UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
Myerscough College
3. University School/Centre
Forensic and Applied Sciences
4. External Accreditation
N/A
5. Title of Final Award
Foundation Degree Science Canine Studies
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Part-time
7. UCAS Code
N/A
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Foundation Degrees
9. Other external influences
N/A
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
21 June 2013
11. Aims of the Programme




To provide the student with the knowledge and skills required for a career in the canine industry
e.g. grooming; training; veterinary practices.
To equip the student with a wide range of critical, analytical and problem based learning skills,
incorporating innovation in canine studies.
Develop a range of transferable skills including communication, numeracy, IT, problem solving
techniques and team work.
To encourage reflection in personal and professional development and the concept of life long
learning.
Document1
1
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.
A1.
A2.
Knowledge and Understanding
Describe current practices and applications in canine related industries
Demonstrate an understanding of the application of current research in the field of canine
studies
A3. Evaluate the application of technological developments and improvements in the canine industry
and their impact on the welfare of dogs
A4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of enterprises utilising canines in society.
Teaching and Learning Methods
For on-line delivery: core material will be delivered through a programmed series of discrete on-line
sessions on Blackboard VLE. These will include session booklets, exercises and interactive
materials. In addition, learning is supported by discussion boards, relevant case studies and
formative assessments and the usage of BREEZE technology for “live” lecture sessions, enabling the
students to interact throughout the session. Independent learning will be aided by library resources
and on-line academic databases (e.g. Athens). Students will also attend three compulsory Study
Skills workshops per academic year to support their learning, incorporating guest speakers, practical
sessions and laboratory sessions as appropriate to the stage on the course. Incorporated within their
studies students will have involvement in the canine industry, which will offer parity with other full-time
foundation degrees.
Assessment methods
Combination of coursework and unseen examinations will be used. The coursework assessment
methods will include reports, portfolios of evidence, laboratory/practical reports, essays and extended
project work. Students may also be required to produce work in a range of formats, such as posters,
taped/recorded footage, leaflets.
B.
B1.
B2.
Subject-specific skills
Describe varying theoretical perspectives pertaining to the origins of canine behaviour
Demonstrate competence in analysing and discussing the relevance of canine developmental
stages
B3. Understand the relevance of knowledge relating to canine sensory systems and how an animal
learns
B4. Appraise the canine industry in terms of relevant legislation and practice
B5. Analyse the aetiology of canine problem behaviour and the impact of human animal interactions
B6. Evaluate differing behaviour modification techniques
B7. Appraise alternative approaches to improving canine health in the light of well founded evidence
B8. Discuss the application of scientific research in canine behaviour.
Teaching and Learning Methods
For on-line delivery: core material will be delivered through a programmed series of discrete on-line
sessions on Blackboard VLE. These will include session booklets, exercises and interactive
materials. In addition, learning is supported by discussion boards, relevant case studies and
formative assessments and the usage of BREEZE technology for “live” lecture sessions, enabling the
students to interact throughout the session. Independent learning will be aided by library resources
and on-line academic databases (e.g. Athens). Students will also attend three compulsory Study
Skills workshops per academic year to support their learning, incorporating guest speakers, practical
sessions and laboratory sessions as appropriate to the stage on the course. Incorporated within their
studies students will have involvement in the canine industry, which will offer parity with other full-time
foundation degrees.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods are diverse and include written examinations, reports, portfolios of evidence,
laboratory/practical reports, essays and extended project work. Students may also be required to
produce work in a range of formats, such as posters, taped/recorded footage, leaflets and
presentation skills may also be utilised as formative assessment at the compulsory study skills
workshops.
Document1
2
C.
Thinking Skills
C1. Apply creative thinking techniques in problem solving
C2. Demonstrate independence in their choice of study in order that personal skills are promoted
C3. Analyse problems and provide solutions
C4. Evaluate alternative solutions to problems impartially
C5. Research issues and present findings demonstrating good communication skills.
Teaching and Learning Methods
For on-line delivery: core material will be delivered through a programmed series of discrete on-line
sessions on Blackboard VLE. These will include session booklets, exercises and interactive
materials. In addition, learning is supported by discussion boards, relevant case studies and
formative assessments and the usage of BREEZE technology for “live” lecture sessions, enabling the
students to interact throughout the session. Independent learning will be aided by library resources
and on-line academic databases (e.g. Athens). Students will also attend three compulsory Study
Skills workshops per academic year to support their learning, incorporating guest speakers, practical
sessions and laboratory sessions as appropriate to the stage on the course. Incorporated within their
studies students will have involvement in the canine industry, which will offer parity with other full-time
foundation degrees.
Assessment methods
Combination of coursework and unseen examinations will be used. The coursework assessment
methods will include reports, portfolios of evidence, laboratory/practical reports, written essays and
extended project work. Students may also be required to produce work in a range of formats, such as
magazine articles, press releases, potential publication materials, posters.
D.
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Communicate professionally in reports and presentations and utilise information technology
skills in a variety of settings
D2. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and also as a viable team member
D3. Manage projects professionally and efficiently, and extended learning
D4. Apply problem solving skills in varying ways and be adept at the utilisation of mathematical
formulae
D5. Reflect on personal and professional development and seek appropriate, individual
developmental needs and recognise personal strengths and limitations.
Teaching and Learning Methods
For on-line delivery details are as detailed above and as detailed here: core material will be delivered
through a programmed series of discrete on-line sessions on Blackboard VLE. These will include
session booklets, exercises and interactive materials. In addition, learning is supported by discussion
boards, relevant case studies and formative assessments and the usage of BREEZE technology for
“live” lecture sessions, enabling the students to interact throughout the session. Independent learning
will be aided by library resources and on-line academic databases (e.g. Athens). Students will also
attend three compulsory Study Skills workshops per academic year to support their learning,
incorporating guest speakers, practical sessions and laboratory sessions as appropriate to the stage
on the course. Incorporated within their studies students will have involvement in the canine industry,
which will offer parity with other full-time foundation degrees.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods are diverse and include written examinations, reports, portfolios of evidence,
laboratory/practical reports, essays and extended project work. Students may also be required to
produce work in a range of formats, such as posters, taped/recorded footage, leaflets and
presentation skills may also be assessed either as formative or summative assessments at the
compulsory study skills workshops.
Document1
3
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 5
Module
Code
MR2200
MR2228
MR2229
MR2230
MR2231
MR2302
MR2317
Level 4
MR1200
MR1208
MR1225
MR1226
MR1227
MR1229
MR1318
Module Title
Work Project
Canine Welfare and Legislation
Advances in Canine Behaviour
Canine Rehabilitation
Canine Problem Behaviour and
Modification Techniques
Business and Entrepreneurism
Humans and Animal Interaction
Work Skills Development
Introduction to Pharmacology
Introduction to Canine
Behaviour
Canine Learning and Training
Theory
Canine Ontogeny and Sensory
Systems
Canine Breeding, Health and
Management
Principles of Canine Nutrition
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
20
20
20
10
20
Foundation Degree Science
Canine Studies
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5.
20
10
20
10
20
Foundation Certificate Canine
Studies
Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or
above.
20
20
20
10
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning is an essential component of the course. The course will help
students recognise the importance of being proactive within their own personal development. The
course will help develop key personal and transferable skills which promote employability,
entrepreneurship, academic excellence, professional development and global citizenship.
Each student will be allocated a Personal Tutor with whom students will be encouraged to develop
skills for independent learning and reflection on student’s academic, personal and professional
development. Students will meet with their personal tutor at least twice per semester to develop short
and long-term goals, review and plan their progress on the course and discuss their future career
path.
Each student group has a weekly timetabled and structured course tutorial which will be used to
develop generic personal, employability and academic skills with student groups. An on-line scheme
of work, together with web based and other support materials, is available to staff and students alike
in the delivery of these tutorial sessions.
Students have access to a wide range of personal development advisory services through the ‘Core’
including careers, financial advice, pastoral support and help with study skills. Students have access
to the student support services at the University through the ‘I’, ‘Futures’ and ‘WISER’ study skills.
Students on Foundation Degrees are also encouraged to reflect on their personal and professional
development within a professional setting through the Work Skills Development module and
subsequently the Work Project module. These modules will further help students plan realistically for
career progression and manage their own career development.
All students will also have access to the College ‘Learn2Work’ programme and activities that
contribute to ensuring employability of our students can also count towards the ‘Learn2Work’ awards.
Document1
4
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
120 UCAS Tariff points from one of the following:







2 A-levels (at least one at C)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at PPP
BTEC Level 3 Diploma at MP
2 Scottish Highers at minimum C or above
3 Irish Highers at minimum C or above
NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points
AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are
not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered
positively.
Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants
are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who
believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning
(APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants who do not hold a Level 3 qualification but have extensive relevant experience may be
offered opportunity to undertake a pre-entry assignment to demonstrate ability to study at the required
level.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International
English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or
equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
17. Key sources of information about the programme




Myerscough College web site: www.myerscough.ac.uk
Myerscough College higher education prospectus:
http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=Prospectuses
Course fact sheet: http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=subjects-animal-studies-HE
Course Tutor: Jackie Hough
Document1
5
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Ticks indicate where individual Programme Learning Outcomes will be assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
4
5
Module
Level Code
Module Title
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
Subject-specific Skills
Thinking Skills
A1
A2
A3
A4
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
MR2200 Work Project
COMP
MR2228 Canine Welfare and
COMP
Legislation
MR2229 Advances in Canine
COMP
Behaviour
MR2230 Canine Rehabilitation
COMP
MR2231 Canine Problem Behaviour COMP
and Modification Techniques
MR2302 Business and
COMP
Entrepreneurism
MR2317 Humans and Animal
COMP
Interaction





























MR1200 Work Skills Development
MR1208 Introduction to
Pharmacology
MR1225 Introduction to Canine
Behaviour
MR1226 Canine Learning and
Training Theory
MR1227 Canine Ontogeny and
Sensory Systems
MR1229 Canine Breeding, Health
and Management
MR1318 Principles of Canine
Nutrition

Note:
COMP
COMP



COMP











COMP


COMP


COMP


COMP







C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5















































































































































B8






Other skills relevant to
employability and
personal development





































Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
Document1

6