Session: 2022/23
Last modified: 11/02/2022 10:59:42
| Named Award Title: | MSc Quality Management (Professional Practice) |
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Award Title for Each Award:
| MSc
Quality Management (Professional Practice)
PG Dip
Quality Management (Professional Practice)
PG Cert
Quality Management(Professional Practice)
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| Awarding Institution/Body: | University of the West of Scotland |
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| Language of Instruction & Examination: | English
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| Award Accredited By: | Chartered Quality Institute. |
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| Maximum Period of Registration: | Sept intake: 1 year full-time, typically 2 years part-time / Jan intake: 1.5 years full-time, typically 2 years part-time (Professional Practice module is an additional 3 months) |
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| Mode of Study: | Full Time
Part Time
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| Campus: | London
Paisley
Distance/Online Learning
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| School: | School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences |
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| Programme Leader: | Dr Evi Viza |
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Admission Criteria
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework
together with the following programme requirements:
Appropriate Undergraduate QualificationCandidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements: An honours degree in an appropriate discipline from a United Kingdom University or an equivalent institution. Direct entry to the MSc course will require students to have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in an appropriate discipline or an acceptable equivalent. Students wishing to transfer to the MSc Quality Management (International) must have successfully completed the Pg Certificate or equivalent and have reached a minimum level of French language equivalent to Higher.Other Required Qualifications/ExperienceNon-standard Entry: entry to the postgraduate course (other than Masters direct) may be open to holders of an HND or DipHE award in an appropriate discipline, or a professional qualification accepted as of equivalent status and usually at least three years’ relevant experience. Candidates without formal qualifications who possess extensive professional experience deemed to equip the applicant with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the course (normally at least eight years) may also be admitted to the postgraduate programme. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Guidelines will be followed.
All students will normally be interviewed by one or more members of the course committee. During the interview, evidence of relevant experience will be required to determine if the applicant has the range of knowledge and ability to lead in to the postgraduate programme. International student applications are reviewed by the programme leader, references checked and transcripts considered to ensure the applicant’s qualifications and background are suitable for the programme.
Applicants may also be considered with other academic, vocational or professional qualifications deemed to be equivalent.
Further desirable skills pre-applicationIt would be desirable that all entrants to SCQF level 11 have skills in the following areas: numeracy, communications (including report writing and presentations) and investigation techniques.
We welcome applications from international students with equivalency of qualifications. Scholarships may be available on application. |
General OverviewThe Quality Centre at the University of the West of Scotland has developed a responsive approach to meeting the training and CPD needs placed on the professional and also graduates moving through the academic system. It offers a post-graduate programme in Quality Management designed to meet the evolving demands placed on the quality professional. The Postgraduate Diploma / Master of Science degree programme in Quality Management is a modular programme which is offered both part-time, full-time and by on-line learning. This programme enables the student to study quality management and other continuous improvement approaches relevant to industry and apply the techniques to all industrial and business sectors from service to manufacturing. The emphasis throughout the programme is on the development and implementation of continuous improvement programmes and quality systems at all levels from strategy development through to implementation of the strategy and systems at the operational level.Integrated into the programme is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow belt accredited by the Institute of Six Sigma Professionals. Our strong links with industry ensure that all graudates are work ready in current up to date thinking. Master classes by industry professionals enhance student learning and placements are encouraged throughout the programme of study. The programme is accredited by the Chartered Quality Institute.
The key academic aims of the programme are to:
1. Develop critical problem-based learning skills and transferable skills to prepare the student for employment in a professional position dealing with quality management system development and implementation.
2. Enable the student to develop an enquiring, analytical and creative approach to achieving excellence through continuous improvement.
3. To develop and encourage independent judgement and critical awareness in the management of quality.
4. Assist the student to develop the skills required for both autonomous practice and team-working.
5. Guide the student in developing an independent approach to a research topic, investigating a topic and presenting the findings in a form that is suitable to a post-graduate level degree.
Graduates have appropriate qualifications to apply for positions in both the public and private sectors. Students may consider further study to PhD level.
The method of presentation of relevant material will consist of a blend of formal and on-line teaching sessions, industrial seminars, tutor-led taught and on-line tutorials, and group participation sessions. Self-directed learning, problem based learning, international case studies and seminars will form part of this approach. The VLE is critical to the delivery and On-line learning students will have on-line synchronous sessions and forums where they can interact with other students and tutors. Assessment is undertaken through a mixture of written exam papers, challenging and stimulating coursework and laboratory exercises (available on-line) and student involvement in the industrially related integrative project. For examinations on-line learning students must attend on campus or at an approved centre. There may be a cost associated with an examination at an approved centre.
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Graduate Attributes, Employability & Personal Development Planning |
On completion of the Quality Management programme, you will gain the following Graduate Attributes:
- You will be a critical thinker working collaboratively with colleagues on research-minded projects
- You will be an amibitious, motivated work ready professional, able to show future employers you are a problem solver and an effective communicator
- Your research will be innovative and creative producing resilient solutions to quality management challenges.
Our strong industry links make available workbased learning opportunities, industrial mentors and industry and professional body seminars. Built into the programme is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow belt with opportunity to further undertake a Lean Six Sigma Green belt either through the Professional Practice module or as an CPD module (cost associated), Both are certified by the Institute of Six Sigma Professionals.
The module Interpersonal Skills and Change Management is core to developing transferable and professional development skills encouraging the student to engage in reflective practice. This module is core to PDP which is introduced during induction and embedded throughout all modules via coursework and feedback to students.
Students will gain a wide range of skills and abilities in assessing process conditions, auditing quality systems and managing change in the implementation of solutions. Business and industry examples are referred to in all modules and students are encouraged to explore current business needs on a national and international basis and reflect upon their own skills and abilities with respect to those needs.
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Work Based Learning/Placement Details |
While there is no specific programme of industrial placement, students will have access to business and industry and there is potential for them to carry out research with case studies taken from local companies. The incorporation of current quality management examples provides the students with opportunities to contact businesses and to independently enquire about potential for involvement. Students can chose to undertake their project within industry.
Further work-based learning is experienced virtually through a case-study approach and exposure to professional speakers.
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Engagement |
In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Where a programme has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here: Students are expected to attend all timetabled sessions and to engage with all formative and summative assessment elements of all the modules that are included in the programme specification as core modules as well as any optional module when applicable.
DL students are expected to engage through Moodle and video conferences and to engage with all formative and summative assessment elements of all the modules that are included in the programme specification as core modules as well as any optional module when applicable. |
Programme structures and requirements, SCQF level, term, module name and code, credits and awards
(
Chapter 1, Regulatory Framework
)
A. PG Cert
Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)
Knowledge and Understanding |
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A1 | Develop a critical understanding and breadth of knowledge in quality related management concepts, disciplines and techniques. |
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A2 | Develop a deep knowledge of the approaches and methodologies used to achieve continuous improvement, assurance, governance and leadership in quality. |
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
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B1 | Apply specialised audit skills to undertake viable quality management audits. |
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B2 | Design and implement and critically evaluate Quality systems. |
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B3 | Critically evaluate approaches to continuous improvement. |
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B4 | Select and apply tools and techniques to case scenarios. |
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
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C1 | Communicate using appropriate written and oral methods to audiences of varying backgrounds, experience and expertise. |
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C2 | Apply statistical techniques for quality improvement and decision making. |
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C3 | Use and evaluate the appropriate IT tools and systems for improving quality. |
Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation |
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D1 | Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues in quality management. |
Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others |
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E1 | Understand and develop Teamwork and leadership skills. |
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E2 | Develop independent learning skills. |
Core Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Optional Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Criteria for Progression and Award
PgCert in Quality Management may be awarded on successful completion of 60 credits from the above modules and which must include QUAL11020 Managing Quality.
The Professional Practice module may be taken as additional credit and can be done through a work placement. Students completing the Professional Practice module will be awarded the Pg Cert Quality Management (Professional Practice). [Note that this module is offered subject to availability of suitable placement opportunities and cannot be guaranteed]
B. PG Dip
Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)
Knowledge and Understanding |
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A1 | Critically evaluate statistical approaches to achieving operational excellence. |
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A2 | Develop a critical understand of change management at the strategic level. |
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A3 | Develop a critical awareness of the role of operations in the organisation. |
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
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B1 | Apply techniques for managing the change involved in implementing Quality Management Systems. |
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B2 | Design, develop and apply strategies and policies for the implementation of Quality. |
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B3 | Critically evaluate and apply statistical methods and measurement in quality control for management decisions. |
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B4 | Employ techniques to modify employee behaviour in changing the organisation. |
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
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C1 | Critically evaluate and demonstrate the most effective means of communication in given situations. |
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C2 | Analyse, critically evaluate and apply statistical methods for improving quality. |
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C3 | Apply computer-based tools for the analysis of quality management data. |
Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation |
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D1 | Develop problem solving and decision-making skills through the analysis and evaluation of case studies in quality management. |
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D2 | Undertake evaluation of quality data and information. |
Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others |
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E1 | Develop a critical self reflection and improvement approach to the effect of Interpersonal skills including communications, motivation, leadership and team building. |
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E2 | Demonstrate leadership and make an identifiable contribution to change and development. |
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E3 | Critically evaluate and apply the best techniques for independent learning skills and establish study patterns for life-long learning. |
Core Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Optional Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
1. 80 credit optional modules must be taken to satisfy the PgD requirement of 120 credits.
Service Quality
Operations and Project management
Interpersonal Skills and Change Management
Strategic Management and Sustainability
Risk management
2. Another module can be selected where there is up to a 20 credit deficit of optional modules and where the programme learning outcomes can be met. This must be done in discussion with the programme leader.
3. The Professional Practice module may be taken as additional credit and can be done through a work placement. Students completing the Professional Practice module will be awarded the Pg Dip Quality Management (Professional Practice). [Note that this module is offered subject to availability of suitable placement opportunities and cannot be guaranteed]
Criteria for Progression and Award
PgDip in Quality Management may be awarded on successful completion of 120 credits from the above modules with the exception of Professional Practice and which must include all core modules.
PgDip in Quality Management (Professional Practice) may be awarded on successful completion of 180 credits from the above ore and optional modules including Professional Practice.
C. Masters
Learning Outcomes (Maximum of 5 per heading)
Knowledge and Understanding |
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A1 | Critically evaluate evidence from a variety of topics. |
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A2 | Develop a critical awareness of current issues in quality management and appropriate research methods. |
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A3 | Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice. |
Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
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B1 | Consolidate and integrate knowledge gained from the taught modules and provide practical experience in applying effective strategies in quality management. |
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B2 | Apply a range of research methods and techniques to a specialised area of quality management. |
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B3 | Undertake skilled, competent, safe, evaluative and reflective sampling and analysis for quality improvement. |
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
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C1 | Present a clear concise written report. |
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C2 | Formulate and present a written volume of work on quality management or related area. |
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C3 | Communicate effectively to expert and non-expert audiences. |
Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation |
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D1 | Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge and thinking in quality management or associated areas. |
Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others |
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E1 | Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress. |
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E2 | Take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. |
Core Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
Optional Modules
* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
Footnotes
1. 80 credit optional modules must be taken to satisfy the PgD requirement of 120 credits.
Service Quality
Operations and Project management
Interpersonal Skills and Change Management
Strategic Management and Sustainability
Risk management
2. Another module can be selected where there is up to a 20 credit deficit of optional modules and where the programme learning outcomes can be met and in discussion with the Programme Leader.
3. The Professional Practice module may be taken as additional credit and can be done through a work placement. Students completing the Professional Practice module will be awarded the Pg Dip Quality Management (Professional Practice). [Note that this module is offered subject to availability of suitable placement opportunities and cannot be guaranteed]
Criteria for Award
The MSc Quality Management will be awarded on successful completion of 180 credits excluding QUAL11024 professional practice.
The MSc Quality Management (Professional Practice) will be awarded on successful completion of 240 credits including QUAL11024.
Regulations of Assessment |
Candidates will be bound by the general assessment regulations of the
University as specified in the
University Regulatory Framework.
An overview of the assessment details is provided in the Student Handbook and
the assessment criteria for each module is provided in the module
descriptor which forms part of the module pack issued to students. For further
details on assessment please refer to Chapter 3 of the Regulatory Framework.
To qualify for an award of the University, students must complete all the
programme requirements and must meet the credit minima detailed in Chapter 1
of the Regulatory Framework.
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Combined Studies |
There may be instances where a student has been unsuccessful in meeting the award criteria for the named award and for other more generic named awards existing within the School.
Provided that they have met the credit requirements in line with the SCQF credit minima (please see Regulation 1.21),
they will be eligible for an exit award of
PgCert/ PgDip in Combined Studies.
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Version Number: 2.14