University of Southampton Calendar 2010/11


University Calendar 2010/11 Section X : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Health Sciences

Academic Unit	Faculty of Health Sciences
Final Award	Master of Science (MSc)
Programme(s)	Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care
Last modified	July 2010

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

Admissions

Candidates must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the General Regulations. In addition, the normal requirement for entry to all programmes is a good first degree (first or second class) in a relevant subject of an approved University or institution of higher education.

Candidates without a good first degree may be admitted to the programme but will be expected to provide evidence of suitable professional experience and supportive qualifications.

All candidates must satisfy the Programme Director that they are competent to pursue the programme. Candidates must also be approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences. The right to refuse permission shall be reserved to the Programme Director.

Candidates may register for one of the following:

MSc
Individual module(s)

Equality Statement
The Faculty wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study of leadership and management in health and social care. The University and the Faculty are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current students should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment.

The University's Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively.

Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
APEL/APCL will be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the University regulations for APL.

Structure of Programme(s)

The programme structure is as follows:

180 credits are HE7 level (120 taught credits plus an evidence-based dissertation of 60 credits)
Individual modules: specified credits at HE7 level.

The programme may be of full-time or part-time study. The full-time period of study is two years and a maximum of five years for part-time study.

Candidates may apply to suspend from the programme temporarily for a specified period which will not normally exceed 12 months. Save in exceptional circumstances, permission to suspend will only be granted where the candidate can still complete the programme within the time limit defined by the regulations.

The programme may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, coursework, contract learning and projects as specified for individual modules. Candidates will select their modules in consultation with, and with the approval of, the Programme Director.

Candidates will be required to undertake an evidence-based dissertation that will normally be between 15,000 and 20,000 words in length on a topic to be agreed with the Programme Director. Full-time candidates must submit their dissertation within a timescale agreed with the Module Leader or Programme Director. Part-time candidates must submit their evidence-based dissertation within a maximum of 12 months of commencement.

Progression

Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations; Progression, Determination and Classification of Results.

The module pass mark and overall pass mark for the award of MSc is 50%.

Assessment

Each module will be assessed according to the assessment guidelines within the module description. Assessments may include written assignments, including case studies, critical reports and reflective assignments, and a dissertation. In addition, candidates may be required to attend a viva voce examination.

Award of Qualification(s)

Candidates who have satisfied the examiners and who have accumulated the requisite number of credits shall be awarded the qualification for which they have registered.

Candidates for the degree of MSc who achieve an overall average of at least 70%, and who have passed each module at the first attempt, may be awarded the qualification with Distinction.

Candidates who fail to achieve a pass mark in the dissertation (even after any permitted re-assessment) may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.

Candidates who elect to exit the programme after achieving 60 credits at HE7 level in the three stated required modules may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care.

Candidates who elect to exit the programme having achieved 120 credits at HE7 level may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care.

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

Not applicable.

Other

Students who elect to leave the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma may normally rejoin the programme up to two years after the date of their exit with the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.

These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.