1.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
MA Death, Religion and Culture
Programme Titles
Postgraduate Certificate Funeral Celebrancy
Postgraduate Certificate Vigiling with the Dying
Department and Faculty
Department of Theology, Religion and Philosophy;
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Date of most recent (re)validation
5 December 2014
Date(s) when Programme Specification
revised
July 2015
Revalidation due date
Academic Year 2020-21
Awarding Institution
University of Winchester
Teaching Institution (if different)
n/a
Programme also accredited by (if
relevant)
n/a
Master of Arts in Death, Religion and Culture (MA: DRC)
Title of Final Award
Postgraduate Certificate in Funeral Celebrancy (PGC: FC)
Postgraduate Certificate in Vigiling with the Dying (PGC:
VwtD)
Title(s) of Exit Award(s)
Postgraduate Certificate in Death, Religion and Culture
Postgraduate Diploma in Death, Religion and Culture
Language of Study
Mode(s) of Attendance
English
MA:DRC – Full-time and Part-Time
PGC:FC and PGC:VwtD – Part-Time only
Mode(s) of Delivery
Distance Learning
Intake start date(s) and number of
intakes per year
September 2015
One intake per year
Normal Period of Study
MA: DRC - 1 year Full-Time, 2 or 3 years Part-Time
PGC: FC and PGC: VwtD - 1 year Part-time
Page 1 of 15
UCAS Code
n/a
QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Theology and Religious Studies
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBSconsultation-theology.pdf
2.
ADMISSIONS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students should consult the latest prospectus and/or course pages online for
programme entry requirements.
Prospective students for Taught programmes should consult the Admissions Policy for Taught
Programmes. Prospective students for Professional Doctorate programmes should consult the
Postgraduate Research Programmes Admissions Policy. Both are available on the University’s public
webpage.
3.
EDUCATIONAL AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
3.1 The aims of the Programme MA: DRC are:a. To analyse critically both the shared and distinctive methodologies and epistemologies of
Religious Studies and Theology as they are applied to the study of death, religion and
culture.
b. To apply critically the methodologies and epistemologies of Cultural Studies within the
broad context of Religious Studies and Theology to the topics and issues being studied and
therefore explore the possible creative interface of these distinct disciplines.
c. To critically examine using these methodologies the rhetoric and rituals of death in a variety
of religious traditions and in ancient and contemporary cultures.
d. To investigate using these methodologies the changing beliefs and practices concerning
death and belief in the life after in a number of religious traditions.
e. To contribute to the field of enquiry.
The aims of the Programme PGC:FC are:a. To analyse critically both the shared and distinctive methodologies and epistemologies of
Religious Studies and Theology as they are applied to the study of death, religion and culture.
b. To apply critically the methodologies and epistemologies of Cultural Studies within the broad
context of Religious Studies and Theology to the topics and issues being studied and
therefore explore the possible creative interface of these distinct disciplines.
c. To critically examine using these methodologies the rhetoric and rituals of death in a variety
of religious traditions and in ancient and contemporary cultures.
d. To investigate using these methodologies the changing beliefs and practices concerning
death and belief in the life after in a number of religious traditions.
e. To reflect critically on the role of funeral celebrants and the creation of rituals and eulogies
for funeral services.
The aims of the Programme PGC:VwtD are:a.
To analyse critically both the shared and distinctive methodologies and epistemologies of
Religious Studies and Theology as they are applied to the study of death, religion and
culture.
b. To apply critically the methodologies and epistemologies of Cultural Studies within the broad
context of Religious Studies and Theology to the topics and issues being studied and
therefore explore the possible creative interface of these distinct disciplines.
Page 2 of 15
c. To critically examine using these methodologies the rhetoric and rituals of death in a variety
of religious traditions and in ancient and contemporary cultures.
d. To investigate using these methodologies the changing beliefs and practices concerning
death and belief in the life after in a number of religious traditions.
e. To reflect critically on the role of vigiling with the dying and the creation of rituals end-oflife.
3.2 The Learning Outcomes of the Programme are:
Differentiation between Master’s level and Postgraduate Diploma, and Certificate is evident in the
progression from taught modules to independent study modules. The MA is awarded to show that a
student has demonstrated sound understanding and shown substantial skills in independent
research. The Diploma of Postgraduate Studies is awarded to show that the student has achieved a
level of independent study but without channelling the skills learned into a major piece of personal
research. The Certificate of Postgraduate Studies is awarded to show that the student has developed
a critical and theoretical understanding of examples of the rhetoric and rituals of death in Theology
& Religious Studies.
Upon completion of the programme students will be able to demonstrate Knowledge and
Understanding (K&U) and Skills and Other Attributes (S&OA). These are identified below and
marked against each level learning outcome.
PGCert:DRC
On successful competition of the programme, all students should have:a. An informed and critical awareness of the rhetoric and rituals of death in a variety of religions
in ancient and contemporary culture (K&U)
b. An understanding of rhetoric and rituals surrounding mortality (K&U)
c. A self-reflexive grasp of a variety of religious beliefs and practices and an ability to position
this in the context of others (K&U)
d. An in depth understanding of a particular aspect of ‘Death Studies’ and the theories,
concepts and contexts which inform Theology and Religious Studies approaches (K&U)
e. The ability to develop a critical and theoretical understanding of examples of the rhetoric and
rituals of death in Theology & Religious Studies (S&OA)
PGDip:DRC
On successful competition of the programme, all students should have:a-e plus
f. The ability to generate an overview of their own learning experience through the
identification of significant issues and relevant contexts in the study of the rhetoric and rituals
of death in Theology & Religious Studies (S&OA)
MA:DRC
a-e plus
g. The capacity, in writing the dissertation, to make a solid academic contribution to the
Page 3 of 15
rhetoric and rituals of death in the subject of Theology & Religious Studies (S&OA)
PGCert:FC
On successful competition of the programme, all students should have:a-e plus
h. A grounded and reflexive understanding of Funeral Celebrancy, and the creation of eulogies
(K&U)
PGCert:VwtD
On successful competition of the programme, all students should have:a-d plus
i. A grounded and reflexive understanding of vigiling with the dying, and the creation of rituals
appropriate for end-of-life (K&U)
A grid mapping the Modules to the Programme Learning Outcomes is appended to this document
as Appendix 1.
For the past 5 years every student on the programme has been employed. As a Distance Learning
programme with a strong professional development remit, students predominantly take the
programme part-time, alongside full-time work and family responsibilities, and one module
specifically allows students to reflect on their professional practice.
4
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, LEVELS, MODULES, CREDIT AND AWARDS
This section outlines the levels of study, modules and credits required for each programme (where
there is more than one) and for final and exit awards.
Module code and title
Credits
Core/Mandatory/
Optional
Comments
(eg pre/co-requisites)
Level 7
Module 1 RT7001
Contemporary Approaches
to Death and Dying
20
Core for
Runs in Semester 1 only
Masters/PgDip/PGCerts
Module 2 RT7003 Death
and the Christian Tradition
20
Optional for DRC
Module 3 RT7004 Death in
World Religions
20
Optional for DRC
Module 4 RT7005 Death
and Martyrdom
20
Optional for DRC
Module 5 RT7006 The
Theology, Philosophy and
20
Optional for DRC
Page 4 of 15
At least two optional modules will
be offered by e-seminar in any
Ethics of Death
one semester
Module 6 RT7007 Pastoral
care of the Dying and
Bereaved
20
Optional for DRC
PGCert students will take 2 option
modules + RT7001
Module 7 RT7120 Death
and Visual Culture
20
Optional for DRC
PGDip students will take 3 option
modules + RT7001, plus either
RT7124 OR RT7103
Module 8 RT7224
Philosophical Approaches
to Mourning and Eulogy
20
Optional for DRC
MA students will take 4 option
modules + RT7001, RT7223 &
RT8222
Module 9 RT7123
Connecting Death to
Professional Practice
20
Optional for DRC
Module 10 RT7124
Postgraduate Seminar
20
Optional for DRC
Module 11 RT7103
Summative Paper
20
Either this or RT7223 is
Mandatory for PG
Diploma
Normally taken in semester 2 by
FT students and in semester 2 of
year 2 by PT students
Module12 RT7223
Gateway to Independent
Study
20
Core for Masters
Normally taken in semester 2 by
FT students and in semester 2 of
year 2 by PT students
Students on the DGDip or MA:
DRC can take either RT7123 or
RT7124 but not both
Module 13 RT8222
Independent study
60
Core for Masters
Normally completed during the
summer by FT students and either
in the summer of year 2 or during
a single semester of year 3 by PT
students
Module 14 RC7001 Death,
Dying and Pastoral Care in
World Religions
20
Core for PG Certs FC &
VwtD
Runs in Semester 2 only
Module 15 RC7002
Creative and Critical
Methodologies in
Constructing and
Performing a Eulogy
20
Core for PG Cert FC
Runs in Summer only
20
Core for PG Cert VwtD
Runs in Summer only
Module 16 RC7500
Creative and Critical
Methodologies in Vigiling
with the Dying
Page 5 of 15
Exit award: PgCert (based on best
60 credits achieved)
OR
PgDip (based on 120 credits)
This section outlines the levels of study, modules and credits required for each programme (where
there is more than one) and for final and exit awards.
Glossary
Core = modules must be taken and passed
Mandatory = modules must be taken but may be eligible for compensation
Optional = modules may be selected by students, subject to availability
PG CERT: DRC
Contemporary Approaches to Death & Dying + 2 option modules
60
Credits
PG Cert: Funeral Celebrancy
Contemporary Approaches to Death & Dying + Death, Dying and Pastoral Care
in World Religions Performing Rituals + Creative and Critical Methodologies in
constructing and performing a eulogy
PG Cert: Vigiling with the Dying
Contemporary Approaches to Death & Dying + Death, Dying and Pastoral Care
in World Religions Performing Rituals + Performing Rituals + Creative and
Critical Methodologies in Vigiling with the dying
PG DIP: DRC
Contemporary Approaches to Death & Dying + 4 option modules + Summative
Paper or Gateway to Independent Study
60
Credits
60
Credits
120
Credits
MA: DRC
180 Credits
Contemporary Approaches to Death & Dying + 4 option modules + Gateway to
Independent Study Registration module + Dissertation
5
5.1
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Means of delivery:
The programmes are all delivered by Distance Learning in the form of regular e-seminars (KIS
category: seminar). Guided readings and reading materials are on the Learning Network. (KIS:
Guided Independent Study)
The e-classroom is Adobe Connect and there is one e-classroom for the programme ensuring
coherence and consistency with the students. All teaching staff have been trained on Adobe Connect
Page 6 of 15
and the platform is supported by an Adobe Helpline via Amy Barlow (although Christina Welch is
being added to the approved administrators for the platform). Students are requested to use a
headset with attached mic but the software is a free download. E-classrooms can be recorded and
the URL added to the LN module allowing students to listen again, or listen in to a class they may
have missed.
5.2
Types of assessment employed:
The interests of students with protected characteristics will be taken into consideration and
reasonable adjustments to assessments will be made provided that these do not compromise
academic standards as expressed through the learning outcomes.
There are no formal examinations in the modules. Assessments include critical essays, book reviews,
portfolios, reports and websites. Assessment in the majority of taught modules consists of one or
two pieces of assessed work with a maximum of 4,000 words assessed; variations of assessments are
found in particular modules with one piece of assessed work (a 4,000 word essay), and the
Dissertation consists of a 15-20,000 piece of work.
In detail, the various kinds of assessment used in the programme include:
Assessment Type 0: Essay Plan
Assessment type 1: Draft Assessment
Assessment type 2: Summative Essay
Assessment type 3: Field Report
Assessment type 4: Critical Reflection
Assessment type 5: Weekly feedback on study skills
Assessment type 6: Dossier of sources
Assessment type 7: Self-reflection document on work-based practice
Assessment type 8: Written eulogies
Assessment type 9: Performed eulogy with rationale
Assessment type 10: Written ritual with rationale
Assessment type 11: PowerPoint presentation and rationale
Assessment type 12: Project or Portfolio
Assessment type 13: Dissertation registration form with aims, methods, annotated bibliography,
ethics consent, external examiner and PL sign off
Assessment type 14: Dissertation
A short explanation of the key types of assessment:
a)
Essay based assignments are designed to minimise knowledge-telling and maximise
reflective writing. Thus they play an important part in the development of metacognitive
skills, enabling students to externalise their thought, analyse it and revise it. They may also
encourage the development of original thought. Essay based assignments are used and
designed to encourage students to transform their knowledge not repeat it, apply that
Page 7 of 15
knowledge and also to critically reflect upon it and to apply theory to practical situations or
problems of understanding. (KIS category: written assignment )
b)
Projects test functioning knowledge applied to a piece of research. They may be based on
qualitative or quantitative research methods, utilise interviews or case studies or centre on
the construction of websites which provide a synoptic view of or discussion of an issue or
theory. They play an important part in the development of research skills and skills of
independent learning. Proposals for research involving third parties in interviews and
questionnaires must be submitted to the Ethics Committee for prior approval. (KIS
category: coursework)
c)
Presentations test functioning performative knowledge often based upon project work.
They help to develop and test skills in oral and visual presentation and various IT skills
(including PowerPoint and Web design). Eulogies (written or performed) and Rituals are
special kinds of presentations, that follow needs specific to funeral settings and customs.
(KIS category: practical)
d)
Book reviews, Critical Reflections and Commentaries apply interpretative methods to
specific religious texts. They test a student’s understanding of different interpretative
methods and of general hermeneutical theory, and encourage the application of
knowledge to a variety of texts including scriptures, treatises, poetry, visual art etc. (KIS
category: coursework )
e)
The Dissertation consists of a 15-20,000-word piece of work. It enables students to apply
summatively their knowledge and understanding of theory and practice, in relation to their
programme of study, by producing an independent piece of research which exhibits clarity
of expression, creative and logical thought. The ability to undertake an independent piece
of research is seen as an essential element of ‘graduateness’ because it requires students
to demonstrate skills in independent learning, research and time management. The
Dissertation will be on a subject negotiated between the student and the teaching team.
Study is primarily self-managed with supervision provided by a member of the teaching
team. The team are prepared to consider other forms of assessment as long as they are
accompanied by a written rationale, commentary, diary of work in progress, viva or
equivalent where appropriate. Induction meetings and a comprehensive handbook will be
provided but the onus is placed on students to seek appropriate supervision and to
maintain and supply a record of supervision with the finished project. (KIS category:
coursework )
The principle for all assessment methods, in line with the University Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Strategy is:
Assessed Work: will be returned to students on time, in accordance with clear statements about
return dates which are made to students in module handbooks and/or on the Learning Network. A
clear statement will be given if return dates are in any way modified
Feedback from Assessment: will provide timely and constructive feedback that further support
student learning.
A grid mapping the assessment types to the modules is appended to this document as Appendix 2.
The interests of students with protected characteristics will be taken into consideration and
reasonable adjustments to assessments will be made provided that these do not compromise
academic standards as expressed through the learning outcomes.
Page 8 of 15
6
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ENHANCEMENT
6.1
Mechanisms for review and evaluation:
Quality assurance and enhancement at Module Level
Students provide feedback to module tutors through Module Evaluation Forms, reviews and other
responses. The tutor collates the evaluation forms and produces a response for discussion at
Programme Committee. The response identifies good practice and proposes remedies for any points
of concern. The response is made available to students at the next running of the module.
Quality assurance and enhancement at Programme Level
The Programme Committee evaluates the success of the programme, paying particular attention to
student feedback and student representatives. Minutes from the Programme Committee and the
External Examiners report will inform the Annual Programme Evaluation which is submitted for
approval to the Faculty Academic Development Committee. Issues for attention are identified and
included in the action plan for the following year.
Quality assurance and enhancement at Department Level
The Annual Programme Evaluation is submitted to the Department for discussion and to draw out
department objectives.
Quality assurance and enhancement at Faculty Level
The Annual Programme Evaluation is submitted to the Faculty Academic Development Committee
which has oversight of learning development in the Faculty, including via the Peer Observation of
Teaching.
Quality assurance and enhancement at University Level
The quality of the programme is monitored by an External Examiner appointed by the University’s
Senate Academic Development Committee. The External Examiner’s Report is distributed to the
Vice-Chancellor, First Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Director of Academic Quality and Development, the
Faculty Dean and Faculty Head of Quality. A summary of all external examiner reports is received at
Senate Academic Development Committee. An annual audit of Faculties is conducted by Senate
Academic Development Committee.
Quality assurance and enhancement for Staff
The quality of learning and teaching is supported by the Peer Observation of Teaching and Staff
Development, by Staff Development and Review, by attendance at conferences and curriculumfocused staff development, by external involvement such as external examining and by involvement
in research and knowledge exchange activities.
6.2
Indicators of Quality and Standards
External Examiner Report(s)
Annual Monitoring process
Student feedback including the National Student Survey or Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey
Student representation at Faculty level and University level committees
Programme Revalidation
Higher Education Review
7
THE REGULATORY & POLICY FRAMEWORK
Page 9 of 15
7.1
The programme conforms fully with the University’s Academic Regulations for Taught
Programmes with the agreed exemption recorded below.
7.2
The following Summary of Exemptions to the Academic Regulations or Associated Policies
has been agreed by Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Committee (a sub-committee of
Senate Academic Development Committee):
The Postgraduate Certificates in Funeral Celebrancy and Vigiling with the Dying each have a summer
module. They therefore have exemption to regulations concerning the academic year (Appendix 2,
2.1) and the timing of assessments (G1.2).
7.3
External Professional Statutory Regulatory Body Accreditation
None
7.4
Engagement with UK Quality Code and Subject Benchmarks
Validation and Revalidation assure the University of the Programme’s continued engagement with
FHEQ and appropriate consideration of subject benchmarks. Between validations external examiners
assure the University that this engagement remains active and evident.
7.5
Engagement with Work Based Learning and Placements Approved Procedures
n/a
Page 10 of 15
Appendix 1: Grid mapping Modules to Programme Learning Outcomes
a. An informed and critical awareness of the rhetoric and rituals of death in a variety of religions
in ancient and contemporary culture
b. An understanding of rhetoric and rituals surrounding mortality
c. A self-reflexive grasp of a variety of religious beliefs and practices and an ability to position
this in the context of others
d. An in depth understanding of a particular aspect of ‘Death Studies’ and the theories,
concepts and contexts which inform Theology and Religious Studies approaches
e. The ability to develop a critical and theoretical understanding of examples of the rhetoric and
rituals of death in Theology & Religious Studies
f. The ability to generate an overview of their own learning experience through the
identification of significant issues and relevant contexts in the study of the rhetoric and rituals
of death in Theology & Religious Studies
g. The capacity, in writing the dissertation, to make a solid academic contribution to the
rhetoric and rituals of death in the subject of Theology & Religious Studies
h. A grounded and reflexive understanding of Funeral Celebrancy, and the creation of eulogies
i. A grounded and reflexive understanding of vigiling with the dying, and the creation of rituals
appropriate for end-of-life
a
b
RT7001
Contemporary
Approaches to
Death and
Dying
X
RT7003
Death and the
Christian
Tradition
c
d
e
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
RT7004
Death in
World
Religions
X
X
X
X
RT7005
Death and
Martyrdom
X
X
X
X
RT7006
The Theology,
Philosophy
and Ethics of
X
X
X
X
Page 11 of 15
f
g
h
i
a
b
c
d
e
RT7007
Pastoral care
of the Dying
and Bereaved
X
X
X
X
X
RT7120
Death and
Visual Culture
X
X
X
X
RT7224
Philosophical
Approaches to
Mourning and
Eulogy
X
X
X
X
X
RT7123
Connecting
Death to
Professional
Practice
X
X
X
X
X
RT7124
Postgraduate
Seminar
X
X
X
X
RT7103
Summative
Paper
X
X
RT7223
Gateway to
Independent
Study
X
X
RT8222
Independent
study
X
X
RC7001
Death, Dying
and Pastoral
Care in World
Religions
X
X
RC7002
X
Creative and
Critical
Methodologies
in
Constructing
and
Performing a
Eulogy
X
f
g
h
Death
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Page 12 of 15
X
X
X
i
a
b
c
d
e
RC7500
X
Creative and
Critical
Methodologies
in Vigiling with
the Dying
X
X
X
X
Page 13 of 15
f
g
h
i
X
Appendix 2: Grid mapping Assessments to Modules
Assessment Type 0: Essay Plan
Assessment type 1: Draft Assessment
Assessment type 2: Summative Essay
Assessment type 3: Field Report
Assessment type 4: Critical Reflection
Assessment type 5: Weekly feedback on study skills
Assessment type 6: Dossier of sources
Assessment type 7: Self-reflection document on work-based practice
Assessment type 8: Written eulogies
Assessment type 9: Performed eulogy with rationale
Assessment type 10: Written ritual with rationale
Assessment type 11: PowerPoint presentation and rationale
Assessment type 12: Project or Portfolio
Assessment type 13: Dissertation registration form with aims, methods, annotated bibliography,
ethics consent, external examiner and PL sign off
Assessment type 14: Dissertation
Ass
0
RT7001
Contemporary
Approaches to
Death and
Dying
RT7003
Death and the
Christian
Tradition
RT7004
Death in World
Religions
RT7005
Death and
Martyrdom
RT7006
The Theology,
Philosophy and
Ethics of Death
RT7007
Pastoral care of
the Dying and
Bereaved
Death and
Visual Culture
RT7224
Philosophical
Approaches to
Ass
1
x
Ass
2
Ass
3
x
x
x
x
Ass
4
Ass
5
Ass
6
Ass
7
Ass
8
Ass
9
Ass
10
Ass
11
x
x
x
X
x
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Ass
12
x
Page 14 of 15
Ass
13
Ass
14
Ass
0
Mourning and
Eulogy
RT7123
Connecting
Death to
Professional
Practice
RT7124
Postgraduate
Seminar
RT7103
Summative
Paper
RT7223
Gateway to
Independent
Study
RT8222
Independent
study
RC7001
Death, Dying
and Pastoral
Care in World
Religions
RC7002
Creative and
Critical
Methodologies
in Constructing
and Performing
a Eulogy
RC7500
Creative and
Critical
Methodologies
in Vigiling with
the Dying
Ass
1
Ass
2
Ass
3
Ass
4
Ass
5
Ass
6
Ass
7
Ass
8
Ass
9
Ass
10
Ass
11
Ass
12
Ass
13
Ass
14
x
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Page 15 of 15
x
x
x