be able to: PLO1: assess the value and utility of different theoretical approaches and differentiate between the different paradigms of International Relations Theory. CASQE Page 6 of 21 Programme Specification

8 PLO 2: undertake a critical analysis of developments in International Relations Theory and apply them to real world scenarios. PLO3: analyze theories relating to Media audiences and relevant theoretical approaches derived from International Political Economy and Public Policy and apply and show the utility of these theories to an understanding and explanation of real-world contexts. PLO 4: demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and methodologies appropriate to the social science discipline and apply those methods across a range of subject contexts. On successful completion of a PG Diploma International Relations and Global Communications, students will be able to: PLO1: assess the value and utility of different theoretical approaches and differentiate between the different paradigms of International Relations Theory. PLO 2: undertake a critical analysis of developments in International Relations Theory and apply them to real world scenarios. PLO3: analyze theories relating to Media audiences and relevant theoretical approaches derived from International Political Economy and Public Policy and apply and show the utility of these theories to an understanding and explanation of real-world contexts. PLO 4: demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and methodologies appropriate to the social science discipline and apply those methods across a range of subject contexts. PLO5: critically analyze a wide range of communicative situations and practices, discriminate between them and make appropriate comparisons and connections. PLO6: systematically evaluate complex policy problems and present potential solutions to such problems in an appropriate format. 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. OPTION UNITS Option units listed in the following curriculum structures are all approved for delivery but may not all run in any one academic session. MA International Relations and Global Communications (FT/PT) Full-time students will take the three core taught units, three optional units (at least one from each group of options) and write the dissertation within one calendar year. Part time students will take the three taught core units in the first year. During the second year they will study their three optional units. During their continuation year they will complete the dissertation to be submitted no later than the end of the Spring term of the third year. CASQE Page 7 of 21 Programme Specification

9 POSTGRADUATE Level 7 Core Units Code Status Unit Title No of credits International Relations Theory Current Issues in Media and Communication Research Methods Dissertation: International Relations and Global 60 Communications. Option Units Choose 3 from options listed; at least one from each group Group A (IR) Contemporary US Foreign Policy The EU in Turmoil Emergency and Disaster Planning The Policy-Making Process and Comparative Public Policy 20 Group B (GC) Globalisation: Media, Culture and Consumption Digital Living Online Journalism Intercultural Communication Critical Discourse Analysis 20 On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 60 credits: interim/final exit award - PG Certificate International Relations and Global Communications (the three core taught units) 120 credits: interim/final exit award - PG Diploma International Relations and Global Communications (three core taught units plus three optional units, one from each group plus one other) 180 credits: Final exit award - MA International Relations and Global Communications (as PG Dip route plus the dissertation) 20 SECTION D - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT 29 Articulation of Graduate Prospects CASQE Page 8 of 21 Programme Specification

10 The programme has been devised to create an MA in International Relations with `value-added' in the form of the Communications content which is designed to give graduates an edge in their subsequent search for employment. The assessment regime also contains a range of elements such as policy papers, group work and oral presentations which provide skills which have direct applicability in the workplace. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in the public sector, international political, social and economic organizations, NGOs, journalism and globally-oriented businesses. We will monitor graduate prospects through maintaining direct contact with our graduates and seek feedback from them in order to refine our practices in the light of their experience. 30 Curriculum Design OPTION UNITS Option units listed in the following curriculum structures are all approved for delivery but may not all run in any one academic session. The combination of International Relations and Global Communications is both intellectually coherent and beneficial to graduate prospects. Developments in ICTs and communicative practices in the past two decades have been dramatic and have had a transformative impact upon international relations making a programme that studies both and the interaction of the two a logical development. Moreover, from the perspective of graduate prospects, the centrality of changes in ICTs and communicative practices to the practise of contemporary international relations means that graduates of this programme will be equipped with clear advantages over those graduating from the myriad of standard MA programmes in International Relations. The three core units provide students with the key building blocks of empirical and theoretical knowledge in the two core disciplines and social science research methods. The optional units then enable them to develop a more in-depth knowledge of key areas in either field and to focus their studies on one or other of the core subjects. The dissertation reinforces the integrative design of the programme by requiring students to combine theoretical and/or empirical elements from both International Relations and Global Communications. Students will develop and consider their employability across the programme in tutorials with their personal tutors as part of their personal development planning. Employability has also been taken into account in the assessment regime as noted in 29 above. 31 Learning and Teaching Prior to induction week the Programme Leader sends a personal to all applicants welcoming them to the programme. Induction week then introduces registered students to the programme and their learning environment. They are offered both formal events, including a meeting with their personal tutor, to introduce them to the course but also social events to facilitate their integration as a postgraduate community. Learning and teaching is undertaken in many ways across the programme but the main model is the long seminar structure. The units are led by research active tutors whose research underpins the content of the units. CASQE Page 9 of 21 Programme Specification

11 There are elements of formative assessment in all of the core units. In IR Theory students submit essay plans for formative feedback before making their first summative submission; in Current Issues in Media and Communication formative feedback is provided on the group presentation prior to the submission of the report based on that presentation; in Social Science Research Methods students are offered several opportunities to test the skills they will apply in their data analysis in formative contexts and to receive feedback on those exercises. All units which use an element of presentation as part of the summative assessment also use that as a means to provide formative feedback for subsequent written submissions. Students are required to engage in a range of different forms of learning including large-scale independent research projects, individual and group presentations, reports and policy papers. The form of teaching also varies, including seminars, lectures and individual tuition sessions. The content of the units is self-evidently diverse. The range and variety which is thus on offer encourages student engagement and supports more effective learning by accommodating different learning styles and developing a wide range of skills. Collaborative learning is specifically supported by the existence of a number of group projects/presentations, including one in a core unit. Where units for this programme have been `borrowed' from existing programmes they have been adapted as and when necessary to render their content appropriate. The datasets for the data analysis assessment for Social Science Research Methods, for example, have been added to include datasets relevant to International Relations and Global Communications. One to one meetings with students are a vital part of the programme. Staff will be available to see students during office hours and will be accessible via (and phone if and when appropriate). The programme team explicitly demands high standards of ethical behaviour and academic integrity and these standards are shared and communicated in teaching and learning contexts. Students are offered guidance on their behaviour in handbooks and in tutorials, and staff regularly meet to ensure they share the highest standards. Students are consulted on a termly basis via a Staff-Student Forum to solicit their feedback and to encourage a dialogue with unit leaders. Units will also be assessed via the University's Internal Student Survey. 32 Assessment An extensive range of different forms of assessment is used throughout the programme including essays, policy-papers, oral presentations and reports, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, a research proposal, a word dissertation, an article review and a public policy case study. Some assessments also take advantage of digital/electronic technologies and will provide students with opportunities to learn and employ these technologies in their assessments. By employing a diversity of assessment methods we: a/ ensure that the University Graduate and Programme Outcomes are achieved. The core units use a wide variety of assessments to ensure that all students taking the programme must perform across that diversity and develop the skills identified in the Outcomes. CASQE Page 10 of 21 Programme Specification

12 and b/ ensure that the fullest possible range of skills relevant both to academic study and to employability after the degree are developed. Details of each assessment are contained in unit documents and provided to students in both hard copy (unit document) and electronic (Moodle) form. Students are also offered one to one tutorial support in each unit (core and optional). The emphasis of the feedback strategy is on `feeding forward'. Students are provided with clear generic marking criteria plus detailed descriptions of the requirements of each individual assessment. The actual feedback on formative and summative work concentrates upon how students can improve their performance in subsequent assessments. Feedback is provided in written form within four weeks of submission and this is then followed up by one to one tutorial sessions to discuss the feedback. Students are taught about academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism in induction week and all unit documents contain explicit information on these issues and links to University documentation relating to these issues. Assessments on all units are independently marked by two members of staff. 33 Inclusive Practice This programme will comply with the University s Equality and Diversity policy and relevant legislation regarding accessibility of learning opportunities. We will ensure that the programme tailors class and tutorial time to the needs of mature learners and those with personal learning plans. Flexibility is encouraged to ensure that those for whom disabilities affect their performance are given the space and time to fulfil the course requirements. The online delivery route will enhance our ability to do this. 34 Technology Enhanced Learning All units have a Moodle presence which is used as a noticeboard and can be used as a discussion forum. 35 Placement and/or Work-based Learning Activities Media and communications courses within the Faculty are enriched by both professionally qualified staff and a wide range of high profile visiting speakers. These professionally qualified staff draw on their own networks to ensure the curriculum responds to current industry practice and ethical and legal issues. In addition, students undertake a number of external visits including to media organizations to gain real life insights into the world of present day media organizations. Students are encouraged to attend external workshops, seminars, conferences and talent days to maximize networking and employability opportunities. 36 Engagement with Employers Graduates from our cognate programmes who are usually in full-time employment and current students in part-time roles or internships give us a direct link to employers in the diverse media CASQE Page 11 of 21 Programme Specification

13 market both in terms of curriculum development and skills required, and liaison for work experience opportunities. Current employers are invited to contribute to programme delivery as visiting and associate lecturers, some of whom are former graduates from the Faculty. The programme team has analysed published surveys of employer skills needed to inform development of the curriculum and has built on the journalism and media industry experience of senior staff engaged as tutors on the courses. This employer engagement helps prepare students for their future careers through their development as reflective practitioners, for example through critical and reflective analysis of personal and professional development in the unit 'Media Audiences and Convergence'. 37 Personal Development Planning Some units include assessments which have an element of self-reflective learning (see Section F). Students are also encouraged to reflect on their own skills and knowledge and decide what further training they need when putting together their dissertation research proposal as part of the research methods unit. MMU s PDP documents are made available to all students via Moodle, and they are encouraged to discuss them with their assigned personal tutor in accordance with the faculty policy. A Personal Tutoring system is employed, ensuring that all students have a tutor with whom they can discuss any aspect of their academic personal development (this tutor also provides pastoral care). SECTION E - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT 38 Programme Specific Admission Requirements Entrants will normally be required to possess an good Honours degree or a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree. Other qualifications or experience which demonstrate that a candidate possesses appropriate knowledge and skills at Honours degree standard may be acceptable. Entrants will normally be expected to have acquired IT skills. All entrants other than those already holding an equivalent Postgraduate Diploma will follow the appropriate programme of taught units. Entrants already holding an equivalent Postgraduate Diploma may be admitted with specific credit to the Dissertation provided that they meet the maximum permitted length of study requirements. Students using English as a second language should have IELTS certificate at grade 6.5 (with no element below 5.5) or a recognised equivalent qualification to ensure proficiency at a high standard in written and spoken communication in English. 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 39 Programme Specific Management Arrangements CASQE Page 12 of 21 Programme Specification

14 General This programme will comply with the University s Management of Programme Delivery, available at: University s Management of Programme Delivery 40 Staff Responsibilities General This programme will comply with the University s Management of Programme Delivery, available at: University s Management of Programme Delivery 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. Programme Specific Support Part time students will be offered support tailored to their specific needs because of their commitments often involving family or work. 42 Programme Specific Student Evaluation The Programme complies with current institutional evaluation guidance. CASQE Page 13 of 21 Programme Specification

15 SECTION F MAPPING RELATIONSHIP TO SUBJECT BENCHMARK STATEMENT(S) PARM1.1 MAP I Map guide: Insert K to indicate Knowledge and Understanding Insert S to indicate Skills MA International Relations and Global Communications Knowledge and Understanding Mapping (K) 1. Systematic understanding of current International Relations theories. 2. Systematic understanding of current theories in Communications. 3. Systematic understanding of relevant social science research methods 4. Critical evaluation of current scholarship and research in International Relations. 5. Critical evaluation of current scholarship and research in Communications International Relations Theory Level 7 Current Issues in Media and Social Science research Methods : Dissertation KS S S KS K S S K S K S Contemporary US Foreign Policy Europe in Turmoil The Policy-Making Process Emergency and Disaster Media Audiences and Convergence Globalisation, Media, Culture and Consumption Digital Living Online Journalism Intercultural Communication Critical Discourse Analysis Skills Mapping (S) KS S s S S S s S S 1. Cognitive skills: critical thinking, analysi S S S s S K KS KS KS KS 2. Problem solving and decision making S S KS KS S S S S KS ks S KS S 3. Effective communication: oral and in w KS S KS KS KS S KS S S S S 4. Ability to undertake sustained research K S KS S S ks K K S 6. Understand and address complex policy issues S KS S KS KS KS KS S S KS KS 7. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge S KS KS KS K S K K S K S K S K 5. Self reflection, awareness of skills need for continued professional development S S 6. Effective use of information technology KS KS S K KS KS KS KS KS 7. Time management, planning and self-m 8. Use of primary sources S KS KS KS K KS KS KS S S sk K KS S 8. Effective use of appropriate social scien Research methods CASQE Page 14 of 21 Programme Specification

16 ASSESSMENT /OUTCOMES MAP PARM1.1 MAP II Map guide: GO = MMU Graduate Learning Outcomes (Section 23) PLO Programme Learning Outcomes (Section 26) add more lines as appropriate insert as appropriate Level 7 Unit title : International Relations Theory Unit title : Current Issues in Media and Communication Unit title : Social Science research Methods Unit title : Dissertation Essay 3000 words 50% Presentation plus Report of 1000 words 50% Project 50%: Group presentation plus individual report of 1500 words Essay, 50%, 3000 words Research Proposal 2500 words 50% Data analysis 3000 words 50% GO 1 x X X x x x GO 2 x x x GO 3 x x X X x x x GO 4 X x GO 5 x X GO 6 x x X X x x x GO 7 x X x PLO 1 x x PLO 2 x X x PLO 3 X X x PLO 4 x x PLO 5 X X x PLO 6 x x X x x PLO 7 X x PLO 8 x x X x x PLO 9 x word dissertation 100% CASQE Page 15 of 21 Programme Specification

17 Level 7 Unit title : Contemporary US Foreign Policy Unit title : Europe in Turmoil Unit title : The Policy-Making Process Unit title: Emergency and Disaster Planning Research essay 3000 words 50% Policy Paper 3500 words 50% Policy Paper 50% 3000 words Presentation plus report of 1000 words 50% Research Essay 3000 words 50% Policy Case Study (Presentation plus written review of 2000 words) 50% An Emergency Operations Plan of 3,000 words. GO 1 x X x x x x GO 2 x x X x GO 3 x x X x x x GO 4 X x GO 5 X x GO 6 x x X x x x x GO 7 X x x x x PLO 1 x x X X PLO 2 X X PLO 3 x x x PLO 4 x PLO 5 PLO 6 x X X x PLO 7 x X x x x PLO 8 x x X x x PLO9 x X x x x x Exam 50% 3 hours CASQE Page 16 of 21 Programme Specification

18 Level 7 Unit title : Digital Living Unit title : Globalisation, Media, Culture and Consumption Essay 100% Essay, 100% 5000 words 5000 words Unit title : Online Journalism Individual website 60% Group online news feature with AV content 40% Unit title : Intercultural Communication Article Review Presentation 25% 25% GO 1 x X x x GO 2 x X x x x x x GO 3 x X x x x x x GO 4 x x GO 5 x X x x x x GO 6 X x x x x x GO 7 x x x PLO 1 PLO 2 PLO 3 x X X PLO 4 x X X X X PLO 5 x X X X X PLO 6 x X x x X X PLO 7 PLO8 x X x x X X X PLO9 task 3 Coursework 50% 3000 words CASQE Page 17 of 21 Programme Specification

19 Level 7 Unit title : Critical Discourse Analysis Unit title Unit title Unit title Presentation 20% GO 1 x x GO 2 x x GO 3 x x GO 4 x x GO 5 GO 6 x x GO 7 x x PLO 1 PLO 2 PLO 3 PLO 4 x x PLO 5 PLO 6 x x PLO 7 PLO8 x x PLO9 Coursework 80% 4000 words (title and size) (title and size) (title and size) (title and size) (title and size) (title and size) CASQE Page 18 of 21 Programme Specification

20 SECTION G POINTS OF REFERENCE Internal University Policy documents: University Mission and Strategic Aims Programme Approval, Review and Modification Procedures outlined on the Centre for Academic Standards & Quality Enhancement website Relevant University Assessment Regulations for Programmes of Study - Postgraduate University Curriculum Framework - (Postgraduate) MMU Strategy for Learning, Teaching and Assessment Institutional Code of Practice for the Assessment of Students University Standards Descriptors University s Equality and Diversity policy University guidance on collaborative provision University Academic Ethics Framework Student Engagement Policy Programme Handbooks Management of Programme Delivery Policy for Accreditation of Prior Learning ICP for Placement and Work-based Learning ICP for Collaborative Provision Recruitment and Admissions Policy Programme Specific Information: Previous Programme Approval/Review/Modification Report (date) Staff Research Departmental Professional/Industrial Advisory Committees Staff/Student Liaison Committees External QAA Subject Benchmark statement QAA Framework for HE Qualifications QAA Quality Code PSRB visit reports PSRB requirements External Examiner reports CASQE Page 19 of 21 Programme Specification

21 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) 10 July 2015 MA IR & GC Current Issues in Media and Communication Change to LOs and Assessment. L7. 28 October 2015 MA IR & GC Report to FAQSC clarification to programme specification to state that part time students normally study units in a specific order, but flexibility is allowed. 4 May 2016 MA IR & GC Emergency and Disaster Management/Online Journalism L7 New units Digital Living L7 New unit to replace Digital Rights 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) 10 July 2015 September 2015 All students from Sept 2015 onwards. September 2015 All students from Sept 2015 onwards. 29 Feb September 2016 Students entering Level 7 wef September 2016 CASQE Page 20 of 21 Programme Specification