An Coiste Feabhais Acadúil The Committee on Academic Quality Improvement The Academic Quality Assurance Programme 2007­2008 Report to Údarás na hOllscoile Review of School of Psychology Self­Assessment Review Group Visit Follow Up Meeting February 2008 5 – 7 th March 2008 3 rd October 2008 th This Report was compiled for members of Údarás na hOllscoile, NUI Galway and its committees as a readily accessible but comprehensive source of information on the above review, its context and its outcomes. Quality Office, September 2009
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 2 1. Overview of Department 1.1 Aims and Objectives of the Department
· To achieve excellence in the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Psychology. The school of Psychology aims to deliver programmes of learning that meet the highest academic standards, satisfy the requirements of relevant professional bodies, are well­received students, are attractive to prospective students, and are relevant to the needs of the community.
· To achieve excellence in research and scholarship, including postgraduate research. Staff and students of the School of Psychology participate actively in research with the aim of making original and significant contributions to the science of Psychology that contribute to the well­being of individuals, groups and society.
· To participate in community service activities, especially in the West of Ireland. The School of Psychology is committed to working collaboratively with individuals and groups to facilitate the employment of Psychological knowledge and practice for the maximum benefit of the community, especially in the region which the University is located. 1.2 Background The Department of Psychology was established in 1971. In 2007, as part of the university's academic restructuring programme, the discipline of psychology became the responsibility of the School of Psychology. The School offers a denominated BA in Psychology, which is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) which also meets the requirements for graduate accreditation specified by the British Psychological Society. A one­year full­time postgraduate programme, the Higher Diploma in Psychology is offered, or a two­year full­time Higher Diploma in Psychology (Full), is intended for graduates who possess an honours degree in any subject area other than psychology. The School of Psychology also provides input to programmes in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy, located in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. 1.3 Progress since last review in 2000/01 In 2000, Psychology had 6 full­time academic staff and 3 support staff, there are now 20 full­time teaching staff, a substantial number of part­time teaching staff, and 5 support staff. Growth in staff numbers has been accompanied by commensurate growth in student numbers, and an increase in the range and number of academic programmes on offer. In 2006, a Board certified Postgraduate Diploma/Masters Programme in Applied Behaviour Analysis was introduced. In 2007, a new one­year full­time MSc (Health Psychology) programme was introduced, replacing the former Master of Psychological Science (Health Psychology). The School also offers a PSI­accredited three­year full­time postgraduate professional qualification in clinical psychology, the Doctor of Psychological Science (Clinical Psychology). Beginning in 2003, this was the first professional training programme in clinical psychology outside Dublin.
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 3 1.4 Student numbers The number of fulltime equivalent (FTE) students in the Department was 469.72 in the year 2006/07, representing an increase of 4.3% in the three years since 2003/04. 1.5 Staff to Student ratio In 2006/07 the number of fulltime equivalent (FTE) academic staff in the Department was 21.25, giving a student: staff ratio of 22.10. This ratio was 25.6 in 2003/04. 1.6 Accommodation and Facilities The academic departments Department of Psychology are split between three separate locations: St Anthony’s College – Cairnes Building, Cois Abhann &Woodquay Court (Clinical Psychology). The University’s proposed programme of capital expansion includes a commitment to relocate Psychology to a 2500m 2 extension of the Arts Millennium Building. 2. Review Group Visit and Report The Report arises from a visit by a Review Group to the School of Psychology on 5­7 th March 2008. The Review Group consisted of: Professor Jan Noyes, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, UK (Chair); Professor Sheila Greene, School of Psychology and the Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College, Dublin; and Dr Anne Byrne, School of Political Science & Sociology, NUI Galway; and Dr Heinz­Peter Nasheuer of the Department of Biochemistry acting as rapporteur. Professor Fr Frank Imoda SJ, Pontificia Università Gregoriana, Roma, Italy attended as an observer. 2.1 Summary The summary is presented according to the SWOT analyses approach of the Self­Assessment Report and summarised as follows: Strengths: The considerable contribution of the current Head of School to the development and expansion of the School is clear. The School has high quality, dedicated students and an enthusiastic and talented staff. The Review Group affirm the commitment of the staff, and we see a lot of potential for this School based on the calibre of the students and the staff. Further, there are more funding opportunities available today than previously, and the University itself is active, growing and thriving. The School is to be commended on the quality of its teaching activities, which are recognised and appreciated by students; teaching appears to be informed and supported by research activities. Weaknesses: There is no current Strategic Plan for the School. In line with current restructuring and the development of institution­wide guidelines, a distinctive Psychology Strategic Plan for the School of Psychology should be developed to support and enhance the future growth of the School. The Strategic Plan should prioritise current and future expansion and staff recruitment and guide the maintenance of quality in relation to the student experience and research­related activities. A Plan will help to assess the implications relating to succession planning; the current profile of staff over the next decade; the research clusters of the School and their development; and the management of the School’s activities as represented by the various sub­committees.
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 4 Opportunities: The University is undergoing a number of major changes with regard to reorganization and the arrival of a new President. This will have implications for every part of the University, and School readiness to respond proactively to these changes is encouraged. Threats: The School has undergone a period of rapid expansion in teaching programmes and student numbers combined with a relatively young and research­active teaching staff. It is suggested that reflection and perhaps some consolidation of activities is now needed in order to ensure quality, efficiency and excellence in the years to come. Further, the preparation of a Strategic Plan will facilitate new internal management and governance structures in line with academic restructuring and appropriate to the larger and more complex School of 2008. 2.2 Recommendations Aims and Objectives 1) The Review Group recommends that a strategic (operational) plan to frame and direct present and future activities (in line with institutional guidelines) be developed as soon as feasible to support the aims and objectives of the School. Such a plan might also include guidelines on the future co­operation and link with the School of Political Science and Sociology. 2) Differentiation between aims and objectives is advised; greater clarity is required so that aims and objectives are more precise and bespoke to the School. A forward­looking and anticipatory perspective, combined with clear aims and objectives aligned to the strategic priorities of the division, college and university is suggested. Organisation and Management 3) Though it is not yet the norm at NUI Galway for Schools to have Research Committees, given the expected demands of restructuring and the current aims and objectives of the School, advance planning for such a Committee is advised. 4) The establishment of a School Ethics Committee to link with College/University and Health Authority ethics committees is recommended. 5) The focus of the Staff­Student Liaison Committee should be shifted to taught programmes, and perhaps having a second committee for postgraduate research students. It is usual practice in some universities to have student representation on all sub­committees. 6) A more devolved management structure with greater consultation involving all members of staff and greater transparency with regard to decision making, income and expenditure are advised. 7) The Standing Executive Committee should meet at the request of any staff member, and its majority decisions should be implemented in a timely manner. A Standing Executive Committee should report to the School Committee on regular basis. Resources 8) With regard to the new building, the University needs to provide the School with more clarity concerning the detail of its specific intentions and the time­frame for the Psychology building project.
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 5 Programmes and Instruction 9) There are a number of issues that require considered and effective resolution including: a)The current tri­location of the School. b)The level of technical support which remains the same as 10 years ago. c)The lack of small­group teaching (e.g. tutorials), and more specifically, the lack of availability of space to facilitate these types of activities. 10) Issues for the students that require resolution include: a) The imbalance between coursework and examinations (especially in modules where assessment was all examination­based). b) Lack of opportunities for and information concerning work experience. c) The running of the Biology module for first years between 6­7 pm on Wednesdays. d) Lack of tutorials in Years 2 and 3. The School has drawn attention to its incapacity to mount tutorials in Year 2 and 3 due to budgetary constraints. The benefit of more continuous assessment in Years 2 and 3 might be considered for this group. e) The need to feedback the results of Lecture Evaluations to the students. f) The need for more information relating to the number of places available on the conversion courses. 11) The poor completion rate of PhD students is an institutional wide problem, of which the School and the University are aware. The establishment of a structured programme of courses on advanced research methods for all research students is recommended. Scholarship and Research 12) It is suggested that consideration be given to the instigation of a mentoring system where senior, research­active staff mentor new and/or less research­active staff. 13) Co­operation between individuals within the School and University, and nationally/internationally should be further explored, which will enhance capabilities for research funding. 14) An appropriate emphasis on defining the research strengths of the School is advised. The establishment of a dedicated Research Committee with a (senior) member of staff taking responsibility for research and related activities will help developments in scholarship and research. Community Service 15) Community Service is stated as one of the three main aims of the School and, in the Self­ Assessment Report, it is evident that members of the School are contributing to broader community activities. These activities are instigated at the individual level, and often incidental to research interests. A more co­ordinated approach could be beneficial. The Wider Context: Beyond the School There is a need for the School to consider how it fits within the University. Restructuring offers many opportunities for the School. A new Strategic Plan for the University will present a number of opportunities for the School to be proactive and to make further contributions to the wider context. Some concern has been expressed about the ‘visibility’ of the School in the sense of a distinctive
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 6 profile. Clarity of the profile will enhance School position, nationally and internationally. Given the strengths of the School, there is much potential to attract additional international students, bringing intellectual capital as well as extra income. 3. Action Plans Follow­up Meeting, 3 rd October 2008 Room CA002, Cairnes Building Present: Mr Keith Warnock VP for Physical Resources (Chair), Professor Jim Ward Registrar, Ms Caroline Kennedy for the Dean of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies, Dr Iain MacLabhrainn Director of CELT, Dr Heinz Peter Nasheuer Review Group Rapporteur, Dr Anne Byrne Review Group Cognate, Ms Martha Shaughnessy for the VP for Research, Professor Jack James Head of School of Psychology, Dr Brian Hughes, Dr Molly Byrne, Dr Denis O’Hora, Dr AnnMarie Groarke, Mrs Briege Glynn, Dr Kiran Sarma, Dr Pádraig Mac Neela, Dr Caroline Heary, Mr Declan Coogan, Dr Jane Walsh, Dr Geraldine Leader, Dr Michael Hogan, Ms Miriam Caplice, Ms Anne Marie Keane, Professor Ruth Curtis, Dr Ian Stewart, Ms Maureen Linnane (in attendance) Apologies: Mr Joseph Mee, Dr Mark Elliott Action Plan for the School: 1. The School is aware of the importance of strategic planning and is committed to developing a strategic (operational) plan, in line with University and College guidelines and in accordance with the specified timetable for the University’s Strategic Plan 2009­ 2014. 2. Cooperation and joint activities with the School of Political Science and Sociology are ongoing. Plans for a joint PhD programme have been approved by the School Board and the College. 3. A dedicated School Research Committee (with a senior member of staff taking responsibility for research and related activities) will be developed in accordance with College guidelines when the latter are promulgated (expected before October 2009). 4. The School Research Committee will define the research strengths of the School to enhance its visibility and to facilitate funding opportunities and national and international collaborations (ongoing). 5. Extensive School ethics guidelines developed in consultation with the University Ethics Committee are being implemented at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The School agrees that links to the Health Authority Ethics Committee could be fostered via the University Ethics Committee. Discussions will take place before September 2009 regarding the formation of a School Ethics Committee which would have an operational brief under the auspices of the University Ethics Committee. 6. Following consultation with postgraduate research students, a separate Staff­Student Liaison Committee for Postgraduate Students will be considered at the School Board by September 2009. 7. The formation of an Executive Committee and the appointment of a Deputy Head of School will be implemented in accordance with College guidelines and timetables currently in development. 8. An administrative staffing plan is currently being implemented and is expected to be completed by September 2009.
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 7 9. The School is currently implementing plans for additional small­group teaching through increased tutorial support; the roll­out of expanded tutorial support is expected to be completed by September 2010. 10. Plans to correct the imbalance between coursework assessment and examinations are being implemented across all undergraduate years. For Year 1 a significant proportion is now continuous rather than examination based. Some later­year modules are substantially or entirely continuously assessed, and other are currently being revised, with further increases in continuous assessment expected (ongoing). 11. In advancing plans for additional small­group teaching and the improvement of the balance between coursework assessment and examinations, full consideration will be given to the requirements of Psychological Studies students. 12. In response to poor completion rates of PhD Students, the School has already examined the research proposal review process, and plans are proceeding regarding the provision of courses on advanced research methods to complement instruction now being provided through the Graduate Studies Office. Tangible outcomes are expected by September 2010. 13. The instigation of a mentoring system will be discussed at School Board level before March 2010. The School notes that mentoring already occurs in the context of networks of collegial support between staff, and considers that formalising the process may or may not be more effective and efficient. 14. The School Board will discuss the matter of a more coordinated approach to Community Service before March 2010. Extensive community benefit is currently achieved in the context off a wide variety of individual and group academic activities. 15. The School will continue to give extensive consideration to how it fits within the University, especially in the context of restructuring and possible alternatives to Psychology being located within Arts (ongoing). 16. Given the University’s intention that all students should have an opportunity to participate in civic engagement activities, the School Executive Committee, when formed under paragraph 7 above, will give specific consideration to the development of the School’s contribution to this aspect of the University’s strategic plan. 17. The School will continue to reflect on consolidation of some activities and on continued development, to ensure that new opportunities for growth and change are not overlooked (ongoing). Action Plan in conjunction with the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies: 1. The College and the School will together consider the cap on the number of students permitted to take up Psychology in their second year. This consideration will be in the context of the School’s belief that, if appropriate staffing resources are made available, the cap could be removed. Action Plan for the University Management: 1. The Vice President for Physical Resources accepts that as a result of the rapid growth in numbers of postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, there is an urgent University­wide need to provide more research space. The construction of a number of research buildings, including one primarily for the Humanities and Social Sciences, is planned with completion targeted for late 2010. 2. The Vice President for Physical Resources, in conjunction with the Buildings Office, will continue to progress the planning for the Arts Millennium Building extension and the provision of appropriate long­term accommodation for the School.
Report to Údarás – Review of Psychology of 2007–2008 8 3. The Registrar will work with the Dean to move towards greater transparency of income and expenditure within a more transparent accounting environment, with appropriate weightings for Psychology students reflected in resource allocation to the School. Accounting systems will become clearer as funds transfer down from University to School level through the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. 4. The Director of CELT will support the School, as required, in the conduct of annual systematic reviews of all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 5. Subsequent to the review, the School benefited from an increase in technical staff, facilitated by the Registrar. Approved by: Head of School, Dr. AnnMarie Groarke, 25 th February 2009 Approved by: Registrar, Professor Jim Ward, 20 th March 2009 Approved by: Dean of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, Professor Kevin Barry, 24 th April 2009 Approved by: Vice President for Research, Professor Terry Smith, 31 st March 2009 Approved by: Vice President for Physical Resources, Mr Keith Warnock, 25 th February 2009 Approved by: Director of CELT, Dr. Iain MacLabhrainn, 2 nd March 2009 Approved by: Director of Human Resources, Mr Chris McNairney, 4 th March 2009 Keith Warnock (UMT member with responsibility for Quality) for Director of Quality Finalised: 5 th May 2009