HND Business - University of Wolverhampton

Standing Panel RecordStanding Panel queried the rationale for the modules chosen and noted that the provision appeared to beoverburdened with core modules. It was suggested that more options be introduced to lessen the prescribedcontent.ResponseThe programme is prescribed, with the exception of one option in year 2, in order to achieve the programmeaims and to satisfy the Edexcel guidelines. The two personal development spine modules have been designed togive extra support to the students throughout the programme.Standing Panel commended as good practice the School's initiative in making ‘personal development’ a creditbearingmodule. However, concern was expressed that a) these modules were 15 credit modules delivered overtwo semesters which did not accord with the technical requirements of the University’s modular framework andb) the content of the Personal Development modules lacked sufficient intellectual and academic substance.Several suggestions were discussed by Standing Panel to resolve these matters. For example, at Level 1 themodule could be linked to "Quantitative Techniques" to develop a year long 30 credit module; and at Level 2the content could be expanded to cover business ethics or human resources. Alternatively, as the content of thelevel one module "Legal and Regulatory Framework" was considered to be extremely full, Standing Panelsuggested that it could run as a 15 credit 2 semester module to parallel the 15 credit 2 semester personaldevelopment module.Standing Panel suggested that a dedicated Business Ethics module would be a useful addition to the programmeand might be considered in future development.• J Gollins to revisit the design of the programme and forward a revised structure to Standing Panel by a dateto be agreed with the Chair outside the meeting.Standing Panel queried the inclusion of a work-based module, as many students may not be employed.ResponseStudents who do not have a job can select an alternative module with a practical content.Standing Panel was concerned that students who go on to enrol for the top-up degree programme are required toachieve 420 credits overall, 60 credits more than students on the degree route.ResponseThe number of credits stipulated by the Credit Consortia for an HND qualification is 240; therefore this cannotbe altered. The School had introduced four bridging modules (60 credits) to ensure that students are fully andappropriately prepared for work at Level 3.Standing Panel queried the entry requirement of IB 24 points and the omission of any reference to GCSErequirements. It was noted that a QAA-recognised Access to HE Certificate was a ‘standard’ entryqualification.• J Gollins to re-consider the entry requirements and include any revisions in the ‘structure paper’ to besubmitted to the Chair.Learning Teaching and AssessmentAssessmentStanding Panel queried a) the justification for students taking just one unseen exam in the two year programme,b) whether the listed assessment tasks were appropriate to support the learning outcomes, and c) the numbertimes each outcome is assessed. The Panel suggested that this should be discussed in the School and a statementon the Team's position should be one of the items included in the Award Leader's reposes to the StandingPanel's comments and recommendations.Business & Law Standing PanelHND AAR 2003 Page 13 of 19