MSc Professional Engineering Programme Specification

POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title: MSc Professional Engineering
Awarding Body: Staffordshire University
Teaching Institution: Staffordshire University
Final Awards: MSc
Intermediate Awards: PgC/PgD
Mode of Study: Part time
UCAS Codes:
QAA Subject Benchmarks: M level/UKSPEC
Professional/Statutory Body: IET/IMechE/IED
Date of Production: Sep 2008
Date of Revision: July 2012
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EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
• To provide the student with ability to work independently in project planning and
monitoring
• To provide experience of applying advanced engineering to the solution of
problems
• To provide student with experience of reviewing and appraising relevant
literature.
• To provide the student with the specialist knowledge needed to undertake
independent project work at an advanced level
• To provide the student with the ability to communicate the outcome of their
project work at a standard equivalent to the required publication in a
professional journal.
• To bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills gained
during the PgC and PgD phase of study by independent project work at an
advanced level which could lead to the acceptance of a technical paper for a
peer-reviewed conference or a professional journal
What is distinctive about this programme?
This award provide students with an opportunity for structured continuing
professional development recognised by an academic qualification that may
contribute to the student’s development as a professional recognised by an
appropriate professional body (for example by contributing to a ‘matching section’
leading to Chartered Engineer status).
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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you
should be able to:
Students who successfully complete the award will have fulfilled the University’s interpretation
of the national qualifications framework. These are interpreted in detail as
Postgraduate Certificate
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles that under pin project
management techniques
Show critical interpretation of the advanced Engineering techniques in relation to
the project.
Producing a Litterateur review to establish current and up-to-date management
techniques
Critically appraising and analysing the work of others in relation to the project
Have experience of solving problems at an advanced level
Critically appraise success and failures of previous works in applications related
to the field of study
Experience of producing a plan for a substantial project activity
Develop interpersonal skills in demonstrating work through various presentations
Postgraduate Diploma
Detailed knowledge of specialist texts and /or techniques relevant to problem
solving in a focused specialist field of study
Demonstrate an understanding of the context of knowledge acquired
Show a professional approach to research and information gathering
Analyze and interpret data to demonstrate applicability of a range of specialist
Engineering techniques
Demonstrate logical path in solving acute problems
Apply critical reasoning and argument to show the ability to apply concepts in
different contexts
Demonstrate the ability to reflect on the effectiveness of the special field to the
technological solutions
Communicate interpersonally in the form of written and oral presentations in a
professional manner to a variety of audiences
Masters
Knowledge and understanding of problem solving techniques further developed
through application to an engineering problem
Skills in self-managed learning and professional development
Show a professional approach to research and information gathering
Demonstrate creative approach in analysis of problems with a high degree of
autonomy
Have experience of applying a logical and creative approach in solving Engineering
problem
Apply guided research and experimentation in a specialist area with a high degree
of professionalism
Demonstrate concluding remark on reflection
Communicate interpersonally in the form of written and oral presentations in a
professional manner to a variety of audiences
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS
MSc Professional Engineering
The structure and curriculum of the award are such that the student becomes a specialist in
their chosen field of study, recognised by an appropriate thesis title which should appear on
their certificate. Graduates will possess a critical awareness of leading edge engineering and
will have experience in its application to a specific problem requiring a measure of originality.
Potential award = PgC 60 credits
L
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Teaching
Block 1/2
Module 1
Project Management and Research Methods
30 Credits
7
Teaching
Block 1/2
Module 2
Advanced Engineering
30 Credits
Potential award = PgD 120 credits
L
E
V
E
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Teaching
Block 1/2
Module 3
Specialist Engineering
60 Credits
7
Potential award = MSc 180 credits
L
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L
7
Teaching
Block 1/2
Module 4
MSc Project and Thesis
60 Credits
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HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?
Teaching and Learning
This award puts emphasis on the development of Advanced Engineering skills which are
appropriate to the students individual interest and needs. This naturally lends itself to a
student centred approach to learning where (1) study skills, project management, and
research techniques are promoted throughout, (2) knowledge of the research and
development process is acquired, and (3) appropriate milestones are set to ensure timely
completion and provide experience in project management. The content of each module is
negotiated depending on the nature of the project. The learning contract template must be
completed at the onset of the project and it should clearly highlight the learning outcome and
competences (ECUK competences for IEng/CEng registration) acquired for each module 1 to
4.
Assessment
Students enrol on one module at a time, and must complete satisfactorily each module before
being allowed to progress to the next. Should the student not wish to continue studying,
completion of the first 60 credits of study (modules 1 and 2) qualifies the student for the award
of PgC, completion of module 3 qualifies them for the award of PgD. Completion of module 4
leads to the award of MSc. Modules are passed by achieving an average mark of at least
50% and complying with faculty minimum requirement for each element of the assessment.
Module
Assessment Type and Weighting
1. Project Management and Research Methods • Report covering critical literature
review and project management
techniques (50%)
• Learning contract (20%)
• Presentation (20%)
• Interview (10%)
2. Advanced Engineering • Technical report (50%)
• Presentation (20%)
• Interview (30%)
3. Specialist Engineering • Technical report (50%)
• Presentation (20%)
• Interview (30%)
4. Project and Thesis • Thesis (70%)
• Presentation (10%)
• Interview (20%)
Assessment of the programme will be undertaken in accordance with the
University awards regulations, available on the University web site.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/regulations/academic/index.php
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)
The requirements for entry to the programme are a relevant first degree of second class
honours classification or above. The relevancy of the first degree will be judged by the
programme admissions staff in consultation with the Award Manager and likely supervision
staff, and will depend upon the proposed area of study. Normally the first degree will be in a
technical or scientific subject.
Applicants with lower entry qualifications, but who also have relevant work experience will
also be admitted to the programme at the discretion of the Award Manager.
Admission to the programme with advanced standing is also possible for applicants who
already hold a relevant postgraduate qualification, or who already have substantial relevant
experience.
If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you are fluent enough
to cope with the course. A minimum score of IELTS 6 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based) is
normally required.
What qualifications would I need to join this programme?
BEng (Hons) Upper Second.
Disability Statement
Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to
ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational
potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be
found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/index.jsp
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION
This is award is a Work Based Learning award and is delivered on part time bases. Students
need only attend university during the assessment period. Students registered on this award
must be in employment and preferentially sponsored by their company. Further information
concerning this award may be obtained from Award Program Leader Professor T. Sadat-
Shafai
Further information about the award can be found in the relevant
Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes
information about optional modules, student support, and academic
regulations.
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