Learning and Teaching Committee

Curriculum Sub-Committee

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Minutes of the Twenty-Third Meeting of the Sub-Committee held on Thursday 17 January 2002

Membership: Professor S A Austin (Chair), Dr J L Horner, Professor I C Morison, Dr S P Rice, Mr J Staples and Professor P Warwick (ab)

By Invitation: Dr R I Campbell (for Minute 02/6), Mr J G Dickens, Dr D R Green, Mr W P J Maunder

In Attendance: Dr J E M Elliott

Apologies for Absence were received from Professor Warwick

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02/1. Minutes

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The minutes of the twenty-second meeting held on 11 October 2001 were confirmed and signed.

02/2. Matters Arising from the Minutes

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.1 It was noted that all recommendations to Learning and Teaching Committee, and subsequently to Senate where appropriate, have been approved. A relevant minute of Learning and Teaching Committee was noted.

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.2 Minute 01/44 - MSc Sports Biomechanics/ Sport & Exercise Psychology/ Physical Activity & Health

The pro-forma for new programme proposals, revised to reduce duplication of information contained in Programme Specifications was noted. It was AGREED that this be further revised to include a requirement for new modules to be listed.

ACTION: JEME

02/3. Module Registration on Postgraduate Programmes

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.1 The Sub-Committee considered a Minute of the Programme Development and Quality Team's meeting on 14 January 2002. At the request of the Chair of the Sub-Committee, the team had considered the case for allowing Masters students to register for modules totalling more than 180 credits where necessary to accommodate option choices from amongst 10, 15 and 20 credit modules. The team had concluded, with some reluctance, that in practice the possibility of allowing some students to register for modular options totalling more than 180 credits could not be supported.

.2 Concern was expressed that this decision would restrict student choice, particularly where students were selecting modules across departments. There were considered to be four approaches that could be taken in dealing with the current position:

(a) To accept the constraint on student choice with the 180 credit limit

(b) To find a mechanism to allow registration above 180 credits to a 185 credit limit where necessary

(d) To revisit the credit currency of postgraduate modules.

Approach (d) was not felt to be feasible in the short-term,nor necessarily likely to have an outcome that would resolve the problem should further standardisation of credit values not be considered desirable, and none of the remaining approaches were considered likely to provide a totally satisfactory outcome.

.3 There was strong support from the Sub-Committee for allowing the flexibility of registration on modules up to a credit value of 185. It was considered that the administrative difficulties in this case were not insurmountable and were far less significant in human resource terms than a change in credit currency. Registration and examinations software would require adjustment but the effect of 185-credit registrations on external data returns and on load calculations for RASCAL were thought likely to be negligible based on the handful of students for whom the 180 limit was currently a problem, though it was acknowledged that such numbers might increase with increased flexibility on module choice.

.4 It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee the following:

- that the Academic Registry be asked to examine in detail the implications of allowing registration on modules to an upper limit of 185 credits. It was hoped that changes necessary to registration/ examinations software could be in place by October 2002.

- that in the interim modular credit values be adjusted where this was essential to prevent the credit total of 180 being exceeded, bearing in mind any implications for part-time students.

- that in the event that the changes necessary to permit the flexibility for registration on modules to the 185 credit limit were impossible, the standard currency of credit values of postgraduate modules should be revisited. A survey of modular credit value in other institutions would be valuable.

(Secretary's note: A recent survey by the Association of University Administrators showed that of the 49 institutions responding, 37 had a standardised credit rating system, the majority using 15 credits or multiples thereof as their base system)

02/4. MSc Social Research (Social Science): Revised New Programme Proposals

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Further to Minute 01/46 of the previous meeting, the Sub-Committee considered revised proposals for September 2002 entry. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee, subject to the following matter being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) The apparent exclusion of the LPC award from the Programme Regulations

ACTION: WPJM, JEME

02/5. BSc/DIS Quantum Information and Computation

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.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2002 entry. It was noted that exceptionally the proposals had been given outline approval by Learning and Teaching Committee in advance of detailed consideration by Curriculum Sub-Committee to allow the programme to be publicised and allocated a UCAS Code for intake in 2002. The programme was now being advertised. Interest in it was being expressed and there were already applicants for 2002 entry.

.2 The Sub-Committee was informed that the increased average teaching loads resulting from the new programme remained an issue that was the concern of Operations Sub-Committee, though the effect would be would not be felt until year 2. The Department was clearly aware of the implications on teaching load and its enthusiasm for the programme seemed high. Concern was expressed about the possible input from Research Fellows. It was thought that the programme was not dependent upon such input but would rather be enhanced by it.

.3 In considering the consultation forms from other departments, concern was expressed about the apparent lack of interest shown by Departments whose areas of interest overlapped. The Sub-Committee expressed support for action by AD(T)s to encourage rationalisation in programme development.

.4 It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee that the proposals now be forwarded to Senate for approval, subject to the following matters being resolved by the Department to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) The position on Library provision be clarified

(ii) The position on the year on an approved course of study at a European University to be clarified in terms of any credit or award to be given (without modular credit or a DPS award there would be no entitlement to ERASMUS funding and students would be deemed to be on Leave of Absence)

(iii) Paragraph 2.5 of the Programme Regulations to be revised to read '…PHC388 is assumed to be split 20:10 over the two semesters'.

(iv) 'Web-based Materials Study' in PHA291 to be clarified and assessment to be included in each new module specification, stipulating examination length.

ACTION: DRG, JEME

02/6. MDes, MA/MSc in Industrial Design with Secondary Subject:

New Programme Proposals

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.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for September 2002 entry. The proposals were discussed in detail with the proposer, Dr Campbell.

.2 It was noted that Master of Design (MDes) would be a new postgraduate award for the University and would require separate approval by Learning and Teaching Committee and an amendment to Ordinance IV. The Sub-Committee noted that the University had adopted titles reflecting the subject focus of Masters degrees only in the case of extended undergraduate programmes, with the exception of the internationally accepted MBA. It needed to be considered whether the title MDes should be introduced for a one-year postgraduate Masters degree when other Loughborough University titles would suggest this involved a four-year extended undergraduate programme. Dr Campbell had provided a list of reasons for adopting the title MDes, which was tabled.

Of the list of institutions which had adopted the MDes award, this was a postgraduate award for all with the exception of the four-year MDes at Coventry University. The Sub-Committee was divided as to whether the new award should be permitted. The case was put that the Industrial Design community was best placed to appreciate the acceptability of such an award and that this should not be ruled by local precedent. It was, however, to be considered a risk that such an award from Loughborough would be conveyed as a four-year undergraduate degree. This would be a somewhat arbitrary adoption of a specific postgraduate award title and it needed to be considered how such a principle would be applied in practice thereafter. The possibility of using the existing postgraduate award framework, e.g. MSc (Des), was an option for consideration.

.3 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee, at which the item would be unstarred:

(i) That consideration be given as to whether the 30-credit Design modules should continue to be available other than as a Summer School Programme module. Clarification of the 'distance learning' on these modules was required and confirmation that the advice of Learning and Teaching Development had been sought in producing these modules.

(ii) Module Specifications required an estimate of contact hours for the different activities and weightings for each component of assessment. Internal Examiners should be named and keywords needed some tidying. Consideration should be given to sequential assessment for the Major Design Project DTP856, and for DTP857 it should be made clear that the coursework involved a single project.

(iii) Programme Regulations should split compulsory and optional modules. Reference to project reports should be included in Module Specifications rather than Programme Regulations and consideration should be given to oral presentations for all students whether undertaking a university or industry-based project, and double-marking by university staff in all cases.

(iv) Paragraph 2.7 of the MA/ MSc Programme Regulations required revision as the current wording would require registration on modules worth 200 credits which was not permissible under GRMPA. Splitting the 80 credit project module (e.g. to 20 and 60-credit modules) should be explored.

(v) Suggestion to be provided of possible alternatives to the proposed MDes award. Further information would be useful on other 'M' degrees awarded by those institutions already adopting the MDes award.

ACTION: WPJM, JEME

(Secretary's note: Tabled papers and comments subsequently received from the Careers Service and the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering are attached to these minutes).

02/7. Graduate Apprenticeships: UG and PG Programme Proposals

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.1 The Sub-Committee:

(i) Received a summary of the Graduate Apprenticeship project

(ii) Considered proposals to introduce the Diploma in Professional Development (DPD) to the following undergraduate programmes, from October 2002:

BA Graphic Communication

BA Ceramics

BA Printed Textiles

BA Illustration

BSc Industrial Design and Packaging Technology

BSc Information Management and Computing

BSc Information Management and Business Studies

BA Publishing with English

MEng Systems Engineering

(iii) Considered proposals for a Postgraduate Certificate (LPC) in Continuing Professional Development, for April 2002 entry.

.2 It was noted that the DPD would be a new award for the University and would require separate approval by Learning and Teaching Committee and an amendment to Regulation XI. It was also noted that the four undergraduate proposals from LUSAD included the introduction of the DPS award from October 2002. It was suggested that, in due course, the DIS/ DPS might move towards the more formal structure of the proposed DPD. Members were informed of Operations Sub-Committee's concern that the title 'Continuing Professional Development' for the Postgraduate Certificate was an activity rather than a subject. A recent meeting of the Graduate Apprenticeship Steering Group had discussed this but considered that the title should remain, though there may be scope for bracketing the subject specialisation after the title.

.3 The question was raised as to whether the DPD was integral to the degree programme and if so should be reflected in the Intended Learning Outcomes of the programme. It was acknowledged that in a case such as this where the placement year was an option there might be a requirement for two sets of Intended Learning Outcomes for the programme.

.4 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) of SSH prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) In the design of postgraduate framework, for the core business module, that 'x 3 days contact time' be deleted as this was misleading.

(ii) In the postgraduate Programme Regulations, that paragraph 2.1.3 be renumbered as 2.2 and the department listed as Engineering Management be changed to Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

ACTION: WPJM, JEME

02/8. Postgraduate Training in Joining Technologies

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The Sub-Committee considered preliminary proposals from IPTME for a joint programme with the Welding Institute: updated proposals had been circulated prior to the meeting. The proposals were seen as a parallel to the MSc in Engineering Management which involved a similar arrangement with the Joint Board of Engineering Management. It was suggested that the proposer, Professor Binner, speak with Dr Barry Fisher who was responsible for that programme. The Sub-Committee, whilst not approving the proposal at this stage, AGREED to ask the proposer to provide full documentation for consideration at a future meeting. The Code of Practice for Collaborative Provision would normally require a Quality Assurance Statement to be provided, but in this case it was considered that this statement be replaced by a full report explaining how TWI managed its provision and handled quality and standards, and covering all points listed in paragraph 10 of the Code. Assurance that EPSRC would be comfortable with the proposal as a new sixth specialist option on the Masters Training Package Programme would also be required.

ACTION: DRG, JEME

02/9. Membership of the Sub-Committee

Further to Minute 01/56 of the previous meeting, the Sub-Committee reflected on whether its membership should be extended. Whilst members were not supportive of an extension of the membership, it was felt that the availability of alternates would be valuable should members be unable to attend. Meetings would continue to commence at 08.30 a.m. It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee that Faculty Board representatives on the Sub-Committee identify a fellow Board member who could attend a meeting as their alternate if they themselves were unavailable.

02/10. BSc Geography and Recreation Management/ Leisure Management: Change of Title

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Further to Minute 01/53 of the previous meeting, and Senate's subsequent approval of a change in title from Geography and Recreation Management to Geography and Leisure Management from 2002 entry, it was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee a further change in title from 2002 entry to Geography and Sport and Leisure Management.

02/11. Undergraduate programmes involving PE and Sports Science:
Changes of Title

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It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee the following title changes, from October 2003 entry:

PE and Sports Science                                     to         Sport and Exercise Sciences
PE, Sports Science and Recreation Management           to         Sports Science with Management PE, Sports Science and Physics                              to         Sports Science and Physics
Geography and PE and Sports Science             to         Geography and Sports Science
PE, Sports Science and Social Science             to         Sports Science and Social Science
Chemistry and PE and Sports Science               to         Chemistry and Sports Science
English and PE and Sports Science                               to         English and Sports Science
PE, Sports Science and Mathematics                            to         Sports Science and Mathematics

02/12. MA/LPD/LPC Security Management (Singapore)

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It was AGREED to ratify the action of the Chair in approving a second version of Programme Regulations for the Postgraduate Programme in Security Management, exclusively for students in Singapore.

02/13. Discontinuation of Programmes

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It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee discontinuation of the following programmes (proposed date of last intake shown in brackets):-

BA Information and Library Studies (October 1998)
BA Information and Publishing Studies (October 1998)
BA Library and Information Management (October 2000)
BSc Information and Computing (October 1998)
BSc Information and Management (October 1998)
BSc Logistics and Transport Management (October 2001)
BSc Retail Management (Automotive) (October 2001)
MBA Information and Library Management (no recruitment)
MSc Information Studies (October 2001)
MSc Mechanical and Electrical Project Management (October 2001)

02/14. Change of Title - QAU

The change of name of the Quality Assessment Unit to the Quality Enhancement Unit, in recognition of a change of emphasis in its role, was noted.

02/15. Date of Next Meeting

Thursday 9 May 2002 am

02/16. BA European Business; Change of Title

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It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee a proposal from the Business School to change the title of the BA European Business to BA International Business for existing pre-99 cohorts, with immediate effect.

(From the 1999 cohort the programme had been entitled International Business)

Author - Jennie Elliott

Date - January 2002