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 full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in Module Specifications and other programme documentation and online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk
The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Awarding body/institution;
Teaching institution (if different);
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body;
Name of the final award;
Programme title;
UCAS code;
Brunel and Loughborough Universities
Brunel and Loughborough Universities
Master of Science
Master of Science in Packaging Technology
N/A
Date at which the programme specification was written or revised.
Revised July 2007
1. Aims of the programme:
The principle aims of this IGDS Masters' Programme are:

To develop the student's knowledge, understanding and skills in the range of engineering and management disciplines that are applicable to a professional career in Packaging Technology

To produce graduates with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current issues and the appropriate application of advanced techniques in packaging materials (materials selection, processing and design), problem solving, project management, manufacturing strategy, quality, marketing / finance and environmental / legal issues.

To produce high calibre packaging technologists and managers with the vision and flexibility to create opportunities and solve problems effectively within a number of diverse roles.
The programme is focused upon in-company graduate-level employees working in a variety of sectors including raw material supply, product manufacturers, packaging converters and printers, packaging machine suppliers and retailers.
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2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Subject Benchmarks
QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 4
QAA Engineering Benchmarks
QAA Guidelines on the Quality Assurance of Distance Learning
Other IGDS Programmes and IGDS Documentation from EPSRC
South African Breweries Training Institute ('Return on Investment Analysis of
Human Resources Development Programmes' using a model developed from " Return on Investment ", by Jack Phillips, Butterworth Heinemann, (1997) )
DTI Foresight Report: "Packaging Materials Task Force" (2000)

Mission Statements
Loughborough University’s mission is “education, academic enquiry and the advancement of knowledge to provide the highest quality of educational experience and the widest opportunities for studen ts, to advance industry and the professions, and to benefit society” . The Institute of Polymer
Technology and Materials Engineering (IPTME) promotes this aim through its own mission statement which is to “contribute to the advancement and application of knowledge in materials science and engineering by means of teaching, learning and research” . Brunel University is a partner of Loughborough in the Packaging Technology MSc and their mission is to produce high quality graduates and research which are of use to the community" .

Key Issues for the Programme
The Masters' Degree Programme in Packaging Technology promotes these objectives by offering the opportunity for further, postgraduate-level education in a manner that encompasses a number of novel or noteworthy elements, including: a) Part-time study for in-company employees b) Sector-specific training for a 'top-ten' manufacturing industry c) Training provision based upon EPSRC's Integrated Graduate Development Scheme (IGDS) d) Module delivery by Distance Learning (DL), including some novel aspects of curriculum development
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3. Intended Learning Outcomes
Programme and intermediate learning outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
(A) Knowledge and Understanding
Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. The basic use, science and properties of materials in packaging.
2. Advanced techniques and strategies for project management.
3. Some advanced polymer processing methods and analytical / characterisation techniques used in problem solving.
4. Advanced marketing or finance techniques applied to the packaging industry and how these can be used for planning and decision making at management level.
5. Plastics packaging materials, processes and physical properties relevant to products.
Metallic packaging processes, products and the effects / prevention of corrosion.
6. Concepts and theories of manufacturing strategy and quality assurance systems.
7. Manufacturing and properties of packaging products in glass, paper and board.
8. Innovative packaging design to produce optimum packaging solutions.
9. A range of environmental and legal aspects of packaging materials an products.
10. Methods required to compile an in-depth dissertation on a packaging-related project.
Learning/teaching methods and strategies:
Module based face-to-face and/or distance learning teaching packages which include extensive notes, personal feedback questions, personal activities, case studies, problem solving exercises and staged examples. Practical classes are also used, in specific modules.
Directed study of textbooks. Assignments and case studies. Company/industry based workshops for six students or more by negotiation.
Learning outcomes 1 to 10 are demonstrated through periodic formative course work, worked cases and assignments.
Assessment
Each of the outcomes is assessed using written assignments and/or closed-book examinations, according to the individual module specifications.
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(B) Cognitive (thinking) Skills
Able to:
1. Critically appraise major packaging materials.
2. Critically evaluate current and developing advanced packaging technology techniques.
3. Apply these techniques appropriately, to develop successful strategies for pack design, development and manufacture at senior levels.
4. Monitor and evaluate the level of success of quality programmes and manufacturing strategies.
5. Evaluate optimum materials, process conditions and analytical techniques required for specific packaging products.
Learning/teaching methods and strategies:
Self study, lectures, discussions and organisation of study, company-based workshops, work place based activities.
Skills 1 to 8 are acquired through case studies, examples and self-assessment questions in the course materials. These are further developed through course work assignments and students’ professional experience.
Skills 9 and 10 are acquired by the planning, execution and submission of the project report.
6. Gather, analyse and evaluate environmental data.
7. Make effective strategic decisions based on complex and sometimes incomplete data.
8. Apply general management principles to packaging management and strategy.
9. Manage a complex project to successful completion.
10. Deliver a Masters' thesis according to the dissertation specification.
Assessment
Skills 1 to 8 are assessed using problem-based exercises, assignments and unseen written examinations.
Skills 9 and 10 are assessed through the project dissertation.
(C) Other Skills and Attributes (Practical/Professional/Transferable)
Able to:
1. Use simple tests to identify packaging materials.
2. Demonstrate advanced skills in initiative and independent learning and problem solving
3. Justify and defend packaging solutions.
4. Retrieve information from a range of
Learning/teaching methods and strategies:
Skills 1 to 5 are demonstrated in written assignments additionally
Skills 6 and 7 are demonstrated through literature searches and review
Skill 5 is demonstrated by a written assignment
(practical report) sources
5. Perform experimental investigations to generate and analyse data
6. Communicate effectively in a written document
7. Research skills: define and plan a substantial investigation; select and utilise appropriate research methods; analyse and criticise data; organise and present information in a coherent document.
Skills 2,4,6 & 7 are demonstrated through the project dissertation
Assessment:
Skills 1 to 6 are assessed by written assignment.
Skill 7 is assessed through the project dissertation
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4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards:
The MSc Programme was designed and developed principally for the part-time market (incompany, graduate-level students, as part of the EPSRC's IGDS initiative) and consists of nine modules (all of which are assessable) plus a project. The modules are normally taken in structured order over a period of two years, with the project initiated in year three. Five of these modules are one-week format residential modules (at Loughborough, or at Brunel), with the remaining study being carried out by Distance Learning (DL). The residential modules are also available in DL format (to assist in Programme Marketing initiatives, both nationally and internationally), although students are strongly encouraged to attend all residential modules, where appropriate.
For students choosing not to undertake the project the award of a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) is possible after the completion of the taught modules. Individual modules may be taken by students who do not wish to register for the entire MSc Programme initially, or by the 'casual' student / short course market, for purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The programme is flexible and can take the form of two routes:
Part Residential, Part Distance Learning
Five of the nine modules are available as residential options; the University-based study periods are usually of five days duration. Private study periods are required in addition, to complete the assessment packages (assignments, laboratory reports and examination preparation). The remaining modules are taken by distance learning; although students can choose the exact mix of module delivery, they are encouraged where possible to follow the residential option because it allows them to benefit from studying within a University environment, with the benefits associated with local facilities, Staff contact, immediate sources of learning support and from the possibilities of student (hence inter-company) networking.
Full Distance Learning
Students can take all the study modules by distance learning. This option gives them full flexibility in choosing when and where to study.
Notes on Study by Distance Learning
The study periods are designed to be near equivalent to those associated with study on the residential modules. The emphasis is on the student to organise personal study periods to suit their normal pattern of work, family commitments and recreation. All material required for study is in the form of a 'study pack', consisting of written text, computer software, videos and other materials appropriate for each element of the programme. The written text contains Personal Feedback (PF)
Questions designed to illustrate key learning points, test understanding and aid recall. Notes and solutions to these questions are provided. All assessment schedules for DL students are exactly the same as for conventional part-time students attending one-week modules.
Programme Structure
The programme structure is described below and can be found in the Programme Regulations (see
Appendix). Details of module specifications can be found at the following website: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/iptme/pg
The credit rating for each module is specified, 15 credits being approximately equivalent to a total of 150 hours of student effort, including private study. All modules are at Level 4 (Masters').
Candidates choose 8 modules (total credit rating of 120) plus the research project (further 60 credits).
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Module
MPP100
Overview of Packaging Materials
Available as a residential module at Loughborough
University in January, or by Distance Learning
January-June.
MPP901 (Brunel MT5081S)
Project Management
Distance Learning January-June
MPP902
Packaging Materials 1
Available as a residential module at Brunel
University in June or by Distance Learning June-
December
MPP105 Financial Management OR
MPP106
Distance Learning June-December
MPP104
Packaging Materials 2
Available as a residential module at Loughborough
University in December, or by Distance Learning
December-June.
MPP903
Manufacturing and Quality Management
Distance Learning December-June
MPP904
(Brunel MT5082S)
Marketing (Options)
(Brunel MT5085S)
(Brunel MT5086S)
Packaging Materials 3
Available as a residential module at Brunel
University in June or by Distance Learning June-
December
MPP905 (Brunel MT5087S)
Packaging Design
Distance Learning June-December
MPP108
Environmental and Legal Considerations of
Packaging
Available as a residential module at Loughborough
University in December, or by Distance Learning
December-June
MPP109
Research Project
Subject
15 Credits (Introductory Module)
Introduction to Packaging Materials;
The Packaging Industry and Supply Chain;
Analysis and Test Methods
15 Credits
Project management tools for project milestones
(critical path analysis, Gantt / PERT); Human aspects / team management. Legal issues, health
& safety, project audit.
15 Credits
Plastics processing for packaging products
(extrusion, foams, injection moulding); Materials and product characterisation techniques
(microscopy, thermal analysis, surface analysis)
15 Credits
EITHER Decision making tools for Financial
Management (balance sheets, budgeting, profit & loss, cash flow); OR Marketing principles; (new product development; advertising, international marketing, pricing and distribution; use of packaging).
15 Credits
Plastics processing for packaging products
(thermoforming, blow moulding techniques, rotational moulding) and physical properties
(optical, barrier, surfaces and printing). Practical project work for blow moulding. Metallic
Packaging (steel, tinplate, aluminium), corrosion and materials degradation.
15 Credits
Competitive factors in manufacturing; manufacturing functions and management;
Quality monitoring and control techniques, experimental design and SPC.
15 Credits
Glass production and packaging applications (jars and bottles); Paper and board materials for packaging (fibreboard, cartons, special paper grades).
15 Credits
Principles and packaging design criteria.
Distribution and supply / retail chains. Practical solutions, ergonomics; cost reduction; transit and distribution issues; printing and decoration.
15 Credits
Environmental impact models and life cycle assessment. Recycling and waste management technologies. International environmental legislation. Disposal routes; hazardous products; measurement and control of emissions. Case studies for packaging products and materials.
60 Credits
Company-based, jointly supervised project on a topic chosen by the student / employer. Project may be technological / scientific, or based upon business / quality management, design or strategy. University facilities are available to assist in the project.
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Further details can be found in the Programme Regulations at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/lps/progreg/year/0910/index.htm
5. Criteria for admission to the programme:
In accordance with EPSRC guidelines for IGDS Programmes and 'widening participation' more generally, the course is designed to accommodate students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds.
Applicants should normally possess or expect to obtain:

a good degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering, scientific or technological subject

a Higher National Diploma or equivalent non-degree qualification together with suitable, usually substantial relevant industrial experience

a Diploma of the Institute of Packaging together with similar experience
Candidates who do not necessarily meet these criteria can also apply and applications are given individual consideration by the Programme Director and Management Team, who are happy to advise in all such individual cases. Corporate clients can recommend students and the suitability of an applicant is mutually agreed between the company and the Admissions Tutor. This process includes a review of the student’s potential independent learning capability to undertake a Master’s degree whilst pursuing a career. Self-financing students are assessed on an individual basis. Proficiency in English
Language is also considered, using appropriate assessment mechanisms such as TOEFL / IELTS or equivalent.
Authenticated copies of original certificates will be required as proof of entry qualifications. On entry, students may be registered for individual modules, PGCert, PGDip or the MSc. Students gaining credit for individual modules will be exempted if they subsequently register for a higher award.
6. Information about assessment regulations:
Modular Study and Assessment Criteria
The study programme is constructed on a fully modular basis. Individual methods of assessment for each module (examination format, plus coursework assignments and their respective weightings) are described within all relevant module specifications. In order to gain the credit for a module students must achieve an overall module mark of at least 50%.
Re-Assessment
Any student falling below this level is permitted to be reassessed on one further occasion. Marks recorded for resit modules shall be capped at 50%.
MSc Degree
In order to be awarded an MSc Degree students must gain 150 credits, achieve at least 40% in modules equivalent to a further 30 credits and should achieve at least 50% as an overall average in all taught modules. For the award of a 'Distinction' MSc Degree, students must gain 180 credits at the first attempt and gain 70% as an overall average.
Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate
To qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) students must gain 105 credits and achieve 40% in further modules equivalent to 15 credits. For the Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) students must gain
60 credits.
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Assessment Schedule
Examinations are usually held around 3-4 months following completion of a residential module, or at the end of a similar period of time, if DL format is being used. Ample and appropriate study time is given to allow students to complete coursework assignments, usually in the period between the residential module and the examination.
Examination Arrangements
Examinations are carried out at Brunel University, Loughborough University and approved centres such as British Council offices and local colleges and universities. Costs of invigilation, other than at
Brunel and Loughborough Universities, will be paid by the student.
7. Indicators of quality:
IGDS - Funding Criteria and Scheme Participation

EPSRC - IGDS funding for 5 years required the formation of an Industrial Management Board, whose views were sought in all aspects of programme management, including quality assurance

IGDS Materials Sector initiatives, within which representatives of the Packaging Technology MSc have made contributions
Feedback Mechanisms

Student feedback, obtained directly from residential modules, at Review Meetings and via formal
University Quality Assurance mechanisms

Feedback, both at modular level and at programme level, from the External Examiner

Feedback from the Packaging Training Manager and students (employees) from a major sponsoring company of international distance learning students, including a successful 'Return on
Investment' analysis of human resources; the MSc programme training has had a very positive effect on career development of company employees
Host Departments - National Quality Assurance Indicators

Programme was assessed as part of the HEFCE Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA) at Brunel
University in 1998; (IPTME, Loughborough University was also entered in the same unit (Materials
Technology) but this submission did not include Packaging Technology)

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2001) Grade 4 (Loughborough, Unit of Assessment 32) and
Grade 5 (Brunel University Unit of Assessment 30)
National Activity towards UK's 'Foresight' Programme

Loughborough University were joint authors of a report on 'Teaching and Training Opportunities in
The Packaging Industry' alongside the Institute of Packaging, for the DTI Foresight Packaging
Materials Task Force document, (2000)
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Refer to: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/templateshop/notes/lps/index.htm
.
9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning:
The University’s formal quality management and reporting procedures are laid out in its Academic
Quality Procedures Handbook, available online at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/policy/aqp/index.htm
These are under the overall direction of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching).
Each Faculty has an Associate Dean for Teaching responsible for learning and teaching matters. For each Faculty there is a Directorate (responsible for the allocation of resources) and a Board
(responsible for monitoring learning and teaching quality issues within each department).
In addition to the National Student Survey, student feedback on modules and programmes is sought internally at regular intervals. All taught programmes are reviewed annually (Annual Programme
Review), and Departments have their full portfolio of programmes reviewed every five years (Periodic
Programme Review).
Any major changes to programmes are formally considered each year by the University Curriculum
Sub-Committee, which makes recommendations to Learning and Teaching Committee and Senate.
All programmes and modules are subject to an annual updating process before the start of the academic year, and minor changes may be made at this time with the approval of the Associate Dean
(Teaching) on behalf of the Curriculum Sub-Committee.
All staff participate in the University's staff appraisal scheme, which helps to identify any needs for staff skills development. Both probationary staff and those seeking promotion to Senior Lecturer are subject to a formal teaching evaluation scheme, administered by the Teaching Centre. The scheme for new lecturers is accredited by the Higher Education Academy.
June 2007
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