Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The programme’s specific aims are:

• To provide specialised, systematic and in-depth knowledge of international crisis management deploying appropriate theories, concepts and methods associated with the specific subject area. 

• To enable students to acquire a critical awareness of the breadth of current issues involved in the practice of international crisis management

• To provide training in the concepts, theories and research methods appropriate for the study of international crisis management

• To offer opportunities for independent study and research within the field of international crisis management

• To equip students with the skills to pusue careers in the international organisations and emergency services and related areas

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications/Descriptors for a Higher Education qualification at Level 7.

• The benchmark statement for Masters awards in business and management

• School of Business and Economics Business Plan

• Loughborough University Learning and Teaching Strategy.

• The University academic quality procedures

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

K1  The theoretical and analytical perspectives within the study of international crisis management, as deployed at the forefront of current research;

K2  The complex linkages between these perspectives and their application to the realities and practical case studies of international crisis management.

Specific to the PGDip/MSc:

K3  Important contemporary and historical case studies in the field of international crisis management.

Specific to the MSc:

K4 Research design and methodology appropriate to the study of international crisis management, including the successful completion of an independently researched project.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1  Identify and critically evaluate theories and conceptual approaches appropriate to the study of international crisis management;

C2  Identify and critically apply theories and concepts to case studies of international crisis management, developing existing knowledge and understanding;

 C3 Identify case studies for analysis in international crisis management.

Specific to the PGDip/MSc:

 C4 Demonstrate skills of research design and research methodology relevant to the study of international crisis management.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

 P1  Formulate research questions and research strategies for studying international crisis management.

 P2  Develop research frameworks for the completion of an independent research project/dissertation pertaining to the study of international crisis management.

 P3  Demonstrate timely management of a research project on international crisis management that is consistent with both professional practice and the principles of research ethics in the field of international crisis management.

 P4  Manage research, source materials, data and referencing, and research findings relating to the study of international crisis management, including translation into policy orientated products and services (where appropriate).

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1  Design and complete a research project, manage data and demonstrate independent learning ability and self-learning skills (using the Library and other printed, audio-visual and electronic resources; time management).

T2  Demonstrate sophisticated written and oral communication and ICT skills.

T3  Discuss networking, team working and human resource management issues 

Specific to the PGDip/MSc:

T4  Demonstrate decision making abilities in complex situations and exercise of initiative and leadership

4. Programme structure

4.1       Core Modules

4.2        Optional Modules

* partially by distance learning (>50%)

To complete the PG Cert in International Crisis Management students must complete 4 x 15 credit modules.  To complete the PG Dip in International Crisis Management students must complete 8 x 15 credit modules.  To complete the MSc in International Crisis Management students must complete 8 x 15 credit modules and a 60 credit research project.  Section 5 outlines the specific modules required for each degree award.

4.2 For full details of the specific assessment requirements for each module see the Module Specification.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for an award, candidates must not only satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI but also:

5.1.1 To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, candidates must have accumulated at least 60 credits from the modules listed in Section 4 specifically, BSPR01; BSPR02; BSPR30 and BSPR40.

5.1.2 To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must have completed modules with total modular weight of 120.  Specifically, candidates must have completed all of the compulsory modules from Section 4 (modular weight 105 credits, not including BSPA01 and one optional module from 4.2 (modular weight 15 credits)).

5.1.3 To be eligible for the award of MSc candidates must have satisfied all the requirements outlined in 5.1.2 and in addition must have achieved 60 credits module BSPA01.

5.2 Candidates who have the right of re-assessment in a module may choose to be re- assessed in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification