PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
Teaching institution:
Faculty:
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the programme:
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes )
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Aquatic Science
MSc
2010
University College, University of London
University College, University of London
Social and Historical Studies
Geography http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/admissions-andteaching/postgraduates/msc-aquatic-science/
Full time/part time
1 calendar year full time/2 calendar years part time
1 yr FT, 2 yr PT
Level 7
N/A http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/admissions-andteaching/postgraduates/msc-aquatic-science/msc-aquaticscience#structure
Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc Physical Geography

Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aims of the course are:
Environmental drivers such as habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, invasive species, climate change and pollution threaten the long-term sustainability of aquatic resources and the provision of aquatic ecosystem services. Consequently there is a pressing national and international need to understand the pressures that act on aquatic systems such that they can be better protected, managed and restored. In particular there is a need in the conservation agencies for a stronger scientific basis to underpin aquatic conservation.
Responding to these needs, the course aims to provide a thorough knowledge and understanding of freshwater and coastal environments that recognises the key importance of geomophological-hydrological and ecological linkages and of various spatial and temporal scales of change. Wherever possible efforts will be made to link theory and practice and to inform students of the institutional, legislative and decision making background to key aquatic environmental issues. In this way the MSc provides an ideal foundation for further PhD research, or for prospective employment with environmental protection and conservation agencies, the water industry and environmental consultancies.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
 key conceptual debates debates about the nature of globalization, and
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, seminars, practicals and field studies associated with four compulsory courses in term 1 and modules of the student’s choice in term 2. how they have been taken up and worked through by human geographers
 how globalization is manifested specifically in terms of economicgeographical and politicalgeographical processes
Assessment:
Courses
Students will be assessed through seminar presentations and coursework in the form of essays reflecting analytical and interpretative skills.
Dissertation
The dissertation will assess most of these aspects.
Date of next scheduled accreditation visit:

Intellectual (thinking) skills:
 apply knowledge of critical concepts and theories in the context of major substantive issues, including contemporary flows and patterns of
B: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Fieldwork, site evaluation, practical investigations
Research project design including submission and presentation of project outlines and risk assessments migration, transnationalism, shifting geographical scales of governance, rearrangements of global power groupings
 analyse how these various processes interrelate as part of the more general phenomenon of globalization , and how they contribute to the shaping global character of the contemporary world
Assessment:
These elements will be fostered and informally assessed especially during the field classes. This will be reflected in the formally assessed essays related to the field classes
Furthermore, the dissertation will reflect and be judged on the familiarity and quality of these intellectual skills – including the oral and poster presentation
C: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Laboratory and field class elements will be dedicated to train students in these skills. A number of choice modules will allow in-depth insights into statistical analysis and modeling.
Practical skills (able to):
 basic training in a range of advanced social science research practices, including the design, methodology, ethics and management of social research;
 develop more advanced skills in qualitative (textual) and quantitative analysis relevant to individual research needs
 demonstrate an ability to apply these methodologies in the context of an individual research programme, designed by the student in consultation with teaching staff.
Assessment:
Field work and practical write ups and coursework essays
Dissertation and associated presentation.

Transferable skills (able to):

Complete a substantial individual research project which demonstrates assimilation of transferable research skills in research design, information collection and management, computing, communication and presentation, project management and critical thinking

For students wishing to progress to doctoral work, the dissertation gives experience of developing and
D: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Seminars and associated feed-back
Group work during field classes and in seminar preparation
Individual and group oral presentations
Group field projects
Dissertation and associated supervision and guidance completing an advanced piece of research and independent thought, as well as the practical research skills of time management and working with a supervisor. For those wishing to pursue careers outside of the academy (e.g. in development agencies, consultancy, government or social services, academia) the dissertation provides a high level of competence in project initiation and management, research skills, and written and oral presentation.
Assessment:
Embedded in various forms of course assessment, including examination, course work essays and planning and conducting of the dissertation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:

the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf
);

the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements );

the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);

UCL teaching and learning policies;

staff research.
Please note: This 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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Dr Carl Sayer
Date of Production:
Date of Review:
2 April 2009
October 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2015
November 2015