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Programme Specification for Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice BA (Hons)

 

Final award

BA (Hons)

Intermediate awards available

Cert HE, Dip HE,

UCAS code

C882

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Aspects of Sociology and Psychology Benchmarks inform content.

Date specification last up-dated

April 2012

Profile

The summary - UCAS programme profile

BANNER BOX:

Psychosocial Studies Helps You to Make Sense of Yourself and the World Around You. The Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice Programme allows you to apply psychosocial thinking whilst you also focus on gaining work experience.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered. Entrants to this programme will normally be required to attend for interview.

We welcome applications from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Mature students who have relevant work or voluntary experience will be asked to attend for interview and to complete a written English test and a further essay. The same procedure will apply for students with non-standard qualifications who may nevertheless be suitable for admission. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject.

For those with the potential, commitment and enthusiasm, but who are unable to meet the entry requirements for this degree programme you can apply for the Extended Degree programme route. An Extended Degree includes a Level 0 year, making the period of study 4 years (full-time) or 5 years (part-time).  The programme provides a supportive learning space for students to experience academic studies at university and helps develop confidence and academic skills in preparation for Levels 1-3.

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. International Qualifications will be checked for matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 525 or an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.0 (no skill level below 5) would be required.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

What is Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice?

The Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice BA offers new ways of exploring the relationships between individuals and their society. It encompasses both the individual focus of psychology and the broader concerns of the social sciences with society, history and culture. It provides a unique opportunity to study a socially-aware psychology and alongside an individual-sensitive sociology in an interdisciplinary framework.

The psychosocial studies team at UEL is committed to providing psychosocial students with work experience and accompanying placement modules which will give them a strong understanding of the social, political and cultural issues shaping contemporary communities. In common with the Social Work BA programme at UEL, we seek to promote a psychosocial perspective on issues of poverty, inequality and discrimination and in relation to the rights and duties of citizenship in a democratic society.

Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice at UEL

  • Psychosocial Studies has been a distinct area of teaching at UEL since 1983. It emerged in response to growing student demand for programmes that addressed both individual experience, and larger-scale social processes.

  • The Psychosocial Studies undergraduate programmes at UEL are the only ones of their kind within the UK. Their uniqueness lies in the use they make of clinical psychoanalytic perspectives in informing theory, research and especially, practice.

  • Students take a range of interdisciplinary programmes, or 'modules', that span psychology, sociology, cultural studies and psychoanalysis.

  • The modular degree means that students are part of a wide academic community, and may take related modules in for instance Sociology, Cultural Studies and Education.

  • In teaching, emphasis is placed on discussion, the relation of students' experiences to academic material, and students' own workshop and project work.

Students undertake placement modules which enhance employability. We aim to offer our students a framework which:
- emphasises social justice as a fundamental principle in work with individuals, groups, communities and a range of education, health and welfare institutions

- acknowledges the crucial role of individual development in shaping the personal resources with which people respond to their life circumstances

-re-affirms educational therapeutic and social are work as a person-centred enterprise, where the relationship between the worker and service user is of fundamental importance

  • Psychosocial Studies students come from a wide range of social, national and educational backgrounds, a diversity that we view positively as enriching the degree experience.
  • Psychosocial Studies staff are strongly involved in research and policy, and this cutting-edge work feeds into many modules.  Staff in Psychosocial Studies contributed to the very successful RAE submissions to the Sociology and the Social Policy and Social Work panels.

Programme structure

The University divides the academic year into 2 semesters (September-January, and February-June). Psychosocial Studies is a 3 year degree, in which students study 3 modules per semester.

The programme typically has a three year duration (when taken full-time). Psychosocial studies with Professional Practice (BA) can only be taken as a single honours programme. 

For the single honours routes there are 5 core modules at level 1. 

In the second year, there are five core modules on the single honours pathway. More details on these modules are given below.

In the third year single honours students must take a dissertation module.

The programme may be taken full-time (five or more modules each academic year) or part-time (up to four modules). It can also be taken mixed-mode, spending part of the programme as a full-time student and some as part-time. It is possible to move from full-time mode to part-time mode of study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments.

Students who do not pass all 120 credits at a level will be required to re-take those modules the following year. This means however that they must complete these incomplete modules whilst they are studying for their other modules, and this is a burden to be avoided if at all possible. Students will not be able to progress to level 3 if they have not passed all 120 credits at level 1.

Finally, students who do not wish or are unable to complete the whole programme can be awarded qualifications for the standard they have achieved. After the first year, students with six module passes (120 credits) may be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and those with twelve module passes (240 credits) the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). Students with a total of fifteen module passes (300 credits) may be awarded an ordinary (unclassified) degree.

Learning environment

Most Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice modules are taught by a combination of lectures and small group seminars. Typically, for one module, students attend two hours of lectures and a one-hour seminar each week, but some modules include workshops, field trips or lab work. We also make extensive use of specially prepared resources to assist with private study. These include module handbooks, computerised materials, and library and on-line resources.

Assessment

Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice modules may be assessed by coursework alone, or coursework combined with examinations and/or presentations. The different kinds of coursework include essays, projects, case studies, reports, and book reviews. The first year of the degree does not count towards the final degree classification. The second year counts for 1/3 and the third year for 2/3 of the final degree.

Work experience/placement opportunities

Psychosocial Studies has links with a number of organisations offering placements and non-assessed work experience in London. Substantial placement opportunities are available through the Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice.(BA Hons).

Project work

In their final year, many Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice students choose to do some supervised research of their own dissertation. Dissertations may be theoretical or library-based but must represent a substantial review of a topic of the student's own choice.  Empirical work is greatly encouraged as this gives the student the opportunity to develop specialised research skills in a supported environment. Professional placements also involve student research projects, as do some other taught modules on the degree.

Added value

Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice is a degree programme which helps students to develop skills and ways of thinking about problems in the real world. Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice graduates often find employment in the welfare field and the voluntary sector, and a number have entered teaching or local government. Others have gone into fields such as market research and publishing, or have gone on to further study (MA, PhD).

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in...

  • what makes people tick
  • the relationships between individuals and their society
  • how factors such as 'race,' ethnicity, national background, religion, class, gender, age, sexuality affect our life experiences.
  • how people develop throughout their lives, from birth through to old age
  • how popular media impact on our lives
  • unconscious aspects of human experience, that we are not in control of, but that seem to map out the way we live
  • Why we experience certain emotions - such as love, envy and jealousy

Then Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice might be for you.

If you enjoy...

  • Understanding the mysteries of human behaviour
  • Thinking about the world around you and your place in it
  • Having animated discussions about human experience and the social world
  • Learning about varying perspectives on an issue
  • Working with people from many different backgrounds

then a Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice degree will give you new and exciting ways of thinking about yourself, others and the social world.

If you want...

To see the world differently, Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice is a degree programme that is engaging, exciting, informative and challenging. It offers new perspectives and opens up new horizons. A wide range of modules is offered, catering for a broad spectrum of interest that can be expanded through a range of option modules.

Your future career

A degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice offers a solid foundation for a wide range of careers. Many of our graduates go on to work in the welfare sector (especially with agencies in areas such as mental illness, learning difficulties, drug abuse and homelessness). Others have entered teaching or local government, and some have entered the research, communications and marketing spheres. Some students have gone on to benefit from the range of postgraduate opportunities at UEL and our linked programmes at the Tavistock Clinic. Career opportunities include counsellor, research, PR and marketing, psychotherapist, welfare worker, university administration, IT, family therapist, educational psychologist, youth worker. The placement element in the Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice will greatly enhance individuals work experience.

How we support you

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we aim to help each student reach their own unique potential. On arrival, students are allocated a personal tutor who will be their first point of call for academic guidance and pastoral care throughout their time with us. Students should normally meet weekly with their personal tutor through the first 2 semesters. Personal tutors may be consulted during their office hours, or contacted by phone or email.. Students may also consult the year tutors on matters relating to their year or programme of study. The year tutors also run regular sessions, such as Year Meetings, Careers Days, Module Choices days.

Bonus factors

Students on the Psychosocial Studies with Professional  Practice degree are introduced to a range of psychosocial theories and skills such as counselling, learning listen empathically and understanding the dynamics of group processes, which provide an excellent foundation from which to pursue further professional qualifications and career training in the areas of mental health, psychotherapy, child development and PhD research.

Students on the degree will also have undertaken a placement of not less than 50 working days  and this will have been evaluated through a reference and supporting assessment on specially-designed placement modules. These train students in developing their ability to use the ‘work discussion’ method used to train clinicians in psychodynamic individual or group practice.

Students will either be presenting, or discussing, weekly detailed observations of an hour-long slice of time in a placement organisation. They will also be regularly keeping a placement journal. Through habitually articulating and illustrating aspects of their work experience to themselves, to other students and to their supervisors and other members of their team, students should be able to further their own personal and professional development.  In developing observational skills, students will be able to develop the following abilities:

  • Enhanced memory for key interactions and better record-keeping -  the regular practice of observation leads to an enhanced capacity to remember what has been seen
  • Greater perceptiveness - the experience of finding more significance in material than seemed apparent at first leads to students becoming more attentive
  • Process recording – regularly writing a coherent account in detail for an audience improves accurate and clear written communication skills
  • Presentation - presenting material to a group in an articulate way improves verbal communication skills
  • Reflection - the capacity to think about, and see connections between, complex events and experiences leads to increased confidence and effectiveness in the work setting

Students will be encouraged to consider the various ‘work in progress’ practice scenarios they will be hearing about from a problem-based perspective and to critically reflect on some of the key issues facing professionals working with people in the statutory and voluntary or tertiary sectors, this time, drawing on each other’s personal experiences in the workplace.

These skills and capacities, founded in direct work experience, provide students with a particular advantage in seeking graduate employment and / or professional postgraduate training.

The course will also enable students to gain an understanding of key aspects of ‘people work’:

  • the different needs of different service-user groups or clients
  • how to appreciate diversity and promote anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice
  • how to advocate for, or represent, or work alongside, service users or clients, and how to support their rights to social justice and (emotional or economic) well-being
  • A willingness to consider the particular issues, research and knowledge relevant to the service user or client group of the placement
  • the value and purpose of maintaining clear and accurate records of information obtained, work planned and outcomes
  • The emotional impact of working with people who may have suffered disadvantage, oppression, loss and lack of choice
  • the importance of supervision to process feelings aroused by the work productively

Students will use psychosocial perspectives learned so far on the degree (developmental and social psychological, sociological, psychoanalytic, psychocultural, critical psychological) in order to apply these to problem-based and practice-based scenarios, through the use of reflection on the student’s own placement practice.

They will use group psychoanalytic, systemic and narrative perspectives on groups and organisations in order to demonstrate a psychosocial understanding of their practice setting.

They will be encouraged to give consideration to relevant current social policies and contemporary political debates that generate guidelines and interventions in relation to particular service user groups and placement settings.

They will be required to review their own personal development self-development. 

On completion of the programme, students will be very well prepared for work with people in the public, private or tertiary sectors.

Outcomes

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

  • Explore the relationships between individuals and their society
  • Enable the student to a acquire a range of specific skills as well as key and transferable skills for life and work
  • Encourage reflection, self-reflection and critical analysis
  • Provide study a distinctive interdisciplinary curriculum, organised around key issues in contemporary society;
  • Equip students with knowledge and skills applicable in a variety of career paths, including the welfare professions, research, marketing and the 'culture industries'.

What will you learn?

Knowledge

All learning outcomes are covered in the programme’s single honours route.

On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice, students should be able to: 

  • Describe and examine a range of key concepts in psychosocial theory, including and combining where relevant, psychological, psychoanalytical and sociological understandings of the self and society
  • To evaluate and compare critically psychoanalytic and psychological theories of the self
  • To place psychoanalytic and psychological theories of the self in a social and cultural context
  • To understand the shaping of identities in different cultural contexts and social settings
  • Have knowledge of how to plan, carry out and write up a research project
  • Have a knowledge of theories of the unconscious
  • Understand the qualitative research methods and theories of qualities research Have an understanding of the different psychosocial stages of stages of human development
  • Apply psychosocial understandings to the study of social and cultural modes of difference including gender and sexualities, ‘race’ and ethnicities. 
  • Demonstrate a written and verbal understanding of a placement organisation’s work, particularly its policies, objectives, aims and outcomes
  • Critically reflect, through their own work experience, on the nature of the limits or constraints placed upon organisations 

Thinking skills 

On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice, students should be able to:

  • Assess the merits of competing explanations of human behaviour
  • Draw on evidence to evaluate competing explanations
  • Recognise contrasting explanations of events and evaluate those contrasts in a critical way.
  • Contrast points of view and discuss them
  • Understand the ethical dimensions of research
  • Have an awareness of group processes and interaction
  •  Demonstrate a capacity to critically evaluate theoretical perspectives as applied in practice and present the evidence used to support them 

Subject-Based Practical skills 

On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice, students should be able to: 

  • Carry out a small research project
  • Be able to interpret qualitative research data
  • Obtain qualitative data
  • Have a critical awareness of qualitative research methods such a drawing up a questionnaire, interview techniques, library research methods and textual analysis.
  • Have IT skills
  • Know how to present reports and convey information through visual aids such as PowerPoint, through the spoken and written word and through email communication.
  • Reflect regularly and in a self-critical way about their own conduct and learning experience whilst in a work experience setting, utilising an understanding of the nature of ‘relationship-based practice’, and of ‘reflective use of self’
  • Understand and utilise effectively a psychosocial observational research methodology to research aspects of the student’s professional role and task in the placement setting 

Skills for life and work (general skills) 

On graduating with an honours degree in Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice, students should be able to:

  • Have good communication skills in spoken, written and visual forms.
  • Construct a CV and covering letter
  • Understand the processes of job hunting and career development in a relevant field .
  • To develop an awareness of the underlying dynamics of communication processes in one-to-one and group contexts.
  • Problem solve and present solutions in a clear a effective manner
  • Have an understanding of the different psychosocial stages of stages of human development and feeling and apply this knowledge in different social and cultural settings).
  • Have acquired research skills that can be applied in a range of psychosocial work contexts.
  • Have acquired the capacity to think in a reflective and reflexive manner.
  • Have acquired a social and cultural awareness of psychosocial issues and the capacity to reflect upon those issues in a critical and reasoned manner.
  • Critically reflect upon their own personal and professional skills, experience and aspirations
  • Critically assess and demonstrate the skills needed in employment, including the theory and practice of working in teams
  • Research and apply appropriate verbal and non verbal communication skills to meet employer expectations

Structure

The programme structure

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:

  • 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
  • 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 360 credits.

Typical duration

The expected duration of this programme is 3  years when attended in full-time mode or 4.5  years in part-time mode.  It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments.  Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. It is not possible to start this programme in Semester B, in February.   

A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.

What you will study when

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year .  An honours degree student will complete modules totalling  120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits  at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.

This programme is not available as a combined honours programme.

CODETITLEPRE-REQUISITEEXCLUDEDSTATUS
SINGLE

Level 1

 

 

 

 

PS1204 Semester A

Knowledge Skills & Experience*

 

Study Skills module

Core

PS1201 Semester A

Psychology in Context

 

 

Core

IS1206 Semester A

Thinking Sociologically

 

 

Core

 

 

 

 

 

PS1202 Semester B

 Psychology in Practice

 

 

Option

PS12XX Semester B

Identity and Culture:  Psychosocial Approaches

 

 

Core

PS12XX Semester B

Psychosocial Perspectives on Individual Development

 

 

Core

Semester B

University Wide Option*

 

 

Option

 

 

 

 

 

Level 2

 

 

 

 

PS22XX Semester A

Psychosocial Perspectives on the workplace

 

 

Core

PS22XX Semester A

Self, Culture and Society

 

 

Core

PS22XX Semester A

Concepts of Psychological Illness and Treatment

 

 

Core

 

 

 

 

 

PS2203Semester B

Qualitative Research Methods in Psychosocial Studies

 

 

Core

PS2209# Semester B

‘Race’, Difference and Diversity

 

 

Core

PS22XXb Semester B

Psychosocial Work Reflection  1 (Placement)

 

 

Core

 

 

 

 

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

PS3000 Semesters A and B

Dissertation (40 credit module)

PS 2203

 

Core*

PS32XX Semester A

Psychosocial Work Reflection 2

PS22XX, PS22XXb

 

Core

PS3203 Semester A

Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society

 

 

Option

PS3221 Semester A

Psychosocial Perspectives on Criminal Behaviour

 

 

Option

PS3235 Semester A

HIV in the World

Social Science level 2 research methods

 

Option

Semester A

University Wide Option*

 

 

Option

 

 

 

 

 

PS3000 Semesters A and B

Dissertation (40 credit module)

PS 2203

 

Core

PS3205 Semester B

Intro to Counselling 2

PS22XX Concepts of Psychological Illness and Treatment

 

Option

PS32XX Semester B

Family and  Childhood Studies

 

 

Option

PS3230 Semester B

Exploring Emotion Psychosocially

 

 

Option

Semester B

University Wide Option*

 

 

Option

At level 3 students on the single honours Psychosocial Studies with Professional Practice (BA Hons) mustm in addition to the 40 credit dissertation and Placement modules, choosed at least 2 modules from the above list of Psychosocial modules.

*University wide options – we will ensure a list of recommended options is made available each year  

Important information & notes to programme table grids

*Skills Curriculum Modules

All Students must take 3 skills curriculum modules

= Skills for Academic Learning ­ level 1 in first semester of study

 # = Employability/Professional Practice – Level 2

= Research Skills – Level 2

Combined Honours

Not applicable

Requirements for gaining an award

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3

×

2/3

+

The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3

×

1/3

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%

First Class Honours

60% - 69%

Second Class Honours, First Division

50% - 59%

Second Class Honours, Second Division

40% - 49%

Third Class Honours

0% - 39%

Not passed

Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Knowledge is developed through:

  • A range of paper and electronic resources, including monographs, journals, newspapers,
  • Lectures, seminars, workshops and E-learning
  • Field trips
  • Interaction with academic staff who carry out research, write books and articles about their work.

Thinking skills are developed through:

  • Lectures, seminars and workshop activity
  • Interactive learning through E-learning
  • tutorials
  • Reading and research

Practical skills are developed through:

  • IT workshops
  • Library training
  • Qualitative research methods training
  • Study skills lectures and workshops
  • Individual and group projects

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through:

  • Engaging with academic staff and students in workshops, seminar and E-learning contexts
  • The ability to present information and ideas is developed throughout the programme
  • IT skills are taught at the beginning of the programme.
  • Research methods training workshops
  • Lectures containing employability training (e.g. CV and job application training)
  • Training in communication skills including Powerpoint skills, email, word-processing
  • Lectures and workshops on group processes
  • Lectures and workshops on psychosocial understandings on human development
  • Lectures and workshops on the psychosocial capacity to tolerate differences

Assessment

Knowledge is assessed by:

  • Essays,
  • Group and individual presentations
  • Examinations
  • Library research exercises
  • Interactive E-learning exercises
  • Dissertation 

Thinking skills are assessed by:

  • Critical analytical essays
  • Examinations
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Case-study based assignments
  • Dissertation and dissertation proposal
  • Constructing a dissertation proposal and thinking through ethical considerations and seeking ethical approval 

Practical skills are assessed by:

  • Carrying out a research project in the form of a dissertation
  • Carrying out a presentation to an audience of academic staff and students, using Powerpoint and /or other visual and presentation aids
  • Word –processing assignments in a professional manner
  • Citing academic research and presenting citations in a bibliography
  • Construction of a dissertation proposal form
  • Construction of an ethical clearance form for dissertation research. 

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by:

  • Coursework assignments that test your ability to present information and ideas.
  • Individual and group presentations to fellow students and academic staff
  • Carrying out a research project using qualitative research methods
  • Writing a CV and covering letter
  • Tasks that require you to research, evaluate and present material to others

 

Quality

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before the 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 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 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

  • Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times a year)

  • Student/Staff consultative committee (meeting 3 times a year)

Students are notified of the action taken through:

  •  Individual responses to students as required
  • Postings on our online discussion forums

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

  • Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
  • Questionnaires to former students
  • Student involvement in programme committee meetings

Further Information

Alternative locations for studying this programme

LocationWhich elements?Taught by UEL staffTaught by local staffMethod of Delivery

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Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:


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