Course description
MA
This course presents an opportunity for qualified managers with substantial relevant experience to study at master’s level. It is designed to enable participants to focus on an area of management that is of specific interest to them and that will enable them to develop specialist expertise that they judge will enhance their career prospects. The course is designed as a top-up programme to master’s level for those who hold a Diploma in Management. However, if you do not have a Diploma in Management but have held a senior position within an organisation that has provided you with sufficient experience at the right level, you may still be eligible to join the course. You are welcome to apply for the course through the accreditation of prior experience. If you need to take this route, you must apply early because you will need to participate in an accreditation process.
The course consists of a single module that addresses Research Methods, Critical Issues in Research and how to deliver a master’s dissertation (20,000 words). In addition, students produce a reflective practice essay that reviews their personal development arising from the workshop programme. Teaching is delivered through a series of one-day workshops held approximately every second week during the first semester. Thereafter, during Semester 2, students work with an experienced tutor to develop and deliver their dissertation.
Upon graduation, if you are not already a member, you may apply to join the Chartered Management Institute. If you have ten years of management experience you would be eligible to become a Fellow of the Institute.
Course content
Dissertation Incorporating Organisational Research Methods and Critical Issues in Research. The module explores a range of research techniques and the underpinning philosophy to enable students to operationalise a rigorous research framework. At the end of the module, students will have developed a research proposal to guide them through the development of their dissertation and explored in some depth how their study and participation in the workshops has contributed to their personal development both as an individual and as a manager. Evidence of achievement is assessed through the presentation of a research proposal and a reflective practice essay.
The dissertation provides the opportunity for students to explore an area of interest that will prove of value in furthering their future careers. Students are allocated a tutor who will provide guidance and advice throughout the dissertation process.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Learning methods include workshops, action-centred learning, directed reading and research. The University’s virtual learning environment is utilised to facilitate additional student-to-student and student-lecturer contact, and to provide access to a wide range of internet-based resources.
Assessment takes the form of two formative assignments: the first requires participants to formulate and submit their research proposal; for the second, students submit a reflective essay that addresses the key personal development challenges they set themselves as a result of participating in the Research Methods module.
Quality
The reputation of the Business School is underpinned through membership of and programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs, the Association of Business Schools, and professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and the European Foundation for Management Development. The Business School is, therefore, widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group.
The Business School’s programmes benefit from rigorous quality assurance procedures and regularly receive excellent feedback from external examiners, employers, students and professional bodies. In 2005, Business and Management achieved ‘Broad Confidence’, the best possible result, in the discipline audit trail as part of the Quality Assurance Agency Institutional Audit.
Many students who graduate from Business School programmes go on to achieve high status in the industry of their choice.
The Business School has an active programme of research based around six key research areas:
* Accounting, Governance and Information Management
* Economics and Strategy
* Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management
* Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
* Marketing and Operations Management
* Pedagogy
The School maintains a rigorous and dynamic doctoral programme leading to the higher degrees of MPhil and PhD. Postgraduate students join a supportive, friendly and multicultural research environment.
Teaching staff are drawn primarily from the Department of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour, with some contributions from other faculties. Visiting speakers from business and industry, local government, and consultancies and research bodies provide further opportunities for development through the Business School’s visiting speakers’ programme.
