UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
Faculty of Social Sciences
Bradford Centre for International Development
Programme title: MSc in International Development Policy and Management
Awarding and teaching institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim award(s):
Postgraduate Certificate in International Development
Policy and Management
Postgraduate Diploma in International Development
Policy and Management
MSc in International Development Policy and
Management
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level
7]
Programme title:
International Development Policy and Management
Programme approved / accredited
by:
N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
FHEQ Level:
7
Duration:
2 years part-time
UCAS code:
Date produced:
May 2015
Last updated :
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Introduction
Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID) has been working closely with
organisations that lead or deliver international development. This is within the University’s ethos of
‘Making knowledge work’ and you will be pleased to know that several such initiatives have been
successfully completed. The MSc in International Development Policy and Management is
designed exclusively for the staff of Aga Khan Development Network based on the University of
Bradford’s existing programmes. Its aim is to provide you with the critical and analytical skills to
enable you to be more effective in critically analysing policies and delivering development
programmes and projects within challenging and fragile environments. As a tailor-made
programme, the course consists of six taught modules and a dissertation all of which are
considered core. However, there is scope for some degree of choice in terms of topics of
assessment and greater degree of freedom in selecting a dissertation topic in line with your
interests but relevant to the programme.
Like you, many postgraduates in the Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID) show
a personal commitment to development and have some work experience in related areas of the
public, private and voluntary sectors. The degree is usually seen as a means to develop careers:
to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to become a more effective
professional in the field of international development. As a member of staff employed by the Aga
Khan Development Network, you and other students on this programme will already have
embarked on a career in international development with a strong element of local level
participation. Studying for a BCID postgraduate degree will facilitate you to enhance and develop
knowledge and skills required for advancement to more senior, specialist posts.
BCID is a multidisciplinary department within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Centre’s
activities include postgraduate degrees, short training courses for development professionals,
collaborative research and promoting scholarship through conferences or symposia. Teaching
staff have academic backgrounds in economics, management and other social sciences, and
have specialist areas of expertise in topics such as project and programme management, public
policy analysis and strategic management, globalisation and trade, community development and
organisational change. This course programme also includes modules from the internationally
renowned Division of Peace Studies also in SSIS.
Programme Aims
The programme aims to enable you to:
Postgraduate Certificate
A1
A2
A3
Develop your skills to enable you evaluate and apply theoretical concepts relevant to
international development theory, public policy, project and programme management
contexts;.
Develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning.
Develop your personal and transferable skills in communication, research and planning
Postgraduate Diploma (in addition to the above)
A4
A5
Equip you with the knowledge and skills to develop and analyse international development
policy and practice especially in fragile environments and contexts of plurality and
inequality with a deep understanding of gender inequality;
Equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical practitioner
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MSc (in addition to the above)
A6
A7
A8
Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice.
Critically appraise the nature of evidence guiding international development management.
Formulate and independently investigate a complex research question and communicate
your findings at an advanced level.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have successfully completed Level 7 of the programme you will be able to:
Postgraduate Certificate
LO1. Critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in international development theory.
LO2. Critically appraise policies and projects in the context of understanding institutions and
governance;
LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to international development
and policy contexts;
LO4. Use your own initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument
LO5. Critically reflect on advanced concepts in international development, public policy and
programme management.
Postgraduate Diploma
LO6. Critically appraise the challenges of development and peace building in fragile
environments and in contexts with different forms of inequality including gender inequality.
LO7. Develop a critical reflective approach to practice or policy-based interventions and projects
LO8. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues.
MSc
LO9. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and scholarship in a
specialist area of international development, policy analysis and project management in
fragile environments.
LO10. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and applications
LO11. Identify gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence base guiding policy and practice
LO12. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship
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Curriculum
Postgraduate Certificate
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Occ
SD-7003D
Issues in Development Theory (AKF)
Core
20
7
3
K
SD-7006D
Public Policy Analysis and Management (AKF)
Core
20
7
3
K
SD-7004D
Project Planning and Management 1 (AKF)
Core
20
7
1
K
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Occ
Postgraduate Diploma
Module
Code
Module Title
SD-7002D
Issues in Development Policy (AKF)
Core
20
7
2
K
SP-7009D
Fragile states and the security-development nexus
(AKF)
Core
20
7
2
K
SP-7002D
Gender, Conflict and Development (AKF)
Core
20
7
1
K
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Occ
Core
60
7
DISS
K
MSc
Module
Code
SD-7015Z
Module Title
Dissertation (AKF)
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and
review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
As this is an off-site programme, in each module teaching takes place over an intensive period of
delivery. Throughout the programme you will be at the centre-stage of your own learning – we will
do everything possible to facilitate your learning. The various teaching strategies used in the
modules will include: lectures, research-informed cases, discussions, debates, small group work
and presentations.
At the start of the programme and prior to the commencement of the first module, there will be an
induction programme that provides you with an overview of the Master’s programme its elements,
regulations. This will also provide an introduction to the Blackboard and to the library resources.
You will be introduced to academic writing, research and analytical skills which form important
elements of the different modules. The induction and subsequent sessions within modules will
also help you in terms of preparation for writing your dissertation. The induction programme will
also introduce you to the generic marking criteria.
In each module, lectures and presentations will aim to develop core conceptual ideas and
theories. As the programme is tailor-made, the cohort size will be between 18 and 30 students.
This group size makes it possible to have adequate interaction within lectures by way of question
and answer sessions. It is expected that you will be actively participating throughout the lectures.
Each module will have two lecturers from Bradford – thus alternative view-points and perspectives
are represented within the course. Where appropriate and feasible, some experts from the
organisation’s team within Tajikistan with relevant expertise may be invited as guest speakers.
Where appropriate, the module lecturers may present findings from their own research studies
and empirical analysis.
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In addition to lectures, there will be seminars and group work in the form of case studies or critical
literature review exercises. Such small group work will focus on comparing, contrasting and
evaluating the content of theories, their application to policy and project contexts and key
challenges related to effectiveness and success. Group based work may be used for both
formative assessment (i.e., mainly for learning purposes but not considered towards the
assessment of the module) and summative assessment (where it is a formal part of the module
assessment). In such cases, there will be scope for peer assessment input to group work
contribution. Please see the appendix for further details.
After the intensive delivery of teaching, there is a 12-week period when you will be working on
your individual assessment. During this period learning is mainly in terms of directed study
following up the critical concepts, theories and applications discussed in the intensive teaching
period with a more critical and in depth engagement with relevant literature. You will be using the
electronic sources such as journal literature which will form an important base to prepare your
assessment. . There will be opportunities to interact with module lecturers and fellow students
through Blackboard. One to one email correspondence with module lecturers is also possible.
Assessment will be set to demonstrate module learning outcomes and will have been scrutinised
and approved by External Examiners. Assessment will test that you have developed a systematic
and advanced understanding of core concepts and theories relevant to the module and that you
are able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques and tools of
analysis by applying these to relevant case studies or empirical examples as the particular form of
assessment might require. While you are expected to show a critical understanding of existing
literature it is also expected that you display originality and creativity in the way you approach the
issues concerned and in deriving conclusions from the evidence that you present in the
arguments. You will be expected to deal with complexity and you may choose to take risks in
terms of applying new techniques or using new sources of data. Successful completion of
assessment also demonstrates your ability to plan and organise the various tasks, have your own
internal monitoring of progress and ability to work to tight deadlines. Each assessment will be
marked according to the marking criteria and regulations and you will receive feedback on your
work.
The dissertation is an important element of a Master’s degree and it gives you further opportunity
to develop and demonstrate a number of competencies including critical review of literature,
research design, developing and applying a research methodology, analysing evidence and
drawing conclusions. A research proposal is required in the initial stage and this proposal would
count towards assessment. You will be allocated a supervisor with whom you will have regular
interaction via email and develop a timetable for submission of your chapters and receiving
feedback. Dissertation is assessed by two markers reading independently and then arriving at an
agreed mark.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate
Programmes which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinancesand-regulations/
Admission Requirements
A typical application would include an Undergraduate Degree (2.2 honours or above) UK system
or comparative result if outside UK.
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous
academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual
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application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s
potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme.
Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be
based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience in
accordance with the University policies and guidance on recognition of prior learning.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts
of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you
with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University
more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that
you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you
apply to discuss these.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library the Faculty of Management
and Law provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. As an
off-campus student, you will have access to all the electronic resources of the library including ebooks and electronic journals as well as bibliographic and other databases. Access to electronic
journals is likely to be the most valuable resource as you begin to research literature for writing
your assessment in various course units or your dissertation. Subject librarian will be able to
provide guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment.
Student Support and Guidance
As an off-campus student, your main mode of communication will be through email. In addition to
the course lecturers, you will be able to communicate with the programme director both through
Blackboard and also through emails. The subject related discussions will be mainly with course
lecturers while any issues regarding academic progress or concerns can be discussed with the
programme director. You will be provided with various handbooks at different stages in the course
that you can consult on a range of learning issues.
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University
and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you
will be able to discuss (by email) about any academic or personal concerns especially if any
personal factors are affecting your progress. .
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Any matters related
to your programme
Programme
Questions specific
to dissertation
Dissertation
supervisor
Questions or issues
related to an
individual module
Module lecturer
Personal factors
affecting progress
Personal academic
tutor
director
You
You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of
learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
We value the feedback provided by you and at the first module, course representatives would be
nominated. There will be opportunities for receiving feedback through course representatives.
Also you will elect representatives who will be members of the Staff Student Liaison Committee
which will meet once in every period of intensive teaching delivery or at other times as appropriate
by Skype or electronic discussion board. SSLC minutes are submitted to the Faculty Learning and
Teaching Committee and any issues you wish to raise will be addressed through these channels.
Student Charter and Students’ Union
The Student Charter is available here: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/student/student-charter/
As an off-campus student, there is a limit to how you can get involved with the activities of the
Student Union most of which tend to be based on campus. However, through your course
representatives, we will aim to connect you with Students Union representatives so that any of
your concerns or issues can be raised and discussed with the Union.
The Students’ Union provide professional academic representation and advice. As an off-campus
student you will mainly access such advice through email contact through your course
representatives.
Employability and Career Development
As an employee of AKDN you already have several skills.
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile,
commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
As an off-campus student there is a limit to how you can access the campus based Career
Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide
range of information resources though most of these are on campus. As an off campus student
you will be able to contact the career development services through email. . More information on
Career Development Services is available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
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The Career Development Service annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out
their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and
further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles,
name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of
study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via
Career Development Services’ website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
Academic Skills Advice Service
As an off-campus student there is a limit to how you can access the services of the Learner
Development Unit. However, a range of many useful resources are available on their website:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills
Disability
The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment though primarily their
support tends to be focused on students on the campus here. You can however, contact your
personal tutor or the programme leader or the Disability Unit if you wish to discuss any concerns
you may have about adjustments that you may need, especially concerning the academic aspects
of the programme. For more information contact the Disability Service via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
You can access all the relevant policies, regulations and ordinances of the University from the
website of the University. Many of them are available here:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/student-services/a-z/policies.php
Education for Sustainable Development
The University of Bradford, and the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), are committed to the
principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) set out in UNESCO’s definition (see
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/what-sustainability.php
which include: interdisciplinarity; value-driven; critical thinking and problem solving; participatory
decision-making; and applied learning which is relevant and culturally appropriate to local and
other contexts.
In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching learning and assessment
strategies. The subject matter of this programme is focussed on ‘development’ as a concept and
policy analysis as an activity that involves deliberation therefore throughout the course the subject
matter engages with debates around equity, social justice and the use of resources on a global
level. We strive to ensure that students are able to become critical, independent thinkers who can
apply knowledge and take action. In addition there are modules in which the themes and issues of
ESD are particularly exemplified, such as:
 Issues in Development Theory engages directly with the theory of sustainable
development and critiques more broadly the concept of ‘development’ as a whole.
 Public Policy Analysis and Management focuses on interdisciplinarity, critical thinking
and problem solving with regard to institutions and the key challenges to accountability
and transparency.
 Gender Conflict and Development module engages with the issues of inequality and
power dynamics.
 Issues in Development Policy takes a holisitic approach to the reduction of poverty and
analyses policy and practice aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods.
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We are also committed in FSS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates about the
meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice of ESD, for example,
through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a series of activities as a Faculty.
For more information on Ecoversity activities throughout the university see
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact the Programme
director.
Dr PB Anand
The Programme director AKF MSc
programme at the BCID
Faculty of Social Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233957
Ms Joanne Dunne
Postgraduate Administrator
Faculty of Social Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 235267
http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/bcid
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations
and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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Appendices: MSc International Development Policy and Management (Aga Khan)
1. Programme Learning Outcomes
Level
Code
Title
Type
LO1
7
7
7
7
7
SD-7003D
SD-7006D
SD-7004D
SD-7002D
SP-7009D
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
A
7
7
SP-7002D
SD-7015Z
Issues in Development Theory
Public Policy Analysis and management
Project Planning and Management 1
Issues in Development Policy
Fragile states and the Security Development
Nexus
Gender, Conflict and Development
Dissertation
Core
Core
LO2
A
A
LO3
LO4
LO5
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
S
S
A
S
A
S
S
S
LO6
LO7
LO8
A
S
S
A
S
S
S
A
A
A
S
S
S
A
A
LO9
L10
L11
L12
S
S
S
S
S
A
A
S
A
S
A
Notes
A = indicates that the outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = indicates that the outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed
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2. Teaching map
Level
Code
7
SD-7003D
SD-7006D
SD-7004D
SD-7002D
SP-7009D
SP-7002D
SD-7015Z
7
7
7
7
7
7
Title
Issues in Development Theory
Public Policy Analysis and management
Project Planning and Management 1
Issues in Development Policy
Fragile states and the Security Development Nexus
Gender, Conflict and Development
Dissertation
Type
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
1
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3
4
5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
7
X
X
X
Teaching and Learning Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Lectures
Seminars/ tutorials
Practical labs/Workshops
Directed study
Personal research
Case study analysis
Supervised research
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3. Assessment map
Level
Code
7
SD-7003D
SD-7006D
SD-7004D
SD-7002D
SP-7009D
SP-7002D
SD-7015Z
7
7
7
7
7
7
Title
Issues in Development Theory
Public Policy Analysis and management
Project Planning and Management 1
Issues in Development Policy
Fragile states and the Security Development Nexus
Gender, Conflict and Development
Dissertation
Type
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
1
2
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
5
X
X
X
X
Methods of Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Individual assignment/case study
Group assignment/project
Group presentation
Research proposal
Project/Dissertation
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