1   Awarding institution/body

University of Essex

2   Teaching institution

Writtle College

3   Programme accredited by

n/a

4   Final award

Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies

5   Programme

Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies

6   UCAS code (or other coding system if relevant)

n/a

7   Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s)

General Business & Management

8   Date of production/revision

September 2003 (revised July 2005)

9 Educational aims of the programme     

This Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the PGCMS programme at Writtle College, with learning outcomes a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.  More specification information and detailed module specification sheets are available for each course.

On successful completion of the PGCMS, students will be able to:

·         select and use appropriate methods of identifying, researching and diagnosing management problems and critically assess environmental influences on management activity

·         select and use appropriate techniques of problem resolution, including developing, defending and implementing recommendations

·         demonstrate analytical skills in the area of resource utilisation

·         use qualitative and quantitative information in a systematic manner.

10 Programme outcomes -

The programme will provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

A knowledge and understanding of:

the key principles, theories, concepts and practices associated with business and management and their inter-relationships including:

1.       the impact of the external environment at various geo-political scales on organisations and management initiatives in response to external factors

2.       the importance of financial administration and budgetary controls; interpret annual financial statements; apply principles of credit & stock control

3.       the major concepts of organisational behaviour and the management and development of people within organisations

4.       the role of information technology systems within organisations; apply a range of decision making and planning techniques

5.       appreciate contemporary issues in the field of management including e-commerce; ethical management and sustainability.                                                       

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Teaching/learning methods and strategies

The acquisition of knowledge and understanding is approached through an emphasis on student-centred learning.

Lectures are supported by group discussions, the use of case studies to apply knowledge and understanding, discussions of situations in the learners’ workplaces, business visits and visiting speakers.

Throughout the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Assessment:

Formal summative assessment is mainly via work-based assignments, examinations, presentations and a management report which emphasises the operational and integrative nature of management functions.

Informal formative assessment takes the form of group discussions, exercises, the use of case studies and presentations.

Skill and other attributes

B Intellectual skills – able to:

1.       use cognitive skills, analysis, synthesis  and evaluation in problem resolution and decision making relating to business problems

2.       isolate and focus on the significant features of problems

3.       be creative in the solution to problems

4.       challenge, modify and develop theory and practice

5.       work independently and effectively

6.       learn and take a reflective, adaptive and collaborative approach to learning.

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Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Intellectual skills are developed through discussion of key issues, practice in applying concepts both orally and in writing, analysis and interpretation of case study material and work-placed assignments.

Individual feedback is given to students both orally and in writing on all work produced.

Assessment:

The variety of assessments used (see above) all place great emphasis on the learner’s ability to demonstrate skills 1-6.    The work-based assessments, in particular, allow learners to develop and refine these skills on a number of occasions.

C Practical skills – able to:

1.       retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources

2.       analyse information to determine its benchmarks against industry standards

3.       prepare management reports

4.       make business presentations

5.       use IT in a variety of situations to support the learning process, handle and present data

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Teaching/learning methods and strategies

All learners are given a library induction on how to identify, locate and use material available including the use of databases and the internet.  Full reading lists are provided for each module and further reading, including journal articles, is provided when individual modules are taught.

Guidance on report writing and presentation is given at the residential and tutorials are given on referencing.

The use of IT is built into various modules.

Assessment:

D Transferable/key skills – able to:

1.       structure and communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, using a range of media which are widely used in business

2.       find information and use information technology for business applications

3.       apply numerical and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation

4.       effectively self-manage in terms of time, planning, working to deadlines, behaviour, motivation, self-starting, individual initiative and enterprise

5.       perform effectively within a team environment including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills

6.       work independently

7.       effectively listen, negotiate, persuade and present sound arguments

8.       assess the relevance and importance of the ideas of others

9.       display self-awareness whilst being sensitive to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business and management issues

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Teaching/learning methods and strategies

These skills are developed as an integrated component of all modules.  They are developed through written assignments, class discussions, presentations and group work.  Skill 4 is developed through the management of time to meet the various and sometimes conflicting deadlines for submission of coursework (all notified at the outset of each module).  Skill 5 is particularly developed during the residentials.  Skills 7, 8 and 9 are developed using group discussion and case study material.

Assessment:

Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in assessing all areas of a learner’s work, and the regular feedback as well as the final grade reflect this.  Skills 2, 3, 4 and 6 are assessed by work-based assignments and skill 3 by examination.  Skills 5, 7, 8 and 9 are assessed informally through class discussions and formally through group work at the residential.

11  Programme structure and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards

The PGCMS programme is designed for part-time delivery on a day release basis (afternoon and evening lectures) throughout the two semesters of the College session.  The units of learning are arranged in 15 credit modules with two modules running concurrently in a semester.  The Personal Development Planning is residential for the part-time students.

The full-time combined Postgraduate Certificate & Diploma in Management Studies (PGCMS/DMS) is run as a full-time course and takes the CMS modules in semester one.  It is designed for graduates/diplomates from countries outside the European Union in conjunction with the University of Essex (see PGCMS programme specification section 11). 

Each module requires 150 hours of learning time, to include 45 hours of formal College input and 105 hours of student managed learning.

Students must achieve a Pass in all modules to graduate with the award.

There are no option modules on the PGCMS

An Awards Board reviews student achievement at semester intervals.  This Board has the power to compensate failed modules and/or agree that students shall be referred in a module or part thereof and /or re-sit the module taking recommendations of module leaders as the starting point of discussion.  Referral and re-sit timings will be arranged as appropriate to the programme of study and be recommended by the module leader initially and ratified by the Board.

Year 1/credit level 1

Compulsory Core Units

Managing within the External Environment

Managing Finance and Information

Managing People within Organisations

Managing Activities

Personal Development Planning

Options

None available

Progression requirements:

Minimum of 60 credits

Outcomes developed/assessed:

Knowledge and Skills as indicated by module Specification Sheets

12  Support for students and their learning

  Induction programme for new students

  Student handbooks and module guides

  Teaching programme based at one site

  Broad range of library and IT facilities with extended access for students

  All students have an identified personal tutor to advise on pastoral and academic matters

  Free individual email facilities for students and access to the World Wide Web

  Access to trained counsellors and student welfare advisors

  Extensive College Estate available for student use, including new purpose-built equine stud

  Range of external speakers and possibly visits

13  Criteria for admission

Candidates must be able to satisfy the admissions requirements in one of the following ways:

Acceptance on the PGCMS is based on possession of one or more of the following entry requirements:

·       a degree or diploma from a British university, or an acceptable overseas equivalent; or

·       a Higher National Diploma or Certificate; or

·       appropriate membership of a relevant professional body; or

·       National Vocational Qualifications in Management at Level 3

In addition, it is normally expected that students will hold, or are on the threshold of obtaining, positions with management responsibility, or possess the potential for such career advancement.

Applicants without the above qualifications but with significant professional experience (in a post of administrative, managerial or professional responsibility) can apply for the PGCMS and may be admitted if, in the opinion of the Course Manager, they are capable of profiting from and contributing to the course.  The foundation for this open, non-traditional approach is the Equal Opportunities policy of the College which refers to ‘perceived ability to complete the course as the key criterion on which admission is based’.

14  Award Content – see diagram