The Faculty of Media and Communication
MA Corporate Communication
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Version number: 1
May 2015
© 2015 Bournemouth University
Document date: May 2015
Circulation: General
Bournemouth University undertakes to encourage the recognition, protection and exploitation of
intellectual property rights generated by participants in this programme, to the benefit, as appropriate,
of students, staff, industrial/other third parties/partners and the university.
Faculty of Media & Communication
Bournemouth University
Poole
Dorset
BH12 5BB
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
2
CONTENTS
1
BASIC FRAMEWORK / PROGRAMME DATA
4
2
AIMS OF THE DOCUMENT
6
3
PROGRESSION ROUTES
6
4
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS
6
5
AIMS OF THE FRAMEWORK / PROGRAMME(S)
7
6
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
8
7
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES AND METHODS
10
8
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES AND METHODS
11
9
PROGRAMME SKILLS MATRIX
12
10
PROGRAMME DIAGRAM
13
11
ADMISSIONS REGULATIONS
13
12
ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
13
13
PROGRAMME PROFILE
14
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
3
1
BASIC FRAMEWORK / PROGRAMME DATA
Originating institution(s)
Bournemouth University
Award(s) and title(s)
MA Corporate Communication
PG Dip Corporate Communication
PG Cert Corporate Communication
UCAS Programme Code(s) (where
applicable and if known)
Not applicable
HESA JACS (Joint Academic Coding
System) Code(s) per programme/pathway
Select all appropriate JACS Codes from list available
at HESA - Higher Education Statistics Agency - Full
JACS3 Listing
N211 Strategic management
N510 Market research
N562 Corporate image
N563 Sponsorship
P200 Publicity studies
P210 Public relations
P304 Electronic media studies
X210 Research skills
External reference points(s)
Chapter A1: UK and European reference points for
academic standards (2013) incorporating:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
Level 7 descriptor
 General Business and Management subject
benchmark statement
 Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
subject benchmark statement (published 2008)
 Informed by Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Diploma.
Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body
(PSRB) links
CIPR, PRCA
Place(s) of delivery
Bournemouth University
Mode(s) of delivery
Full-time / Part-time
Credit structure
180 level 7 credits: 60 credits PG Cert; 120 credits PG
Diploma; 180 credits MA
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
4
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Date of original approval(s)
MA Public Relations Practice 2005
MA Public Relations 2008
Date of first intake
September 2015
Student numbers
Expected minimum intake: 10
Expected maximum intake: 30
Optimum* student intake: 15
Placements (option)
Not applicable
Partner(s) and model(s)
None
Date and version number of this
Framework/Programme Specification
May 2015, Version 1
Version number of this document and unique reference number: Version 1 – E1415020
This Programme Specification was approved in May 2015 following validation by Academic Standards
Committee.
It takes effect from September 2015 and applies to all new enrolments.
This programme replaces MA Public Relations.
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
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5
2
AIMS OF THE DOCUMENT
The aims of this document are to:
2.1
2.2
2.3
Define the structure of MA Corporate Communication.
Identify programme learning outcomes.
Articulate the regulations governing the awards offered through this programme of
study.
3
PROGRESSION ROUTES
3.1
No internal progression.
4
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS
4.1
MA Corporate Communication offers students the opportunity to study Corporate
Communication and Public Relations at an advanced level. The programme is
anticipated to draw students from Public Relations, Marketing and Communication or
related undergraduate disciplines and/or those with 2+ years relevant professional
experience.
MA Corporate Communication will attract students both from relevant BU UG degree
programmes and those offered by other UK, EU and non-EU institutions, as well as
practitioners seeking to further develop their critical knowledge and skills in
Corporate Communication and PR in order to advance in their chosen profession.
MA Corporate Communication provides an opportunity to recruit interested students
from existing CMC undergraduate programmes (BA Public Relations, BA Marketing
Communication, BA Marketing) as well as other UG degree programmes offered by
other departments and Faculties such as BA Business Studies and Marketing, BA
Communication and Media, and BA Multimedia Journalism etc., providing an
opportunity for such students to specialise in the management of communication.
This programme is comparable with leading competitive offerings in the UK and
abroad. MA Corporate Communication comprises an innovative curriculum that is
balanced in terms of academic rigour and practical relevance and offers students the
opportunity to specialise in a variety of areas of communication management, whilst
developing insights into the latest techniques of Corporate Communication and PR
research, planning and evaluation, and key skills in entrepreneurship, cross-cultural
awareness and the management of creativity. Students are also equipped with the
necessary knowledge and skills to advance to doctoral study for those wishing to
progress their studies through to PhD or Prof Doc level.
The positioning of the programme as specialist provision with close engagement with
industry, together with the profile of students targeted, means that the inclusion of a
work placement within the curriculum is not appropriate. As outlined below, the
‘Professional Boot Camp’ unit will be offered instead. MA Corporate Communication
will be recognised by the CIPR, PRCA and the IABC.
4.2
The development of this programme has drawn upon the following external points of
reference:
Chapter A1: UK and European reference points for academic standards (2013)
incorporating:
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
6



the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 7 descriptor (see
Appendix 1)
General Business and Management subject benchmark statement
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies subject benchmark statement
(published 2008)
It has also been informed by Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma.
4.3
Internal frames of reference include:






The Bournemouth University Strategic Plan 2018
Vision and Values BU2018
Bournemouth University Key Performance Indicators
The Media School (now known as Faculty of Media & Communication) Delivery
Plan 2013-14
The BU common academic framework (CAS) requiring semesterised delivery;
units offering a minimum credit of 20 credits; notional study time calculated at the
rate of 200 hours per 20 credit.
Market research carried out in the development stage
5
AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME
5.1
The programme is designed for graduates with good first degrees (or equivalent
professional experience) in Public Relations, Marketing, Communication or another
related subject. Postgraduate study will develop students’ analytical and critical
thinking skills and subject understanding to a higher level. These skills will equip
graduates for a successful career in the Public Relations industry, or for further study
at doctoral level.
5.2
The programme offers a balanced curriculum in terms of academic rigour / practical
relevance. Course content addresses aspects of: professional development,
innovation, creativity and work-based learning, as well as globalisation,
internationalisation and sustainability.
5.3
By the end of the course students will have developed strong oral communication
skills and learned to present themselves and their ideas in a professional manner
using a variety of communication techniques.
5.4
Employers of MA Corporate Communication graduates will be looking for students
with the tools to think creatively, an awareness of calculated risk and the ability to
challenge assumptions; both academically and in practice. This is reflected in the
aims and intended learning outcomes of the programme. Graduates will be able to
apply for jobs in Corporate Communication and PR which require knowledge of
digital communications techniques, as well contribute to more traditional offline roles.
It is expected that MA Corporate Communication will support entry into a range of
executive and/or management positions within the PR and Communication industry,
on both the agency side and on the client side of the business. Examples of potential
roles include: Copywriter, Media Relations Manager, Internal Communications
Officer, Campaign Manager.
5.5
Curriculum Design and Unit Inter-linkages
MA Corporate Communication has been deliberately designed with no progression
requirements enabling students to progress automatically from the PG. Dip stage
(Semesters 1 and 2) to the Masters stage of the programme (Semester 3) without the
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
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7
requirement of a progression examination board. Nevertheless, there is an implicit
expectation that general academic and discipline-specific knowledge and skills
fostered within those units offered in semester 1 will inform understanding and
application of knowledge within those subjects covered during semester 2. Overall,
the programme has been designed to attain an optimal balance between theory and
practical application. Taught units in Semester 1 encourage an advanced
understanding of contemporary theory and advanced skills development. For
example, ‘Analysis and Decision Making in Communication Management’ aims to
facilitate the development of intellectual and professional skills in the design,
presentation and evaluation of a communications plan. ‘Research Imagination’ takes
students’ previous research knowledge and experience to the next level and the
course is built around three complementary strands: advanced social science
research training; discipline specific research training; industry research
commissioning and interpretation. The knowledge and skills gained from this unit will
feed directly into Semester 2 core units - ‘Integrated Campaign Planning’ and ‘Digital
Insights’. Both units will involve the development and application of communication
research and will be concerned with developing in-depth understanding of a problem
or issue of strategic importance to an organisation’s communication practice. The
focus on strategic understanding and analysis is emphasised in the Strategic
Corporate Communication unit, which considers Corporate Communication and PR
as a strategic function within organisations, as well as the Crisis Communication and
Reputation unit, which is concerned with the application of strategy to aid the
management of issues and crisis planning. Contemporary theory is balanced with
‘best’ professional practice throughout the curriculum, therefore, fully equipping
students with the knowledge and skills to undertake the ‘Final Project’ at the end of
their studies, whether they opt for the ‘Academic Paper’ or the ‘Consultancy Project’.
6
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
6.1
Programme level Intended Learning Outcomes
In line with other PG programmes within the Framework (i.e. MA Advertising), by the
end of their programme all students enrolled on MA Corporate Communication are
expected to be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills.
Subject Knowledge and Understanding
MA Corporate Communication will provide students with the following subject
knowledge and understanding:
A1
Review critically the body of knowledge, debates and intellectual paradigms
related to the study and practice of Corporate Communication and PR and appreciate
the limitations of current knowledge and practices.
A2
Advanced critical appreciation of the role of Corporate Communication and
PR in a range of organisational, socio-cultural, political and economic contexts.
A3
Critically evaluate and provide justified recommendations for the development
of Corporate Communication and PR strategy and programmes demonstrating a
detailed understanding of Corporate Communication and PR practice and the
characteristics of effective communication campaigns.
A4
Develop comprehensive understanding of a range of research methodologies
and techniques for generating original insights relevant to the study and practice of
Corporate Communication and PR.
MA Corporate Communication
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A5
Demonstrate the insight and skills necessary for developing strategic and
tactical integrated Corporate Communication and PR campaigns that are viable
within the given context.
Intellectual Skills
MA Corporate Communication will provide students with the following intellectual
skills:
B1
A conceptual understanding of issues related to Corporate Communication
and PR to evaluate critically advanced scholarship within their discipline.
B2
Identify and apply appropriate techniques for the comprehensive examination,
evaluation and synthesis of data for the analysis of Corporate Communication and
PR problems and issues.
B3
Develop critical skills for dealing with emerging trends within the Corporate
Communication and PR industry, with the ability to assess and manage new
challenges and increasing competition.
B4
Demonstrate an ability to draw upon and bring together ideas from different
sources of knowledge and from different disciplines relevant to the study and practice
of Corporate Communication and PR.
Subject-specific / Practical Skills
MA Corporate Communication will provide students with the following subject specific
skills:
C1
The ability to devise, implement and manage original Corporate
Communication and PR programmes that help to achieve organisational objectives;
C2
The ability to creatively and critically synthesise original ideas from both
professional and academic sources of knowledge and be able to apply these within
an Corporate Communication and PR context;
C3
The ability to make valuable original contributions towards Corporate
Communication and PR practice within complex or unpredictable environments;
C4
Demonstrate confidence and competence in the selection of contemporary
digital technologies and insights relevant to Corporate Communication and PR.
Transferable Skills
MA Corporate Communication will provide students with the following transferable
skills:
D1
The ability to work effectively, productively and accountably as a member of a
team.
D2
Critical reflection, originality and creativity in tackling and solving problems.
D3
Be able to consider and apply global perspectives to their work.
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
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9
D4
Effectively communicate Corporate Communication and PR concepts, plans,
proposals and issues to a diverse range of audiences; professionally present and
rigorously defend ideas, and produce accurately referenced work to a given format,
brief and deadline.
D5
The independent learning ability required for continuing professional
development.
7
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES AND METHODS
7.1
There will be a range of learning and teaching methods and strategies employed
across the programme, which reflect an emphasis on the acquisition and application
of knowledge, as well as a strong focus on professional development. Students will
be exposed to a range of pedagogic strategies, which provide opportunities to
engage within blended learning experiences. Methods include lectures, seminars,
workshops, live briefs, individual tutorials and independent study through computeraided materials. It is critical that students are supported through tutorial contact, both
through the delivery of units, and through their master’s project. Students will be
encouraged to learn from each other, and to informally link up with postgraduate
students across the school. Details of the pedagogic approaches to be adopted
within units are provided within the Unit Specifications.
Knowledge and understanding of the subject will be developed through lectures,
seminars and workshops and Master Classes, in which learning activities may
include discussions, presentations, critiques of academic papers and case studies.
Knowledge and understanding will be assessed within all units via a variety of
methods such as essays, reports and a crisis response simulation exercise.
Intellectual skills such as critical analysis, synthesis, evaluation and problem
solving will be demonstrated through active learning processes involving campaign
analysis and planning, in-class debates, group-based workshops and individual
tutorials. Intellectual skills linked to specialist knowledge, understanding and practical
skills will be assessed via independent course work such as analysis of Corporate
Communication strategies, the design of Corporate Communication plans, academic
essays and an individual final project.
Practical skills will be developed through opportunities to practise relevant activities
within seminar/workshops together with live briefs and the ‘Professional Boot Camp’.
Assessment of competence in exercising practical skills will include presentations,
responses to live briefs and professional pitches, preparation of a career plan and
portfolio development.
Transferable/key skills, will be developed through naturally arising opportunities
within the curriculum. For example, cross-cultural perspectives, critical reflection and
independent learning will be developed through a variety of formative and summative
coursework such as strategic analysis and campaign development, essays, report
writing and other forms of self-directed study; creativity in tackling problems and
professional presentation skills through the design and development of
communication campaigns and team working skills through a variety of collaborative
projects. Skills will also be developed through the professional ‘boot camp’ and extracurricular activities such as Master Classes, Professional Development activity, as
well as opportunities to participate in research and/or knowledge exchange projects
coordinated by Creative Enterprise Bureau.
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
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10
7.2
Professional Boot Camp
The Professional Boot Camp in semester 3 will provide students with a period of
intensive work experience, which draws together the work completed during
semester 1 and semester 2 of the Masters programme, and provides an opportunity
for students to apply what they have learned within the real world of PR and
Corporate Communication agencies/departments. The unit will typically commence
with a taught element comprising preparation and master class opportunities.
Students will then be embedded within agencies/departments for up to two weeks.
Following that, they will have an opportunity to reflect on and present their views on
their employability in the form of a career plan. By the end of the unit, students will be
able to draw on real world experience, start to develop their professional careers,
capitalise on networking opportunities and evaluate and plan their own career
trajectories. It is anticipated that the time spent within an agency/department will
typically take place during the first few weeks of the third semester i.e. immediately
following the taught ‘preparation’ element.
8
ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES AND METHODS
8.1
MA Corporate Communication will be assessed through a variety of coursework
designed to assess subject-specific knowledge and intellectual skills, as well as
professional/practical skills relevant to the discipline. Whilst it is expected that
students will progress through the programme following a specific pathway of units,
this has deliberately not been designed as a ‘progression’ programme. All forms of
assessment will focus on the acquisition and development of knowledge at an
advanced level, whilst integrating relevant theory with the professional/practical skills
necessary to become effective reflective practitioners. There will be no examinations.
MA Corporate Communication will comprise a breadth of assessment strategies
including live briefs, portfolios, essays, reports, campaign plans, and reflective
pieces. There will be an appropriate balance of individual and group work. All
students will be required to complete an individual final project (consultancy project
or academic paper). Details of summative assessment by unit is provided within the
Unit Specifications.
The assessment of knowledge will be particularly sought through full-length essay
assignments or reports, as well as seminar/workshop presentations and discussions.
Intellectual skills will be assessed through a variety of coursework which will require
students to demonstrate their ability to structure a comprehensive and reasoned
argument and to critically analyse an issue related to professional practice. Individual
essays, reflective accounts and planning exercises, for example, will provide an
important means by which students can plan, develop, refine and present their ideas
in a coherent and persuasive way, using appropriate sources to develop and sustain
their arguments. Assessment of subject-specific/practical skills will typically be via
coursework such as portfolio development, live briefs and/or scenario exercises,
campaign plans and evaluation, oral presentations and reports. Finally, Transferable
Skills will be assessed primarily through individual and group work such as
campaign plans, oral presentations, pitches and reports, as well as individual
reflective accounts (reflection on action).
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
11
9
PROGRAMME SKILLS MATRIX
9.1
Matrix table showing the relationship between ILOs for a programme and its constituent units
Units
L
E
V
E
L
M
Analysis and Decision Making in Communication
Management(20)
Strategic Corporate Communication (20)
Research Imagination (20)
Crisis Communication and Reputation (20)
Digital Insights (20)
Integrated Campaign Planning (20)
Professional Boot Camp (20)
Final Project (40)
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
C
1
C
2
C
3
C
4
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1.
5.
Review critically the body of knowledge, debates and intellectual paradigms related to the study and
practice of Corporate Communication and PR and appreciate the limitations of current knowledge and
practices.
Advanced critical appreciation of the role of Corporate Communication and PR in a range of
organisational, socio-cultural, political and economic contexts.
Critically evaluate and provide justified recommendations for the development of Corporate
Communication and PR strategy and programmes demonstrating a detailed understanding of Corporate
Communication and PR practice and the characteristics of effective communication campaigns.
Develop comprehensive understanding of a range of research methodologies and techniques for
generating original insights relevant to the study and practice of Corporate Communication and PR.
Demonstrate the insight and skills necessary for developing strategic and tactical integrated Corporate
Communication and PR campaigns that are viable within a given context.
B - Intellectual Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
A conceptual understanding of issues related to Corporate Communication and PR to evaluate critically
advanced scholarship within their discipline.
Identify and apply appropriate techniques for the comprehensive examination, evaluation and synthesis
of data for the analysis of Corporate Communication and PR problems and issues.
Develop critical skills for dealing with emerging trends within the Corporate Communication and PR
industry, with the ability to assess and manage new challenges and increasing competition.
Demonstrate an ability to draw upon and bring together ideas from different sources of knowledge and
from different disciplines relevant to the study and practice of Corporate Communication and PR.
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
D
4
*
1.
4.
D
3
*
C – Subject-specific/Practical Skills
3.
D
2
*
A - Subject Knowledge and Understanding
2.
D
1
*
*
*
*
*
*
B
4
2.
3.
4.
*
*
D
5
*
*
*
*
*
The ability to devise, implement and manage original Corporate
Communication and PR programmes that help to achieve organisational
objectives;
The ability to creatively and critically synthesise original ideas from both
professional and academic sources of knowledge and be able to apply
these within a Corporate Communication and PR context;
The ability to make valuable original contributions towards Corporate
Communication and PR practice within complex or unpredictable
environments;
Demonstrate confidence and competence in the selection of contemporary
digital technologies and insights relevant to Corporate Communication and
PR.
D - Transferable Skills
1. The ability to work effectively, productively and accountably as a member of a
team.
2. Critical reflection, originality and creativity in tackling and solving problems.
3. Be able to consider and apply global perspectives to their work.
4. Effectively communicate Corporate Communication and PR concepts, plans,
proposals and issues to a diverse range of audiences; professionally present
and rigorously defend ideas, and produce accurately referenced work to a
given format, brief and deadline.
5. The independent learning ability required for continuing professional
development.
12
10
PROGRAMME DIAGRAM MA CORPORATE COMMUNICATION – (no progression
requirements)
PROGRAMME DIAGRAM
MA CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Stage 1/Level 7
Core units (Compulsory)
MA Advertising
Analysis and Decision Making in Communication Management
(20)
Research Imagination (20)
Strategic Corporate Communication (20)
Digital Insights (20)
Crisis Communication and Reputation (20)
Integrated Campaign Planning (20)
Professional Boot camp (20)
Final Project (40 credits)
Exit qualification: MA Corporate
Communication Requires 180 Level
7 credits
Exit qualification: PG Dip
Corporate Communication
Requires 120 Level 7 credits
Exit qualification: PG Cert
Corporate Communication
Requires 60 Level 7 credits
Whilst MA Corporate Communication is not a progression programme, there is an implicit
expectation that for those students enrolled on the part-time study route over 2 years,
general academic and discipline-specific knowledge and skills fostered within those units
offered in Year 1 will inform understanding and application of knowledge within those
subjects covered in Year 2.
11
ADMISSIONS REGULATIONS
11.1
The regulations for this programme are the University’s Standard Postgraduate
Admission Regulations with the following exceptions:
Given the importance of excellent written and verbal communication skills in the
practice and study of Corporate Communication, for applicants for whom English is
not their first language, there is a requirement of IELTS (Academic) 6.5 MINIMUM
(with 6.5 in writing) or direct equivalent.
12
ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
12.1
The regulations for this framework are the University’s Standard Postgraduate
Assessment Regulations.
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
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13
13
Originating
Institution(s):
Bournemouth
University
Place(s) of Delivery:
Bournemouth
University
Language of
delivery (if not
English):
Programme HESA
JACS code: P210
Faculty: Media &
Communication
Partner: None
Programme Award and Title: MA Corporate Communication (Level 7)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Unit name
Analysis and Decision Making in
Communication Management
Strategic Corporate
Communication
Research Imagination
Crisis Communication and
Reputation
Digital Insights
Integrated Campaign Planning
Professional Boot Camp
Final Project
Effective from
Prog Year / Month / Year
Yr. 1
Sep
2015
Yr. 2
Sep
2016
Yr. 3
Sep
2017
Yr.4
Oct
Mode(s) of study: FT
Expected Length of study :
FT= 12 months
PT = 24 months
BU Credit Structure & ECTS :
MA Level 7= 180 credits (90)
PG Dip = 120 credits (60)
PG Cert = 60 credits (30)
Interim Award and Titles & required credits:
PG Certificate Corporate Communication (Level 7)
PG Diploma Corporate Communication (Level 7)
Cost Centre(s)
Unit identification
Unit
version
no.
PROGRAMME PROFILE
HESA
JACS
Subject
Code
N211
CC 1
133
N562
N510
P210
P304
P210
P210
X210
Contact in School: Carrie Hodges
chodges@bournemouth.ac.uk
%
Unit Details
CC2
70
HESA
JACS
Subject
Code
P210
133
133
60
N211
133
133
50
70
145
133
145
133
100
80
100
60
%
Assessment Regs: SR
Prog
year
FT
Prog
year
PT
Core /
option
30
1
1
Core
20
133
40
1
1
Core
X210
N562
133
133
50
30
1
1
2
1
Core
Core
P200
133
20
1
N510
133
40
Date approved 11:
May 2015
Name of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (if appropriate):
None N/A
No of
credits
Level
Assessment
Element Weightings
Exam
1
C/Work
1
C/Work
2
7
40%
60%
20
7
40%
60%
20
20
7
7
100%
50%
50%
1
Core
20
2
20
1
2
Core
20
1
2
Core
40
Programme Specification version no
Version 1: May 2015.
7
7
7
7
Placement: None
40%
60%
100%
100%
Diploma Supplement Statement regarding PRSB accreditation: N/A
2018
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
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14
60%
40%
Appendix 1:
QAA FHE Q Level 7 Descriptor
QAA Descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 7: Master's degree
The descriptor provided for this level of the framework is for any master's degree which
should meet the descriptor in full. This qualification descriptor can also be used as a
reference point for other level 7 qualifications, including postgraduate certificates and
postgraduate diplomas.
Master's degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated:
a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems
and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic
discipline, field of study or area of professional practice
a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced
scholarship
originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge
in the discipline
conceptual understanding that enables the student:
to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose
new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:
deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the
absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and nonspecialist audiences
demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act
autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high
level.
And holders will have:
the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
Much of the study undertaken for master's degrees will have been at, or informed by, the
forefront of an academic or professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in
the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are
advanced through research. They will be able to deal with complex issues both
systematically and creatively, and they will show originality in tackling and solving problems.
They will have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring sound
judgement, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional
environments.
Master's degrees are awarded after completion of taught courses, programmes of research
or a mixture of both. Longer, research-based programmes may lead to the degree of MPhil.
The learning outcomes of most master's degree courses are achieved on the basis of study
equivalent to at least one full-time calendar year and are taken by graduates with a
bachelor's degree with honours (or equivalent achievement).
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Master's degrees are often distinguished from other qualifications at this level (for example,
advanced short courses, which often form parts of continuing professional development
programmes and lead to postgraduate certificates and/or postgraduate diplomas) by an
increased intensity, complexity and density of study. Master's degrees - in comparison to
postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas - typically include planned intellectual
progression that often includes a synoptic/research or scholarly activity.
Some master's degrees, for example in science, engineering and mathematics, comprise an
integrated programme of study spanning several levels where the outcomes are normally
achieved through study equivalent to four full-time academic years. While the final outcomes
of the qualifications themselves meet the expectations of the descriptor for a higher
education qualification at level 7 in full, such qualifications are often termed 'integrated
master's' as an acknowledgement of the additional period of study at lower levels (which
typically meets the expectations of the descriptor for a higher education qualification at level
6).
First degrees in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science comprise an integrated
programme of study and professional practice spanning several levels. While the final
outcomes of the qualifications themselves typically meet the expectations of the descriptor
for a higher education qualification at level 7, these qualifications may often retain, for
historical reasons, titles of Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of
Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine or Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and are
abbreviated to MBChB or BM BS, BDS, BVetMed and BVSc respectively.
MA Corporate Communication
Programme Specification
Version 1: May 2015
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