Paper - Academic Registry and Council Secretariat - Queen Mary ...

Taught Programmes Board
TPB2012-018
6) External Adviser Comments
Detailed comments from at least one external adviser - submissions must be supported by external specialist
opinion, e.g. from a representative of a professional organisation, or a senior academic in another institution.
The external adviser should be able to comment in sufficient detail on the appropriateness and viability of the
proposed programme (s). For further guidance regarding the selection criteria, role and expectations of
External Advisers please refer to the External Adviser Guidelines.
I support the proposed programme which, if accepted, will provide a well designed MSc that is unique in the sector and will
prove very attractive to prospective home and overseas students.
Aims, objectives and learning outcomes:
The programme has clearly identified aims and objectives and expected learning outcomes which will equip students with
subject specific knowledge as well as transferable generic academic and professional skills. 60 credits of core modules and the
60 credit dissertation module will ensure that all students on the programme will develop appropriate core conceptual,
analytical and research skills. The curriculum will deliver high standards of learning that are equivalent to national standards.
Curriculum design, content and organisation:
The curriculum is well designed and core module content is appropriate. The optional modules offer students opportunities to
broaden their knowledge and skills development. I am unaware of the university's regulations on appropriate levels of study
which may allow students to acquire 30 credits at level 6 and still graduate with an MSc. If so then this is not problematic. That
said, I am a little unsure why students would have the option to study British Public Policy for 30 credits since this does not
appear to enhance learning on international public policy processes.
I note that the programme is offered at both full time and part time mode and this is highly commendable. It is not clear how
the part time mode is structured. Will special arrangements be put in place for part time students or will they be
accommodated within the full time mode and if so, how will this be organised? How will part time students be supervised in the
dissertation module? How will access to academic advisors be arranged for part time students who will have fewer
opportunities to meet with academic staff during regular working hours?
Levelness: The programme provides content at the appropriate level.
Learning, teaching and assessment strategies: These are clear, workable, appropriate and mirror standard practice in the sector.
Admission, progression and achievement: admission requirements are standard, including english language requirements.
Progression is clearly indicated although more detail on student careers would be helpful for marketing and recruitment
purposes
Learning resources and facilities: readings lists are up to date and the content of modules indicate that learning and teaching
will be very up to date encompassing major contemporary conceptual and theoretical developments as well as recent and
current global policy issues. Since new modules are being developed, what new resources will be provided to stock the library
with the new reading materials? I would expect some indication of the use of e-learning resources, especially for the global
public policy content (ie. global health, human rights etc).
Student Guidance & Support: since these will be offered in accordance with existing university practice I have no concerns
beyond those raised above with regard to the part time mode of delivery.
Quality management and enhancement: again these follow existing university practice and so no concerns.
Name & Title of External Adviser
Current Post & Institution / Organisation
Professor Donna Lee
Professor of International Organisation and Diplomacy and University Senior Tu