Programme Specification for NGO and Development Management MSc
|
Final award |
MSc |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Postgraduate Diploma; Postgraduate Certificate |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
N/A |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
November 2011 |
Profile
The summary - programme advertising leaflet
Programme content
The MSc in NGO and Development Management offers you the opportunity to examine the central issues facing developing countries in today’s globalised world and to learn practical skills that will enable you to work in development. This programme not only addresses the theories of development, but actively examines how development works practically in the field. It analyses in detail how development programmes and projects are designed, implemented and managed.
The Programme enables the learning of participatory approaches to development that are designed to mobilise people to actively take part in their own development. It equips the students with the understanding of the role that NGOs can play in promoting social and economic progress. We encourage students to work with NGOs on placements.
A central aim of the MSc is to teach you with practical skills that are used in development. These include methodologies of programme and project design such as:
- The Logical Framework Approach
- Participatory Methods
- NGO Approaches to Development such as Advocacy and Networking
- Project Evaluation and Impact Assessment
All of these are important transferable skills that are of practical use in development and which are in great demand at development agencies.
NGO and Development Management at UEL
- Teaches you practical skills that will equip you for employment in the field of development
- Promotes understanding of practical approaches to development in the field
- Familiarises you with central themes in contemporary development, notably pertaining to how developing countries may progress in a globalising world
- Critically examines the central strategies of development available in this context
- Analyses how the poor may be mobilised to exit poverty
- Connects you to a diverse group of other wonderful people interested in making the world a better place
Admission requirements
Applicants are normally required to have a good honours degree in a cognate area of study. Under special circumstances applicants without a relevant first degree but with substantial professional experience may be considered for admission, usually on the basis of an interview. If English is not your first language we require that you demonstrate your English language skills by achieving an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.
Programme structure
The programme consists of 4 modules and a dissertation. If you study full-time the programme takes one year to complete. If you study part-time it takes two years. You will take 2 modules in the Autumn Semester followed by 2 modules in the Spring Semester and the dissertation is completed over the summer. The MSc comprises 3 core modules designed to familiarise you with a broad range of skills that will help you to effectively carry out research in development and to play a role in practical development interventions.
Learning environment
The programme adopts a variety of teaching methods including: lectures, seminars, presentations, video documentaries, live discussions, role plays and group work.
Assessment
Assessment takes the form of essays, reports, presentations, research proposals, and dissertations. The final award takes account of all modules marks.
Relevance to work/profession
The Programme has a strong employability focus. It equips students with transferable skills that are relevant to agencies in the development sector including NGOs. Projects, including the dissertation, may draw extensively on work experience.
The degree will help you work as a professional in:
- Development Agencies,
- Aid and Relief Organisations
- Charities and the Voluntary Sector
The course will also provide a good foundation for postgraduate research towards M.Phil /Ph.D. Some students with this degree have set up their own NGOs.
Thesis/Dissertation/project work
Students have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork on an area of their choice for their dissertation. Dissertations provide the opportunity for focused independent research.
Your future career
The MSc NGO and Development Management equips students with practical skills in development which are in great demand at development agencies. The Programme has a strong employability focus. It equips students with transferable skills that are relevant to agencies in the development sector including NGOs.
The degree will help you work as a professional in:
- Development Agencies,
- Aid and Relief Organisations
- Charities and the Voluntary Sector
The course will also provide a good foundation for postgraduate research towards M.Phil /Ph.D. Some students with this degree have set up their own NGOs.
How we support you
Each student is supported by tutors that provide regular guidance and support in relevant areas of personal and academic life. In addition, students will have regular access to academic tutors on each of their modules.
Additional support for study and research skills will be available in weekly workshops and via the School’s Student Support & Referral Unit. There is a twelve week course for developing written language skills for those students who have English as a second language.
All students benefit from access to seminars and workshops organized by the MSc programme.
Bonus factors
- The Programme will have a February intake from January 2012
- Diversity of the student population at UEL who come from all over the world – primarily from the developing countries
- Placement Opportunities in the UK, Africa, Asia and Latin America
- Students design their own projects
- Focus on practical skills for doing development and managing development projects
- Teaching staff with specialist experience in a range of development contexts and NGOs
- Commonwealth Scholarships available to eligible international applicants http://www.uel.ac.uk/international/fees/commonwealth.htm
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of International Development with an emphasis on NGO and Development Management with insights from: International Relations, Politics, Development Economics, Refugee Studies, Institutional Studies and Development Administration.
- Understand the reasons for the persistence of global poverty and inequality and how current development paradigms contribute to poverty reduction and human development.
- Apply development theory to enhance development practice at the grassroots.
- Identify, design and implement appropriate interventions to improve development outcomes
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- develop understanding of the causes of poverty and underdevelopment;
- understand theoretical approaches to development and underdevelopment;
- comprehend theories of globalization and how globalization impacts on development;
- grasp how these macro-theories influence and affect development in the field;
- understand different approaches to development management;
- comprehend a variety of field technologies for achieving development;
- understand key approaches to research in vulnerable communities.
Thinking skills
- analyse key issues and debates;
- formulate strategies for problem solving;
- select and apply theories and methodologies to specific areas of study;
- formulate relevant research questions;
- interpret research findings;
- reflect on and critique research practice.
Subject-Based Practical skills
- develop advanced skills in multi-disciplinary and comparative work;
- develop advanced skills in use of libraries and archives;
- develop skills in social research;
- interpret quantitative and qualitative data;
- develop abilities to relate theory and strategy/policy-making.
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- develop transferable skills such as development project/programme design
- develop analytical and writing skills to an advanced level;
- develop verbal skills to an advanced level;
- develop abilities to articulate complex ideas;
Structure
The programme structure
The programme consists of 4 modules and a dissertation. If you study full-time the programme takes one year to complete. If you study part-time it takes two years. You will take 2 modules in the Autumn Semester followed by 2 modules in the Spring Semester and the dissertation is completed over the summer. The MSc comprises 3 core modules designed to familiarise you with a broad range of skills that will help you to effectively carry out research in development and to play a role in practical development interventions.
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 180 credits.
Typical duration
The typical duration of this programme is one year full-time or two-years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. A typical full-time student will study two 30 credit modules per semester on two evenings each week. A typical part-time student will study one 30 credit module per semester on one evening each week.
The dissertation is normally completed at the end of the second semester and submitted in September of the final period of study.
What you will study when
Full-time students must complete 180 credits (includes dissertation) in Year 1; part-time students normally complete 60 credits in Year 1 and 120 credits (includes dissertation) in year 2.
The following are the core and optional requirements for this programme
| Year | Module title | Credit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Development Management in the International Context |
30 |
Core |
|
1 |
Programme and Project Design |
30 |
Core |
|
1 |
Research Methods |
30 |
Core |
|
1 |
Sustainability and the Commons |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
Introduction to Forced Migration |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
Psycho-Social Perspectives of Forced Migration |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
International Human Rights |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
Global Environmental Politics |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
Cultural Encounters in International Relations |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
University Wide Option |
30 |
Option |
|
1 |
Dissertation |
60 |
Core |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level M.
In order to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level M
In order to obtain a Masters, you will need to obtain 180 credits at Level M. These credits will include a 60 credit level M core module of advanced independent research.
Masters Award Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Masters award then the award classification is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
Distinction |
|
60% - 69% |
Merit |
|
50% - 59% |
Pass |
|
0% - 49% |
Not Passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- tutorials
Thinking skills are developed through
- seminars
- small-group discussions
- workshops
- tutorials
Practical skills are developed through
- library and archive research
- essay and report writing
- workshops
- group presentations (may used mixed media)
- research seminars
- independent research dissertation
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- essay and report writing
- group presentations
- research methods module/research proposal
- independent research dissertation
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- essays
- examination
- reports
- presentations
- research proposal
- dissertation
Emphasis is placed upon familiarity with a wide range of relevant literature and with key debates in the relevant field.
Thinking skills are assessed by
- essays
- examination
- reports
- presentations
- research proposal
- dissertation
Emphasis is placed upon understanding of topic/s; application of knowledge in making an argument; clarity of arguments; evidence of synthesis and creativity; evidence of independent thought; and originality and distinctiveness of the student's own viewpoint.
Practical skills are assessed by
- presentations, including use of mixed media
- research proposal
- research project, concluding with the dissertation
Emphasis is placed upon evidence of systematic preparation; coherent structure and form of the assessed work; and clarity of expression. In the case of verbal presentations, clear articulation and positive interaction with other members of the class are of importance. In the case of collaborative work, including presentations, emphasis is placed upon positive mutual engagement with other members of the assessed group.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- essays and reports
- group presentations and use of media
- research methods module/research proposal
Emphasis is placed upon coherence of assessed work and clarity of expression, whether written or verbal. Students are encouraged to become familiar with various media and visual aids: video, photographs, slides, OHP, Powerpoint etc and to use these in assessed presentations. The research proposal is assessed as an exercise in development of general research skills.
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback to the University through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- module evaluations
- providing opportunities for discussion at Day Schools, which are held at least once each semester
- student representation on programme committees (meeting at least once each semester)
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- providing details on the programme notice board
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- questionnaires with former students
- group discussion with former students
Further Information
Where you can find further information
Further information about the MSc NGO and Development Management programme is available from:
- The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk/hss/programmes/postgraduate/ngo.htm)
- The student handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of General Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for theAcademic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences website http://www.uel.ac.uk/hss
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
