progress Postgraduate Study Guide 2007 1 2 Focus ... Our pioneering and innovative research work is recognised internationally and makes a direct and relevant contribution to the world today. The focus of many of our student research projects is on improving the quality of life for all members of our global community, bringing new understanding to the way in which we tackle social, economic and environmental challenges. Kudos ... Awards from Staffordshire University are highly prized and carry status well beyond the realms of academia and into the competitive world of commerce. Our well established links with industry enable us to shape our courses and research to anticipate future demand in this sector. Choice ... Choice and flexibility lie at the heart of our course structures, with a friendly and supportive teaching style which encourages openness and exploration. What’s more, we offer some of the best facilities to support your learning, study and research. Freedom ... We firmly believe that Everyone lives increasingly diverse lives and we are committed to providing an continuing education academic environment which respects and responds to your need to study at should be made as your own pace, in your own time. Our focus is to add value to the university experience and to tailor your study comfortably to your individual lifestyle and accessible as possible to personal commitments. the greatest number of Aspire ... people. Having a degree is not the only route into We firmly believe that continuing education should be made as accessible as possible to the greatest number of people. Having a degree is not the only postgraduate study. route into postgraduate study. Our taught courses, for instance, take account of relevant work experience and qualifications gained through other recognised professional institutions. Our courses are designed for career enhancement, updating professional skills and academic interest/progression. So reach for the skies - fulfill your aspirations. You will find support and advice readily available every step of the way. 3 what’s inside hello 3 funding your study Cost of study 18 Facilities at Staffordshire University 5 Payment by instalments 18 Access to learning funds 18 Postgraduate bursaries 19 taught courses Sponsorship 19 Alumni 19 Academic 6 Career Development Loans 19 Conversion 6 Fee Remission 19 Professional/vocational 6 Sources of financial support 19 Part-time employment 19 research Working with The WorkBank 19 Choice of subjects 7 Research degrees 7 international students Enrolment 8 Support 21 Training and induction 8 English Language Centre 21 Supervision 9 Fees and funding 21 How to apply 9 PhD by published work 9 Attendance 9 how to apply Off-campus research degrees 9 Fees 10 When to apply 23 Research culture 10 Postgraduate awards 23 Research degrees 23 resources and support Disabled students 23 Where to apply 25 Information Services 11 Regulations 25 Accommodation 13 Fees 25 The Students’ Union 13 Higher Education Shop 25 Student Advice Centre 14 Open Days/Evenings 25 Counselling Service 14 Our childcare service 14 course directory Multi-faith Chaplaincy 14 Careers 14 Arts, Media and Design 28 Students with disabilities 15 Business 40 Computing, Engineering and Technology 56 Health 74 living in Staffordshire Law 96 Sciences 102 Stoke-on-Trent 17 Stafford 17 Course index 116 Lichfield 17 4 hello Welcome to our guide to Staffordshire University’s excellent range of postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities. This brochure aims to give you a taste of what we can offer you at postgraduate level, with a listing of the courses and programmes of research available and contact details for more information. In addition, the guide addresses the research and scholarship culture at Staffordshire University, which includes commitments to ground-breaking research across subject areas. For UK students, our postgraduate awards are usually available on both a full-time and a part-time basis. International students make up a sizeable body of our postgraduate students, all of them studying full-time and some of them studying one of our innovative off-campus degree programmes. Our taught and research courses which form the basis of this guide, are geared to the professional and intellectual development needs of our students. 5 define your future 6 Facilities at Staffordshire University are excellent: • well-stocked libraries • research laboratories • access to the very best IT equipment You will be well supported in your studies and research. Individual Faculties will provide you with details of their programmes and institutes, together with national and international contacts. With your studies to concentrate on, we know that you need support and comforts in other areas. So, we have invested in our accommodation facilities, restaurants, sports and recreation equipment and support staff. You may be working hard, but we want you to have a good time too. Staffordshire University has an enviable reputation for its friendliness. We’ve got a lot to smile about; we have a great range of courses and in all of our most recent Research Assessment Exercise achieved credible results improving our grades overall. What’s more, if you already study at Staffordshire University, or are one of our graduates, you could receive 15% off course fees. Up-to-date information about our postgraduate taught courses and research developments can be found on our website: www.staffs.ac.uk Research at Staffordshire University follows two streams: Professional Development and the Research Institutes. There are currently five Research Institutes within Staffordshire University, which link researchers and specialists together in dedicated centres: • Institute for Health Research • Institute for Environment and Sustainability Research • Advanced Research Institute • Informatics and Technology Research Institute • Institute for Education Policy Research We look forward to welcoming you to Staffordshire University – be it at an Open Day or as a student within our vibrant community. 7 taught courses Academic Conversion Professional/vocational We offer a wide range of taught courses to meet your academic and professional requirements. All of our courses, with brief descriptions, are listed in this guide. Our aim here is to provide a taste of what’s on offer, but for more in-depth information about a specific taught course, we suggest that you contact the person specified or visit our website www.staffs.ac.uk. Many of our full-time postgraduate taught course programmes may be studied on a part-time basis. Distance learning may also be possible for students. Once on a course, you can also choose how far you want to go. Those courses leading to MA or MSc give you the option to go for an intermediate award of postgraduate certificate or diploma, depending on the number of appropriate modules successfully completed. Most taught courses combine compulsory elements and electives or options, dissertation or substantial project is usually required. Our entry requirement for postgraduate taught courses is usually at least a second class honours degree (UK), or an appropriate equivalent qualification (including those gained overseas). We also take into account accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). Previous study or work, community or volunteer experience can be cited for credit enabling you to achieve qualifications in a shorter time. By converting informal learning into certificated learning, APEL provides cost-effective routes to qualifications. It has potential significance for people who, through life and work experience, have gained knowledge, skills and analytical abilities that are comparable to those with a higher education qualification. For students studying professional courses, the requirements will vary. Please contact the appropriate Faculty for precise information. Masters by Negotiated Study The Masters by Negotiated Study has been specifically designed to meet the requirement of those wishing to negotiate their own course to meet their own specific needs or interests. It offers the opportunity for the accreditation of Continued Professional Development (CPD), including accrediting evidence of the postgraduate achievement of learning from personal development, experience, short courses, training and implementation of change, as well as the flexibility for individual learners to create pathways of study which are different from those provided by the named courses of the University. 8 Research opportunities Staffordshire University provides state-of-the-art facilities to support exploration and experimentation in a dynamic and friendly environment, where you’ll find support and guidance readily at hand, whenever you feel you need it. Make your mark and contribute to our international reputation for leading-edge research. Staffordshire University is committed to postgraduate research because we firmly believe that work of this nature: • is a hallmark of University level education • contributes to the growth of knowledge • enhances the culture of the University • improves the quality of teaching and of the learning environment. research Choice of subjects Research degrees Research supervision leading to the What will you gain from a research degree? award of Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy is offered within All Faculties at the University offer opportunities for research to MPhil and PhD one of the Faculties in the following level. The route to your degree will give you a unique intellectual challenge, an areas: