Senate

Subject: New Programme Proposals/Strategic Changes requiring Senate approval

Origin: Unconfirmed Minutes of Curriculum Sub-Committee on 22 April and 6 May 1999; Teaching and Learning Committee 3 June 1999

At its meeting on 3 June 1999 Teaching and Learning Committee recommended to Senate that approval be given to the following proposals. The unconfirmed Minutes of Curriculum Sub-Committee are presented. Details of proposals are available from the Secretary.

1. BSc Sports Technology: New Programme Proposals

.1 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee in principle, for entry in October 2000, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Module information in Appendix 1 did not coincide with Programme Regulations and Module Specifications, and module weights were listed incorrectly.
2. Programme objectives required expansion.
3. Paragraph 1.4 in Programme Regulations was unnecessary and Paragraph 3.1 Parts A and B should not refer to 'all' modules.

.2 It was AGREED that revised paperwork be received by the Sub-Committee at its Autumn meeting.

2. BSc Information Technology (Peterborough): New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that the proposal would, unusually, allow students to transfer into the final year of a Loughborough undergraduate programme, having completed two years elsewhere. Those two years would involve modules undertaken at Peterborough Regional College, validated by the University of Sheffield. The degree award would be based partly on credit transferred from Sheffield, but the degree classification would be based entirely on final-year work. Teaching would be undertaken in the Peterborough Learning Resource Centre. Teaching by Loughborough University staff would be minimal, but those involved in teaching the programme would be contracted by the University and therefore subject to the University's quality assurance procedures.

.2 The programme objectives presented in the proposal were highlighted as a model example. It was AGREED that AD(T)s should provide guidance to Departments on producing new programme proposals, which should include such an exemplar.

.3 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for entry in October 1999, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Paragraph 1.3 of Programme Regulations to include at the end: 'or a comparable qualification acceptable to the University.'
2. Programme Regulations to include the flexibility for substitution of modules other than those listed up to a weight of 20, at the discretion of the Head of Department of Computer Science.
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

3. BSc Business Studies (Singapore): New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that programme content varied little from current provision: the significant issues were its delivery in Singapore and the involvement of distance learning. The statement that much of the Part A material might be familiar to students was queried, but the Sub-Committee was content to assume that this reflected the variety of competences expected in students and the more intensive nature of Part A compared with Parts B and C.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for 1 January/1 July 2000 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme objectives should be worded in terms of what graduates should be able to do rather than what the programme does.
2. A completed consultation form was required from Computing Services.
3. Assurance of support in the development of DL materials, which might require a completed consultation form from Flexible Learning.
4. The addendum to the proposal form should refer to consideration of provisional costings by Operations Sub-Committee.

.1 Further to Minute 99/18 of the Sub-Committee's meeting on 22 April 1999, revised proposals for 1 April 2000 entry were considered. The Sub-Committee was informed that the revised proposals raised several resource matters which would be discussed by Operations Sub-Committee. It was noted that the revisions related to mode of delivery rather than content, with the distance learning components being reduced to a nominal amount due to financial restraints.

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

1. Reassurance that locally-appointed teachers would be subject to the University's procedures for bought-in teachers.
2. Reassurance that the significant change from distance learning to conventional delivery would be adequately supported by the resources and facilities at PSB-IPT in Singapore.
3. The understanding that there was no validation or franchising involved: the programme would be delivered by Loughborough University.
4. Internal and External Examiners should correspond to those for the undergraduate programme delivered at Loughborough in line with the requirements for the Peterborough programme.

4. MSc Building Services Engineering: New Programme Proposals

The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a part-time postgraduate programme to be delivered in one-week module format. The programme objectives were highlighted as an exemplar. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 2000 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

5. MSc Banking and Management: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a full-time postgraduate programme, noting that this was based entirely on 15-credit modules. The Sub-Committee appreciated that this reflected the need to fit in with other Master's programmes within LUBS and the Department of Economics, but was also aware that the decision to allow 15-credit modules had been taken as a temporary expedient in the previous year to aid the transition from 120 to 180 credits on postgraduate progammes. The Sub-Committee requested guidance from Teaching and Learning Committee on the approach it should be taking with new programme proposals which included 15-credit modules.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. The inclusion of part-time provision on the programme should this be considered appropriate.
2. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

6. MEng Materials Engineering: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for an MEng in Materials Engineering. The absence of consultation forms from Computing Services, the Library and the Careers Service was noted. The Sub-Committee was of the opinion that all new programme proposals, whatever their nature, were likely to have some resource implications, and in any case the academic services should be made aware of the proposals through the consultation process. It was AGREED that in future all new programme proposals must be accompanied by completed, and legible, consultation forms.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Completed consultation forms to be provided.
2. Minor corrections required to Programme Regulations.

7. MA Art and Education: New Programme Proposals

It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for Summer School 1999 with registration for 1999/2000, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Whether the detailed comments from Design and Technology had been taken into account in the proposals.
2. Whether there were other elements of assessment in Module EDP169 in addition to one written assignment, which seemed insufficient for a 30-credit module. If so, these should be stated in the Module Specification
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

8. MSc Advanced Process Engineering: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a new postgraduate programme based upon block-taught modules. The subject was raised of some departments considering the provision of block-taught modules to MEng students at the same time as MSc Students. It was recognised that where block-taught modules were normally undertaken in Burleigh Court, or its equivalent, the access to such facilities by MEng students could be an issue. It was AGREED that the AD(T)s give some consideration to this matter.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for September 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme aims and objectives required expansion.
2. Matters raised by the Librarian to be resolved.
3. Section A of Programme Regulations to conform to the standard format.

1. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

9. MSc Multimedia and Internet Computing: New Programme Proposals
MSc Interactive Computing System Design: Discontinuation

.1 The Sub-Committee considered the proposals, noting the absence of the Head of Department's signature on the proposal form. The Sub-Committee was informed of the Head of Department's support. It was AGREED that in future proposers should seek their HoD's approval for a proposal once all completed consultation forms had been received. The HoD would then be required to sign that the form(s) had been received and appropriate action had been taken. In addition, proposal forms should request an indication of student numbers expected for new postgraduate programmes, under the section on staffing implications.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. An indication of expected student numbers.
2. Confirmation of action being taken on the matter of remuneration raised by CHaRM.
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

.3 It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee the corresponding discontinuation of the MSc programme in Interactive Computing System Design from the October 1999 entry.

10. MSc Mechanical and Electrical Project Management: New Programme Proposals

The Sub-Committee considered the proposals noting that the programme already existed as an LPC. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Clarification of the position regarding the Director of Computing Services' comments on the requirement for a Windows NT laboratory in vacation or examination weeks.
2. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

11. MSc Integrated Environmental Studies: New Programme Proposal

.1 The Sub-Committee considered the proposals, noting that modules would also be provided as short courses which could be available for Peterborough students and would complement the provision of postgraduate training in environmental science at Peterborough. Members expressed some concern as to the viability of the programme in view of the competition, and it was queried whether the title 'Environmental Studies' might be more attractive to students. It was noted, however, that whilst recruitment to the MSc programme might be limited, good recruitment to the short courses could be expected.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 2000 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme Regulations to conform to the standard format in regard to module listings.
2. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

12. Diploma in Economics: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that revisions were underway to the General Regulations for Diplomas to accommodate module-based 'other Diplomas' as specified in Ordinance XXXIII. The proposed Diploma in Economics would be included in this category.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for September/October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme Regulations to be revised to delete the Programme Advisor's name from para. 1 and assessment details from paras. 7 and 8.
2. Clarification of the module in English Language referred to in para.9 of the Programme Regulations and why it was proposed to include this.
3. Programme objectives to be expanded.
4. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

13. Professional Diploma in Management (FKI): New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee noted that the proposed self-funding programme was a variant of the Professional Diploma in Management. The programme objectives were highlighted as an exemplar. It was observed that the Module Specifications had not been obtained from the module database and such practice was to be avoided.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for September 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Completed consultation form from Manufacturing Engineering to be provided.
2. Module Specifications to be input to the module database.
3. Total student effort to conform to 100 hours per 10 credit module. (Secretary's Note: Subsequently withdrawn)
4. 'with not less than 40% in each assessed element' to be deleted from 3.1 of Programme Regulations. Where this clause existed in Regulations for other Diploma variants it should likewise be deleted and the amendments brought forward to the AD(T) for approval

14. Professional Diploma in Criminal Justice Studies

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that subsequent to the circulation of the agenda it had been considered that in order to conform with the requirements of Ordinance XXXIII a Professional Diploma in Criminal Justice Studies would be a more appropriate award. The proposals would conform with the revised General Regulations for Diplomas referred to in Minute 99/29.1

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals for a Professional Diploma in Criminal Justice Studies to Teaching and Learning Committee, for July 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Completed consultation form required from Flexible Learning in regard to the distance learning provision.
2. Module Specifications to be input to the module database.
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

15. Extended Studies in Design: Change of Title: Additional Units

.1 The Sub-Committee considered a change in title to LUSAD's Extended Studies in Design and additional unit specifications for submission to Edexcel, for September 1999 entry. The Sub-Committee was informed that this Professional Development Award and its individual units were accredited by Edexcel and as such the University was only the deliverer of the programme. Such programmes would not be required to conform to the University's requirements in terms of format, but it was nevertheless important to ensure that the University's quality assurance procedures were not compromised. In agreeing to the proposals, the University would be endorsing its position as the delivering centre.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee endorsement of the additional units for submission to Edexcel, and approval of the change in title from Extended Study Programme in Design to Extended Study Programme in Design and Arts Practice.

.3 It was AGREED that any future submission of Edexcel-validated programmes should be accompanied by information on Edexcel requirements.

16. BSc Economics with Accountancy: Change of Title

It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee a change in title to Economics with Accounting, with retrospective effect from the 1997 entry.

17. BEng Materials with Business Studies: Change of Title

It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee a change in title to Materials with Management Studies, with effect from the October 1999 entry.

18. Undergraduate Programmes in European Studies: Introduction of DPS

It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee the introduction of the Diploma in Professional Studies to ten undergraduate programmes in European Studies, with effect from 2000/01.

19. MSc Industrial Sales and Marketing

The Sub-Committee considered late proposals, for entry in October 1999, noting the difficulty faced by departments negotiating programmes with industry in meeting Committee deadlines. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee subject to the following matter being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Reassurance that company staff teaching on the programme would be subject to the University's procedures for bought-in teachers.

20. Professional Certificate/Diploma in Automotive Retailing (Ford)

.1 The Sub-Committee considered late proposals, for entry in July 1999, and tabled revisions to the Programme Regulations and Module Specifications. The proposals represented the final programme in the suite being offered by the Business School in conjunction with Ford.

.2 It was noted that student effort in the revised Module Specifications was 40 hours per 10 credit module. Compliance with the requirements for student effort of 100 hours per 10 credit module was not enforceable, as the Professional Certificates/Diplomas in Management were governed by their own General Regulations. There were implications of this for the Sub-Committee's comments on the Professional Diploma in Management (FKI) at the meeting on 22 April 1999.

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

1. Reassurance that the Ford Faculty of visiting lecturers teaching on the programme would be subject to the University's procedures for bought-in teachers
2. As the Programme Regulations were governed by the General Regulations for the Professional Certificate and Diploma in Management, revision of the programme title to Professional Certificate/Diploma in Management in Automotive Retailing (Ford).
3. Confirmation of consistency of student effort required in modules for the various Professional Diploma/Certificate in Management variants.

Professional Certificate/Diploma in Management in Automotive Retailing

The points raised by Curriculum Sub-Committee had been pursued with the Business School and the AD(T) of SSH was satisfied with the assurances given. It was agreed to RECOMMEND the programme proposals to Senate.