Senate

Subject: New Programme Proposals/Strategic Changes/Other Matters requiring Senate approval

Origin: Unconfirmed Minutes of the Meeting of Curriculum Sub-Committee on 6 May 2004 and Learning and Teaching Committee on 3 June 2004

At its meeting on 3 June 2004 Learning and Teaching Committee recommended to Senate that approval be given to the following proposals. Details are available from the Secretary.

1. BEng/BEng (DIS)/BEng (DPD) Systems Engineering: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry. The proposed structure of the programme did not comply with University guidelines for undergraduate programmes, incorporating as it did a number of 15-credit modules, and disappointment was expressed that prior opportunity had not been given for the principle of 15-credit modules to be discussed by the appropriate bodies in the University, particularly as it was the Department’s intention to propose 15-credit modules across other UG programmes during the Annual Update process.

.2 The Sub-Committee was advised that, though not listed as such, the proposed 15-credit modules would effectively be new. Their development was in progress. They would need to be scrutinised at a future point should there be a University decision to render them acceptable in principle. The content of the programme was, however, settled, being in line with that of the existing MEng in Systems Engineering.

.3 The Sub-Committee considered that it could do no more than approve the proposal in principle at this stage until the Programme Development and Quality Team, Learning and Teaching Committee and Senate had discussed and reached a view on the principle of 15-credit UG modules. As this would relate to the Academic Year Structure on which decisions would be made by Senate on 23 June 2004, it was unlikely that the matter could be resolved before the end of 2003/04 and therefore in time for October 2004 entry onto the programme. It was vital, therefore, that the Department had a fall-back position for the programme and other UG programmes in the Department for 2004/05, which avoided the inclusion of 15-credit modules in Parts A, B and C.

.4 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee in principle, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Module Specifications

ELC026 - that weightings be included for the various assessments

- that the reference to “the fields of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering” be clarified, since the current wording would suggest there should be 3 separate modules.

(ii) that the credit weightings within the programme comply with the University guidelines in force when the proposal was submitted for approval by Learning and Teaching Committee and Senate.

(iii) that the content of any newly-structured modules arising from (ii) be mapped against the content of current modules.

.5 Members were asked for their views on 15-credit UG modules to feed into future discussions. The following comments were amongst those raised:

(i) Within the Engineering Faculty where accreditation effectively required the bulk of modules in earlier parts of UG programmes to be compulsory and where there was little sharing of modules with other departments, the existence of 15-credit modules would not prove problematic.

(ii) 15-credit modules which were shared with other departments or were within joint programmes could prove problematic.

(iii) Shared programmes/modules should not necessarily dominate the structure of programmes across the University.

(iv) With the drift towards year-long modules, 10-credit modules might be too small and 20-credit modules might be artificially formed. This case was well made in the proposals from Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

(v) 15-credit modules should be permitted where they were linked to other 15-credit modules and were compulsory.

(vi) A mixed economy of module credits would be problematic. A 15/30-credit model might have proved better than the existing 10, 20, etc model.

.6 The Sub-Committee felt that the matter required discussion in the Faculties before any decision was reached and requested that the Programme Development and Quality Team consider the matter at its meeting on 24 May to formulate the question that the Faculties should be asked to address. There would be a need to assess the likely impact of 15-credit modules in the short and long term.

Minute of Learning and Teaching Committee on 3 June 2004:

BEng/BEng(DIS)/BEng(DPD) Systems Engineering – New Programme Proposals

LTC04-P22

It was RESOLVED to RECOMMEND the proposals to Senate, having noted that the Curriculum Sub-Committee had recommended approval in principle and having recommended in the course of the foregoing discussion that the use of 15-credit modules in 2004/05 be permitted in this instance.

2. BSc Physics and Management: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a replacement for the existing BSc in Physics with Management, for October 2005 entry. It was noted that Operations Sub-Committee was yet to finally approve the proposals, having requested further information to confirm the willing involvement of other departments and availability of their modules. The Sub-Committee was informed that at a recent accreditation visit by the Institute of Physics the Institute had agreed to accredit the new programme. The Sub-Committee noted the comments from the Director of Media Services that the Business School’s modules already pushed teaching room capacity to the limit, and from Computing Services concerning possible use of the refurbished James France building for undergraduate teaching. Members felt that the building would be used to capacity for PG teaching and that planning for UG programmes should not be based on the assumption that it would be available for UG teaching.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Programme Regulations

Para 1.3	-	Second sentence to read “Students on the 6 Semester full-time …..”
Para 3.1	-	As there were no optional modules in Part A, the second paragraph should refer to “all modules”

(ii) Programme Specification

	-	Only two of the Intended Learning Outcomes related to Management. The ILOs should be revised to reflect the more balanced programme.
	-	TLA strategies were too cursory. An explanation should be included of the strategy behind the different methods of assessment.

3. MPhys Physics and Mathematics: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for an MPhys version of the existing BSc in Physics and Mathematics, for October 2005 entry. It was noted that Operations Sub-Committee was yet to finally approve the proposals, having requested further information to confirm the willing involvement of other departments and availability of their modules. The Sub-Committee was informed that at a recent accreditation visit by the Institute of Physics the Institute had agreed to accredit the new programme. It was noted that the proposed new 60-credit Mathematics project module had now reverted to an existing 30-credit Mathematics project module. Members felt the evidence of demand for the programme to be weak, but understood that additional effort to run the programme was likely to be minimal.

.2 Concern was expressed that the Programme Regulations would permit Part D students to undertake up to 40 credits of Part C modules. Despite the IOP’s willingness to accredit the programme, experience suggested this would not be acceptable to other accrediting bodies, and it did not conform to the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. It was also likely that programme Aims and ILOs could not be properly met. It was AGREED that the Programme Development and Quality Team be asked to provide guidance for approval by Learning and Teaching Committee on the weighting of Part C modules that should be permitted in Part D of an extended programme, and a timescale by which all such programmes should be required to conform.

.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 ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Programme Regulations

-	consideration of the creation of “D” modules as duplicates of “P” modules to avoid problems with dates of postgraduate Programme Boards
-	consideration of the limit on student choice resulting from the mixture of 10 and 15 credit modules in Part D.
-	Consideration of an exit point for failure at Part C; the possibility under the proposals that Part D failures could achieve the BSc without undertaking a project; and the need for more stringent requirements for progression from Part C to D (cf MPhys Engineering Physics regulations, see minute 04/21 .4(ii))

(ii) Programme Specifications

-	TLA strategy to be expanded to explain the strategy
-	Consideration of the very similar Knowledge and Understanding ILOs and the identical Skills and Attributes of this and the proposed MPhys Engineering Physics Programme.

(iii) A paper to be provided outlining the minimum differences between the programme and the proposed MPhys Engineering Physics, for each Part.

(iv) With reference to paragraph .2 above, should a decision be reached by Learning and Teaching Committee on the weighting of C modules permissible in Part D of an extended programme, the Programme Regulations would be required to conform to this.

4. MPhys Engineering Physics: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for an MPhys version of the existing BSc in Engineering Physics, for October 2005 entry. It was noted that Operations Sub-Committee was yet to finally approve the proposals, having requested further information to confirm the willing involvement of other departments and availability of their modules. The Sub-Committee was informed that at a recent accreditation visit by the Institute of Physics the Institute had agreed to accredit the new programme. Attention was drawn to Module DTC010 Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, which was linked to the national University Ambassador Scheme to assist science teachers in schools, of which members were most supportive.

.2 The Sub-Committee made the same comments concerning Part C modules in Part D as for the MPhys in Physics and Mathematics (see minute 04/20.2).

.3 Attention was drawn to the likelihood that students would find it difficult to timetable in the engineering modules proposed in Part D, and that consultation had not yet taken place with all engineering departments. The Regulation therefore suggested a level of module choice that might not be possible. The comments from Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering on module registration were noted in regard to Part D modules having Part C pre-requisites and the need for module registration to be via local administrators.

[Secretary’s note: It has since been confirmed that a student’s department can load any modules from any department onto that student’s record.]

.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) and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) a feasibility study on the engineering modules likely to be available to Part D students, taking into account pre-requisites and timetabling, to reassure the Sub-Committee and the Department that the proposed engineering content was achievable.

(ii) Programme Regulations

-	Make consistent the progression requirements for the programme and the proposed MPhys Physics and Mathematics (see minute 04/20.3(i)).

(iii) Module Specifications

-	Change of title of either PHD 170/270 so that they were not identical

(iv) Programme Specification

-	Introduce more Aims and ILOs for the Engineering element
-	Consider the similarities between the ILOs for this programme and the proposed MPhys Physics and Mathematics (see minute 04/20.3(ii) and (iii))

5. BA International Relations:- New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2005 entry. Members were informed that at the Periodic Programme Review of PIRES on the previous day the External Assessor had commended the proposal, which was central to the Department’s change of direction towards International Relations. Operations Sub-Committee had approved the proposals subject to there being no requirement for additional staff.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Programme Regulations

Para 3

Simplification of the Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

Para 4

Clarification in (ii)(a) that optional modules in Part C were restricted to “C” modules or subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

Clarification in (ii) (b) that reference to Section 2(i) of the Regulations did not mean Part A modules.

(ii) Programme Specification

Para 3	-	Assessment Strategies to be expanded
	-	The wording of the TLA Strategies in 3(b) and 3(c) required correction

(iii) Module Specifications

In several specifications the examination weighting did not coincide with the text in the MTLA field and required correction.

EUA609	-	Clarification in the MTLA field as to the proportion of the lectures involving interactive discussions etc, and the nature of the test.
EUA611	-	Clarification of “supported by a core-seminar module common to Part B Programme modules” and “lectures will introduce material”
EUB607	-	Clarification of the appropriateness of 100% assessment by examination, particularly if communication in speech was to be assessed, of the staff referred to the MTLA field, and of the number of tutorials.
EUB608	-	Clarification of the staff referred to in the MTLA field and of the number of tutorials.
EUB609/ 611	-	Clarification of the apparent parallel activity with the seminar module.

(iv) A response from the Department to the Librarian’s comments.

.3 The Sub-Committee’s attention was drawn to the comments from the Director of Media Services on this and other proposals concerning Pool Room availability. It was noted that developments within the James France Building would help to alleviate space problems relating to PGT programmes, but members expressed concern about increasing space/timetabling requirements for undergraduates, particularly in view of the likely increase in international UGs. It requested that its concern be forwarded to Operations Sub-Committee.

6. BA/BSc Information Science

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a one-year programme intended to replace the BLS in Library Studies, for October 2004 entry. The proposed programme, in line with its predecessor, would be available to students having a two-year Diploma. It was noted that Operations Sub-Committee had approved the proposals but had expressed concern that the Diploma with which students were exempted from the first two years of the programme and which counted for 25% of the degree classification, was effectively double counted. Members felt that though the proposals represented a change to a programme which had existed for some years, this did not preclude the Sub-Committee from questioning the principles on which the programme was based and whether the University should remain happy to award a BA/BSc, as opposed to the distinct BLS, for only one year’s study at the University. There was a lack of evidence of demand for the programme, and nothing to instil confidence in the standards of the Diploma , and the Sub-Committee questioned whether the Department might be better to consider its discontinuation.

.2 Should the Department wish to continue the programme, it was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Clarification of the accreditation of the Diploma, how students were selected and how the mark for the Diploma was used in the final assessment.

(ii) Identification of which ILOs were acquired from prior learning and which from study at the University and clarification of how the achievement of ILOs by individual students could be demonstrated.

(iii) Clarification of the apparent significant element of ELSU classes in the dissertation module, of the need for these if students were meeting the University’s English Language requirements, and whether the classes were included in the 300 hours of student effort for the module.

[Secretary’s note: the Department has since revised the award for the programme to BSc only]

7. MSc Coaching: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry. The inclusion of only 30 and 60 credit modules was noted to be a general development for PG programmes within SSES. Members were concerned that the terse nature of the module specifications made it difficult to determine the difference between them, and how they served the Intended Learning Outcomes. There was also concern about the single mode of assessment across modules and the apparently light assessment for such highly-weighted modules.

(i) clarification as to whether the programme was dependent upon bought-in teaching being secured

(ii) an explanation of Sportscoach UK and its activities and the extent of independent support it was expressing for the programme

(iii) Programme Regulations

Para 2.1	-	Consideration of the extension of “any other 30 credit module” to 10, 20 or 15-credit modules to increase student choice.
Para 2.5	-	To be deleted. Requirements should be included in the relevant module specification

(iv) Programme Specification

Aims	-	To be amplified
TLA Strategies	-	To explain assessment strategy across modules
Para 2	-	To avoid use of “we”

(v) Module Specifications

PEP701	-	Content and ILOs to be expanded and the lightness of assessment to be reflected on in view of the 30-credit weighting
PEP702/703/ 704	-	ILOs to be enhanced in accordance with a 30-credit module
PEP702	-	The number and contact hours of workshops to be stated
PEP211	-	Clarification as to whether the text had been revised.

(vi) A mapping of modules and assessment strategies to ILOs to confirm that modules served the ILOs, to clarify the difference between modules and to clarify whether assessment was appropriate to the ILOs.

8. MSc Advanced Methods in Aeronautical Engineering: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry, and was informed that expected student numbers could rise significantly following the decision for open access to the programme and the likely interest from the international market.

(i) Programme Regulations

-	Reduce the 105 credits related to the project by incorporating TTP220 within the project module TTP221, or reducing the weighting of the project module.
-	Make reference to the total modular weight that should be undertaken

(ii) Programme Specifications

-	List the ILOs for the programme

9. MSc Business and Management Research: New Programme Proposals

The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Module Specifications

BSP460	-	Consideration of the appropriateness of the relatively light assessment requirement for a 15-credit module and its consistency with departmental practice.
BSP465	-	Consideration of the title. If “Intra-Disciplinary” was correct, was it not superfluous?

10. MSc Pharmaceutical Engineering

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry. Attention was drawn to the comment from the Director of the Careers Service that international students were intensive users of the Careers Service and increases in numbers across campus impacted on the Service. It was noted that such issues should be considered during the budget allocation process for the Support Services.

(i) Programme Regulations

-	The wording to be reduced by reference to GRMPA/ARMPA where applicable
-	A statement to be included that the programme was offered full-time and part-time, if that was the intention.
-	References to “core modules” to be changed to “optional modules” and Section B modified accordingly.
-	Last 2 sentences of Paragraph B1 to be deleted as unnecessary

(ii) Programme Specification

-	Changes in accordance with (i) above.
-	Para 5: avoidance of “we” in the text
-	List ILOs as for 3a and make more specific
-	Para 6 should refer to a total credit weight of 180 rather than 175.
-	Para 4, 5 and 6 should be consistent with revised Programme Regulations and refer to GRMPA/ARMPA where applicable.

(iii) Module Specifications

-	CGP071: should be 150 hours of total student effort. MTLA field should include contact time and weighting of assessment elements
-	CGP047: clarification of whether the module was distance learning, and if so the necessary approval via the Engineering DL co-ordinator was required. Clarification of contact hours.

11. MA Making Performance and Multimedia Texts: New Programme Proposal

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry, and was informed of the intention of the Department of English and Drama that students would register on and be awarded the MA in Making Performance and Multimedia Texts whichever of the four proposed pathways was selected. The Sub-Committee felt that as it would be possible for students undertaking different pathways to take exactly the same modules and the pathways were therefore not unique, they resulted in unnecessarily complicated Regulations and should therefore be discarded. This would not preclude the Department from referring to the themes in marketing material.

.2 The Sub-Committee was informed that Operations Sub-Committee had reservations about the proposed title of the programme, but had been prepared to accept that it was appropriate and would resonate with potential students. Members concurred with this view. There was overall concern with the slim content, the vagueness and the disorganisation of module specifications and the light coursework requirements.

(i) Programme Regulations

-	Revision in accordance with .1 above

(ii) Programme Specification

-	Revision in accordance with .1 above, giving the 4 themes a less prominent role.
-	More detailed ILOs

(iii) Module Specifications

-	Clarification of whether seminars would run for 10 weeks.
-	Consideration of whether a 4,000 word assignment was significant assessment for a 20-credit module, and whether there should be some interim assessment
-	MTLA field: recommended minimum to be removed from the total student effort for the module.
-	Reconsideration of key words

(iv) Provision of a module by module summary of assessment requirements.

12. MA Texts in Performance

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry, noting that Operations Sub-Committee had approved the proposals but had some concerns about likely recruitment. The Sub-Committee was advised that possible recruitment from the USA and likely internal recruitment should allay those concerns.

(i) Programme Regulations

-	Para 2.1 (i): Compulsory modules totalled 120 credits, but a limit of 40 credits was specified in the heading.
-	Para 2.2 to be deleted
-	Paras 3.1 and 3.2 were not both required
-	Para 3.3 should be included in the relevant module specification rather than the Regulations

(ii) Programme Specification

-	Numbering of items required attention

(iii) Module Specifications

-	EAP021: Number of weeks of study to be identified
-	EAP020: Last sentence of Contents to be transferred to MTLA field
-	EAP027/028: Reconsideration of the assessment for these 30-credit modules, which was currently the same as for the 20-credit modules
-	EAP026: Contents field to indicate a level of choice control by the Department
-	EAP005: Second sentence in Contents field unnecessary?
-	EAP022: Reference to skills in Aims field should be transferred to ILO field

(iv) Consideration generally of the intended assessment on the programme, in terms of volume and range. How was oral communication to be assessed? Perhaps a presentation might be applicable, bearing in mind the title of the programme.

(v) The receipt of consultation forms.

13. MA Early Modern Writing 1560-1780

The Sub-Committee considered proposals for October 2004 entry. It was noted that Operations Sub-Committee had approved the proposals at its meeting on 4 May 2004. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the ADT and Chair of Curriculum Sub-Committee prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:

(i) Programme Regulations

-	Para 2.2 to be deleted
-	Para 2.3 to be transferred to the relevant module specification

(ii) Programme Specification

-	Numbering of items required attention

(iii) Module Specifications

-	Comments as for minute 04/30.2(iii), where modules were included in both programmes
-	EAP026: Second sentence of MTLA field to be reworded

(iv) Reconsideration of assessment across the programme in terms of volume and range e.g. EAP023/024 could involve assessment of the presentation.

(v) Clarification of the “five available staff members” for the programme, but inclusion of only three, but primarily two, staff as Internal Examiners.

(vi) Receipt of consultation forms.

14. MSc Water and Environmental Management/MSc Water and Waste Engineering: Major Programme Changes

It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee major programme changes for 2004/2005. (See also item 18.2 for 4 related programme discontinuations)

15. MSc Construction Project Management: Major Programme Changes

It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee major programme changes for 2004/2005.

16. BSc/MSc Retail Automotive Management: Change of Title

With reference to Minute 04/10 of the previous meeting, it was AGREED to ratify the action of the Chair on behalf of Curriculum Sub-Committee in recommending to the Chair of Learning and Teaching Committee the following changes in title with effect from October 2004 entry:

BSc Retail Automotive Management to BSc Automotive Dealership Management

MSc Retail Automotive Management to MSc Strategic Automotive Dealership Management

17. BA International Business – Change of Award to BSc

With reference to Minute 04/12 of the previous meeting, it was AGREED to ratify the action of the Chair on behalf of Curriculum Sub-Committee in recommending to the Chair of Learning and Teaching Committee that the change of award be extended to current students, with the option remaining of BA award in individual cases.

18. Discontinuation of Programmes

.1 It was AGREED to ratify the action of the Chair on behalf of Curriculum Sub-Committee in recommending to the Chair of Learning and Teaching Committee discontinuation of the following programme [last intake shown in brackets]:

- MSc European Politics and Society (October 2003)

- MSc Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance (October 2003)

.2 It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and Teaching Committee discontinuation of the following programmes [last intake shown in brackets]:

- MSc Technology and Management for Rural Development (September 2003)

- MSc Urban Water Supply (September 2003)

- MSc Planning and Management of Urban Services (September 2003)

- MSc Urban Engineering (September 2003)

- MSc Waste and Environmental Risk Management (1998/9)

- MSc Hazardous Waste Management (1998/9)

- BSc Social Policy and Social Issues (October 2003)

Author - Jennie Elliott

Date – June 2004