Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Report on ANNUAL PROGRAMME REVIEW, 2004-05

1. In accordance with University quality procedures for Annual Programme Review, a formal meeting was held with the following Schools/Departments:

Business School	19 January
Design & Technology	1 February
Economics	17 January
LUSAD	15 February
PIRES	28 February
Social Sciences	30 January
SSES	10 February & 17 March

• English & Drama and Geography are both scheduled for Periodic Programme Review in May 2006.
• Loughborough College Foundation Degree [Leisure Management] and Foundation Degree [Sports Science with Sports Management] will be covered by our first PPR of Loughborough College validated programmes in March 2006.
• LUSAD/Nanyang collaboration on the BA Graphic Communication is being reviewed in April 2006, as envisaged in the original validation agreement.
• A full report on each will follow in due course

2. Annual Programme Reviews were conducted for the following validated programmes::

MA Islamic Management, Banking & Finance	Markfield IHE	13 March
MA Islamic Studies	Markfield IHE	13 March
MA Muslim Community Studies	Markfield IHE	13 March

Business School:

1. As in previous years, the information provided for APR is generally excellent. In overall terms, it is clear that 2004-05 has been another successful year, with good student feedback [module, programme and NSS], a generally good progression and attainment profile, and positive feedback from External Examiners.

2. Applications across the board for undergraduate programmes have remained largely constant, with an increase for International Business. PGT programmes continue to recruit well, with c. 75% of the intake being international students.

3. Progression is generally good across the board. There was a slightly higher proportion of withdrawals at Part A, but further analysis confirms that this resulted from a variety of personal reasons rather than any problem with the BS programmes. There is also an increase in failure to progress at part B at first attempt, although failure drops to a very low level after SAP – BS agreed to keep this under review. Retention and progression on PMDC programmes is good, particularly given the background of students on these programmes.

4. Attainment remains good. At UG level, of those graduating in 2005, 8% received a First, 66% an Upper Second, and 26% Lower Second or below. At PGT level, c. 90% were awarded MSc/MBA [with c. 18% at Distinction level], 3% Diploma/Certificate and 7% deferred. Attainment on PMDC programmes is particularly good.

5. First Destinations data remain good, with most undergraduate students progressing onto employment. No data on destinations of taught postgraduates was provided, largely because of difficulties in tracking international students.

6. Student Feedback and Staff/Student Liaison: overall, feedback remains clearly positive, staff/student liaison continues to offer clear evidence of student satisfaction and stimulation, NSS results were either good or very good, with the organisation and management of teaching and learning receiving particularly positive feedback.

7. External Examiners: all EE reports are positive, and most are very positive. Some concern expressed over tight timescales – this has been raised with Registry by BS, and ADT will continue to monitor. One EE commented on the desirability of using the full range of marks, particularly at the top end; as other EE’s across the Faculty have made the same point, ADT will be raising as an institutional issue, Where minor procedural points have been raised, the BS has addressed them.

8. Other matters arising:

• PMDC has undertaken a systematic review of long-standing registrations, which has resulted in a much more accurate picture of progression, and is to be commended. PMDC documentation in general is now significantly better than in previous years.
• Following the 2003-04 APR, the BS has undertaken a substantial review of its policy and practice on Group Work. This has resulted in some excellent guidelines, addressing such factors as size and composition of groups, as well as ensuring there are mechanisms to deal with students who do not make a fair contribution to the group effort.
• Developmental feedback on coursework assignments: BS feel that the diversity of assignments is such that a standard feedback format is not desirable. Agreed that BS UGO will check that suitable developmental feedback is in place across all modules.
• Agreed that RET reports could be more reflective in future
• Some problems remain with finding suitable teaching rooms over the summer for Masters’ programmes; ADT to raise issue with Media Services.

Design & Technology

1. U/G applications have risen, which has had the effect of increasing the applications/intake ratio from c. 4:1 to c. 5:1. A level points remain good, at between 305 and 310. Applications to the Applications to the Industrial Design and Technology with Education programme have declined, but this programme is being phased out shortly. The Department has obtained approval to restructure its main U/G programme into two distinct strands [BA and BSc]. This should lead to further improvement in both applications and progression. Recruitment to the Department’s PGT programme remains relatively low, but the Department is in the process of bringing forward proposals for revised PGT programmes which should improve this situation.

2. Progression remains very good, with over 90% pass at first attempt, rising to c. 98% after SAP. The attainment profile is also good, with c. 55% obtaining a First or Upper Second in 2004-05. There is a relatively small number of withdrawals at Part A; in some cases this appears to be due to a lack of awareness among students about the technological element of existing programmes – this will be addressed by the recasting mentioned above.

3. As in previous years, Destinations data remains good, with some 75% of the cohort known to have progressed into employment or further study. The Department’s graduates continue to do well in prestigious external competitions, with 7 students receiving prizes. The Department is planning to integrate more input from employers, which is commendable.

4. Student Feedback and Staff/Student liaison: feedback is good across the board, with virtually all aspects of the Department’s teaching and learning receiving high scores. Two potential areas of concern have been identified - the suitability of specific rooms for teaching Design Practice modules, and students’ ability to manage their time and workload. Both are being addressed by the Department. Funding derived from the Department’s membership of the new Engineering CETL has been allocated to make improvements in the teaching areas, and training in time management is being introduced via the Personal Tutoring system. Staff/Student liaison continues to be taken seriously by the Department, and there is clear evidence of a very good working relationship, between staff and students.

5. External Examiners’ reports are very positive indeed, and confirm that the Department continues to be seen by the wider design community as having the highest national profile and reputation.

6. Other matters arising:

It is clear that serious consideration must continue to be given to the working environment in the Bridgeman Centre by both the Department and the University

Economics

1. U/G applications have remained constant, with minor variations. The applications/intake ratio remains at c. 9:1 except on International Economics, where it drops to c. 6:1. Although International Economics has a relatively small intake, it is an efficient programme in terms of teaching resources, and remains an attraction for international students. Overall U/G recruitment is healthy, and the Department is to be congratulated on attracting over 15% of all Economics applications across the UK. Home U/G recruitment is handled centrally, and the Department confirms that this is working well. At PGT level, although applications are lower than the equivalent period last year, more offers have been made and the standard of applicants is high. The Department is to be congratulated on making significant efforts over the 2004-05 period to adapt programmes of study to the changing world market with the introduction of new MA programmes. It was agreed that a financial buffer was desirable to cushion the department from potential large swings in demand, especially given the degree of dependence on the Chinese market.

2. Progression remains satisfactory, although there are still challenges at Part A and, to a lesser extent, at Part B. There is a relatively high resit rate across the board at Part A, and, after SAP, a failure rate of c. 15-20%. It is clear that quantitative modules remain problematic for some students. However, the Department has made significant efforts to address this by way of additional support in mathematics and doubling lecture contact time in Quantitative Economics, and this should lead to improvements in the future. The Department has produced a detailed analysis of such failures, and it is clear that the majority of these students transfer successfully to other LU programmes. The attainment profile has improved, with more First Class degrees being awarded. Whilst there remain relatively few Distinctions at PGT level, the failure rate is very low, a particularly creditable performance given the heavy reliance on international recruitment.

3. Student Feedback and Staff/Student liaison. Module and programme feedback remains good, with all scores well above 3.0. Staff/Student liaison identified very few issues of any concern, and these have all been addressed by the Department.

4. U/G External Examiners’ Reports are very positive, and confirm both the excellence and relevance of the Department’s programmes. PGT EE Reports not yet available. Useful liaison with EE’s on procedures relating to CIP has taken place, with the Department adopting suggestions made by External Examiners.

5. Other matters arising:

The department has a very high proportion of probationary staff (40%) with reduced teaching loads. It is also making a concerted effort to improve its RAE rating. This combination of circumstances could affect the teaching and learning experience and attainments of students, but is clearly not doing so. The Department, and particularly its leadership, is to be congratulated on this.

The NSS survey produced very positive results, with the Department emerging as the second most popular Economics Department in the UK

As is the case elsewhere in the Faculty, there remain some problems with student attendance at tutorials. The Department is using Co-Tutor to monitor attendance, and is assiduous in following up any non-attendance. The Department intends to use a Professional Development grant to fund a mentoring system whereby finalists will mentor first years, and it is hoped that this will further encourage student engagement.

LUSAD

1. U/G applications have remained constant or increased across all programmes. Ceramics, Furniture & Silversmithing have an applications/intake ratio of just over 3:1. These three programmes are to be amalgamated into a single new programme [BA Hons 3D Design: New Practice], designed to meet the needs of a broader range of students. Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture have an applications/intake ratio of just over 2.5:1. These have been amalgamated into a single new programme, BA Hons Fine Art. This should improve the applications/intake ratio in both cases. Illustration & Graphic Communications have an applications/intake ration of just under 3:1: both applications an intake remain steady. Textiles programmes [Printed; Multi-Media; Woven] have an applications/intake ratio of c. 2.5:1. The Foundation Year has an applications/intake ratio of 2:1; applications to the Foundation Year have decreased by c.14% over the last two years. At PGT level, intake to the MA Art & Design Studio Practice remains constant, at c. 15. As before, the bulk of applications at U/G level come via Route B, and application/intake ratio’s should be viewed in this context.

2. Progression is generally good, at or above University averages. Part B progression in Graphic Communication and Ceramics would benefit from monitoring over the next year. The attainment profile is good, with c. 12% graduating with a First, and a further 40% with an Upper Second. Destinations data at U/G level remain good – of those graduates for whom the School has information, c. 60% progressed onto employment, with a further 22% entering further study. Attainment profile at PGT level is very good – all candidates graduating successfully, with c. 15% receiving a Distinction.

3. Student Feedback and Staff/Student Liaison. Module and programme feedback remains good, with all scores well above 3. In some areas of its provision, the School should supply more detailed data on feedback scores. Some minor concerns over timing of workload and School facilities have been raised, and addressed by the School. Some concern has been expressed by students over staffing levels in Visual Communications, and the facilities available in the new location [Frederick St] – these are currently under consideration by the School. Minutes of Staff/Student liaison confirm the on-going good relationship between staff and students in the School.

4. External Examiners’ Reports are very positive across the whole range of provision. EE’s comment in particular upon the high standard of student work, the contemporary nature of the curricula and the benefit of links outside the University. The EE report at PGT level is equally positive.

5. Other matters arising:

A] Foundation programme: For 2007, it would be useful to show progression statistics in the form of:

1) Progressed to degree course at Loughborough

2) Progressed to a degree course elsewhere

3) Did not progress to a degree course.

B] PGT: the School is encouraged to look at ways of expanding PGT provision, possibly in collaboration with other departments and/or via the link with NAFA, Singapore.

PIRES

1. U/G applications for the Politics with a Minor programme have increased significantly; intake has been kept at a similar level to last year, and there has been a rise in A-level points. Both applications and intake to the EIS programme have seen a small decline, but there has been a significant rise in A-level points. The applications/intake ratio remains at c. 2.2:1, and the Department is encouraged to continue its efforts to increase applications – the new U/G programme in International Relations w.e.f. 06 entry should contribute to this. PGT recruitment remains modest, but the Department has recast its portfolio of PGT programmes, and this should lead to an improved intake.

2. Progression at U/G level is satisfactory, although there is a relatively high rate of failure before SAP in Year One. This is at least in part due to the programme structure, which involves minor subjects – the Department is taking steps to ensure that all Part A students are aware of the necessity of performing well in Minor as well as major subject areas. The attainment profile is generally good, although there are very few First class degrees awarded. The Department has made changes to final year modules, particularly in the preparation for the heavily weighted dissertation, which should help to address this. Attainment at PGT level is good, with no failures, and c. 8% Distinctions.

3. Student Feedback and Staff/Student liaison. Module and programme feedback is generally very good, with most questions receiving a score of at least 4. Some concern was expressed by students in relation to one particular module; the Department has taken suitable measures, but this will be monitored again at the next APR. Minutes of Staff/Student liaison confirm the on-going good relationship between staff and students in the School; minor matters have been raised, and addressed properly by the Department.

4. U/G External Examiners’ Reports are all very positive, and confirm the high standards and relevance of the Department’s programmes. Minor suggestions for improvements in practice have been made, and the Department has responded to these. Several EE’s have noted the relative lack of Firsts, but have all stressed that this does not reflect adversely upon the teaching or curriculum. EE reports at PGT level are particularly positive, and endorse the Department’s intentions to revise its portfolio in this area.

5. Other matters arising:

The department has made a particular effort to integrate full use of LEARN, Co-Tutor and [w.e.f. 06-07] RAPID Express into its teaching and learning, which is commendable.

Social Sciences

1. U/G applications have increased significantly across all four areas of provision [Communication & Media Studies; Criminology & Social Policy; Sociology; Social Psychology]. The applications/intake ratio is in excess of 8:1, which is very healthy. The A-level points score of incoming students remains high, at an average across the programmes of c. 305. Recruitment to PGT programmes has remained steady; Media & Cultural Analysis continues to attract a high International intake. Overall, the recruitment position remains strong.

2. Progression at U/G level remains very good – the Department is to be congratulated on maintaining this very satisfactory performance. The attainment profile is equally good – over 10% at U/G level graduating with a First, and a further 67% with an Upper Second. PGT attainment offers further evidence of excellence, with all candidates graduating successfully, and over 17% obtaining a Distinction.

3. Student Feedback and Staff/Student liaison. Module and Programme feedback scores are good, virtually all being clearly in the 4+ range. Staff/Student liaison identified some minor issues, which have been dealt with by the Department. Year Two students expressed some concern over the amount of teaching contact hours in the second year [similar concerns were expressed last year]. The department has given this very careful consideration, and responded by restructuring second year provision w.e.f. 06-07 such that contact hours will be increased and students will benefit from a greater choice of modules.

4. U/G External Examiners’ Reports are very positive, and confirm both the high standards achieved by students and the relevance of the Department’s programmes. Minor suggestions for improvements in practice have been made, and the Department has responded to these.

5. Other matters arising:

The department is encouraged to widen the scope for International PGT intake outside of the Media & Cultural Analysis programme, where possible, and to consult with the International Office. The Department has plans in place to extend its provision.

SSES

1. U/G applications have remained constant or increased slightly. Recruitment remains buoyant, with an applications/intake ratio of c. 13.5:1. There has been a decrease in intake at U/G, which has been a deliberate strategy on the part of the School. A-level points have increased to an average of c. 335 points. PGT intake has remained steady, at c. 120 across the School’s 9 PGT programmes.

2. Progression at U/G level is generally good, although there is a relatively high rate of failure before SAP in Year One on some programmes. This is at least in part due to students’ sporting commitments, and the School is aware of the need to continue its efforts to ensure students develop good time management skills. The attainment profile at U/G level is very good, with over 18% obtaining Firsts and a further 54% obtaining an Upper Second. The PGT attainment profile is also good, with some 12% obtaining a Distinction.

3. Student Feedback and Staff/Student liaison. Module and programme feedback is generally very good, with most questions receiving a score of at least 4. Students have requested that more attention is paid to vocational relevance in a few modules, and this is being addressed by the School. Some concern was expressed by students about a limited choice of modules available to them [a concern also expressed in the previous year]. The School intends to offer more 10 credit modules, but this may be accompanied by a reduction in the number of 20 credit modules available. Progress will have to be monitored in the next APR. This aspect aside, minutes of Staff/Student liaison confirm a good relationship between staff and students in the School; minor matters have been raised, and addressed properly by the School.

4. U/G External Examiners’ Reports are all very positive, and confirm the very high standards and relevance of the Department’s programmes. Several EE’s draw attention to the high standing of the School’s programmes, both in a national and international context. Minor suggestions for improvements in practice have been made, and the School has responded to these. EE reports at PGT level are equally positive, and confirm the School’s very high standing nationally and internationally.

5. Other matters arising:

The School now offers generic feedback on all examinations, and also on group work, which is commendable. The School is committed to the introduction of both Co-Tutor and RAPID Express across its programmes.

Markfield Institute of Higher Education

MA programmes:

Islamic Management, Banking & Finance

Islamic Studies

Muslim Community Studies

1. Recruitment remains largely unchanged across the portfolio of programmes. Although Muslim Community Studies is at a low level, Islamic Management, Banking & Finance and Islamic Studies continue to attract intakes of c. 15-20. International students now comprise 80% of the intake.

2. Progression and attainment remain good. The Islamic Banking, Finance & Management programme has enjoyed a particularly successful year, with a 100% pass rate and 8 Distinctions out of the 17 successful candidates – a very commendable outcome. Approx. 7% of the 04-05 intake have withdrawn; all withdrawals have been for personal reasons.

3. Student feedback is qualitative rather than quantitative; discussions will be held with the Institute with a view to providing more quantitative data in future. Staff/student liaison is fully documented; a number of minor issues have been identified and dealt with by the Institute. Some concern was expressed by students regarding the advance information they received on coursework and dissertation deadlines; the Institute will be reminded of the importance of full information in this context.

4. External Examiners’ Reports continue to be positive, confirming that appropriate standards are maintained, and praising the Institute’s learning environment. Suggestions from EE’s regarding additional English language support for international students has been acted upon, principally with the introduction of an additional extra-curricular programme in ‘Academic English’.

Paul Byrne

Associate Dean [Teaching], SSH

27 April 2006