UNIVERSITY of KENT PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Please Note: This Specification Provides a Concise Summary of the Main Features of Th

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

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 passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

MA Health Services Research

1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent 2. Teaching Institution University of Kent 3. Teaching Site Canterbury 4. Programme accredited by: None 5. Final Award MA 6. Programme Health Services Research 7. UCAS code (or other code) NA 8. Relevant QAA subject None available for this postgraduate award benchmarking group/s 9. Date of production/revision September 2003 10. Applicable cohort/s 2004 onwards

11. Educational Aims of the Programme The programme aims to: 1. provide an advanced course of study in health services research which is based on: · the provision of an excellent quality of higher education by appropriately qualified and trained staff; · flexibility and multidisciplinarity; · teaching informed by research and scholarship; · meeting the lifelong needs of a diverse group of students including experienced NHS professionals and manager and recent graduate seeking a research career in health services research; · supporting national and regional developments in health and social care; · building on close ties with health and social care agencies in the region and nationally. 2. produce graduates with: · a critical understanding of current health issues and research agenda and skills in health services research; · the ability to contribute to the development of health and social care in the region and the nation; · an interest in life long learning; · career enhancement or preparation for employment or further study. 3. providing learning opportunities that: · are enjoyable and intellectually stimulating; · involve realistic workloads and appropriate assessments; · build upon the research expertise of CHSS and the Faculty of Social Sciences and programme teaching staff; · offer appropriate support for students from a diverse range of backgrounds.

1 12. Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking statement for (SB). Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated Knowledge and Understanding A. Knowledge and understanding of: 1. Formation and implementation of 1. Each module will be assessed by either a 5,000 policy, especially health policy word assignment or 2 x 2,500 word assignments. 2. Current policy and issues in health and Students will be expected to demonstrate that social care they have achieved specified knowledge and 3. Research design and philosophical understanding in each area. aspects of research 4. Main features of qualitative and quantitative research 5. Quantitative analysis Skills and Other Attributes B. Intellectual skills: 6. Ability to identify, critically evaluate 1. Seminar presentations using and synthesisng and use evidence to support an analysis evidence to support an analysis. 7. Ability to analyse and sythesize material 2. Assignments, identifying, critically analysing 8. Ability to present an analysis and using evidence to support a sustained 9. Ability to design a small research analysis. project 3. Designing and carrying out a small research 10. Ability to collect and analyse data study and use the data as the basis of a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation. C. Subject-specific skills: 11. Ability to identify and analyse health 1. Assignments, identifying, critically analysing policy and using evidence to support a sustained 12. Ability to carry out health services analysis of health policy. Students will design research and carry out a small health research study 13. Ability to evaluate health services data and use the data as the basis of a 12,000- 15,000 word dissertation. D. Transferable skills: 14. Ability to present data using academic 1. Seminar presentations using and synthesisng data evidence to support an analysis. 15. Ability to critically evaluate data 2. Assignments, identifying, critically analysing 16. Ability to present arguments and and using evidence to support a sustained analyses both verbally and in writing analysis. 17. Ability to manage time 3. Designing and carrying out a small research study and use the data as the basis of a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation. For more information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping.

13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards Code Title Level Credits Term/s Stage 1 Required Modules SO816 Research Design and Data M 20 Michaelmas Collection Term SO817 Using Secondary and Qualitative M 20 Lent Term Data SO818 Philosophical Approaches to M 20 Michaelmas Research Term 2 SO819 Quantitative Analysis M 20 Lent Term Optional Modules (FT and PT 40 credits to be chosen) Note: If TH809 is selected, students may either select one of the optional 20-credit modules listed below which will therefore mean that they will be taking 10 extra credits; or with the approval of the programme director, they may select a 10-credit module. SA820 The Management of Health Risks M 20 Michaelmas Term SA818 The Formation and M 20 Michaelmas Implementation of Health Policy Term TH809 Health Care Ethics M 30 Lent Term SA817 Current Issues in Health Policy M 20 Lent Term Stage 2 Required Module SA998 Dissertation M 60 Trinity Term and Summer Vacation

14. Support for Students and Their Learning · Each student will have a personal tutor who will be responsible for monitoring their progress and providing support; · Compared to undergraduate courses, the cohorts are small 10-15 students. The course team will seek to stimulate group formation and mutual support. The course director will meet the group regularly to monitor progress; · Students will have access not only to resources provided on campus such as the Templeman library but also to facilities within CHSS. These include a dedicated library plus a range of databases.

15. Entry Profile Entry Route For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus. · Candidates will normally have a First or Second class honours degrees in a social science or health-related subject; · Candidates with professional qualifications such as medical degrees or state registration in a health profession plus two years practice will be considered though evidence will be sought from academic referees that they have the ability to undertake a masters programmes; · Overseas students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence that they have sufficient skills to undertake an intensive course of studies in English. What does this programme have to offer? · For recent graduates, this course offers a way of accessing a range of career opportunities in research in health and social care; · For more mature candidates it offers an opportunity for either a career change, i.e. from clinical practice to research, or an enhancement of their career development; · For overseas students it offers the opportunity to gain a masters from a UK university and to gain knowledge of and familiarity with the UK system of health and social care. Personal Profile · The candidates should have the ability and background knowledge to undertake an advanced course of study · Candidates should have a proven interest in and commitment to developing the provision of health and social care · Candidates should be willing to work in groups and co-operate in group exercises.

16. Methods for evaluating and enhancing the quality and standards of teaching and learning Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards · There is strong emphasis on rapid informal feedback from students so that any problems can be rapidly identified; · The termly formal meetings between the course director and all students on the programme. The notes from these meeting are circulated to all students and the Centre’s Executive; · All assessment is double marked and made available to the external examiner. There are regular exam boards in which the external examiner comments on quality and identifies issues. All actions taken to enhance quality are reported to the board. Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards · The programme has a management committee composed of all module directors and a link person for the business school. This committee receives directors and external examiners reports and feedback from students; · This committee reports to the CHSS Executive and to the School Graduate Committee. Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience · There is strong emphasis on rapid informal feedback from students so that any problems can be rapidly identified; · Students complete evaluation forms for all modules. Staff development priorities include: · Modules in the programme draw on NHS professionals who are briefed and supported. · Staff are encouraged to seek appropriate training and funding is made available where necessary.

17. Indicators of quality and standards · The programme has a low drop out rate and students have performed well in assessment and the completion rate has been good; · External examiners had commented positively on the programme; · Successful candidate have had their careers enhanced or been able to develop a career in health and social care services; · Employer feedback has been positive.

The following reference points were used in creating these specifications: · Current masters programmes in health and social care offered at other Universities; · External examiners comments on current programme; · As appropriate subject bench marks.