Postgraduate Programme Specification
PgDip Business Administration
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title | PgDip Business Administration | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Postgraduate Diploma | |||||||||||
Programme Code | MGT-PD-BA | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100079 - Business studies - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
-- |
Interview Required |
Yes |
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Mode of Study | Part Time or Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Part Time - 2 Academic Years Full Time - 1 Academic Year |
Total Credits for Programme | 120 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Queen's Business School |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Business and Management (2015) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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Chartered Institute of Management Accountants |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 21-11-17 |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No and none are required |
Programme Specific Regulations The MBA will be subject to the guidelines presented in the Study Regulations for Postgraduate Taught Programmes. |
Students with protected characteristics No |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
Learning and Thinking
Foster a stimulating and supportive learning environment which promotes intellectual, professional and personal development.
Encourage critical thinking, independent enquiry, and an international outlook.
Develop the skills necessary to undertake independent research and continuing professional development
Employability
Develop students' skills base, leadership capacity and connections with practice in ways which will enhance their ability to make valuable contributions to the economy and society
ERS and Diversity
Promote engagement with issues of ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and maintain respect for social and cultural differences and openness, fairness, and equality of opportunity in relation to selection, learning, assessment, and support
Subject Specific
The MBA is a career development generalist programme for students with post-graduate and relevant work experience on which their learning process builds. The main emphasis of the programme is on the development of personal and professional leadership and entrepreneurial mindsets. While the academic level is masters, there is a strong practical and professional orientation to the curriculum.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Reason logically |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Across all modules, students work, in conjunction with the module coordinator, to evaluate applied business challenges with an emphasis on putting management theory into practice and using this analysis to logically generate solutions. Methods of Assessment This skill will be assessed through continuous individual and group assessments. The MBA Project and Challenge Week assessments focus on evaluation of relevant theoretical frameworks and their application in practice to challenges in organizations, logically generating solutions to these problems. |
Conduct independent enquiry |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Independent enquiry is a key element in all modules. Students will be presented with a range of complex issues, ideas and management theories around core business disciplines and expected to undertake independent enquiry to better understand these. Specific teaching methods include: Methods of Assessment Several forms of group and individual continuous assessment both written, verbal require the student to undertake independent enquiry. These include the MBA Project, and individual and group essays and presentations. |
Problem solve |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies New knowledge is imparted through academic modules (topics below). Methods of Assessment Coursework components (group and individual) and reflective exercises in the experiential module will test the students’ understanding of core business disciplines and ability to put management theory into practice in their organizations. |
Critically evaluate and interpret |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students will be trained to critique, evaluate and apply management theories to practice using a range of frameworks as appropriate to individual modules. Methods of Assessment All forms of continuous assessment whether these are written assignments, presentations or the dissertation incorporate an emphasis on students’ use of their own judgement and ability to evaluate, interpret and apply a range of results and information. |
Self-assess and reflect |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Self-assessment and reflection are central to the year-long Developing as a Manager and Leader module, in which individual leadership development is supported by personality assessments with the results analyzed alongside a qualified personal coach. This module also incorporates skills in managing change and risk; communication; leadership; teamwork; dealing with ambiguity; negotiation; problem solving; critical thinking; and ethical values. Methods of Assessment Students are required to reflect on their own managerial and leadership capabilities through reflective assessments within taught modules, dissertation and particularly through the Developing as a Manager and Leader module. Assessment is via the production of reflective essays. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Confidently engage with the world of practice |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies All modules are designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge of the core areas of general management, and apply this knowledge to organizational challenges. This enables them to develop competencies directly transferable into the world of practice. Methods of Assessment Challenge Week assessments require students to engage with live business challenges defined by client organisations. Assessments require the application of theory to these problems. They provide students with opportunities to engage with, and present to executives from these organisations. |
Synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, journal articles and the internet |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Targeted training in the use of library services, literature searching and reviewing, academic writing practices and plagiarism will be provided. Methods of Assessment The majority of coursework projects require synthesis of information from academic sources, and subject specific assessments (Accounting, Financial Management etc) require the use numeric data. The MBA project and Challenge Weeks necessitate synthesis of both academic and practitioner literature from across a range of disciplines, with other forms of data. |
Organise and manage their time |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MBA programme is an intensive and high-level Master’s degree and time management is an essential skill for the successful completion of this programme. Methods of Assessment The focused nature of group work and other forms of coursework will require students to effectively manage their time over a short span to address specific challenges, both individually and collectively, thus putting learning and coaching into practice. |
Make effective use of information technology including relevant subject-specific packages |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students will use IT packages including word processing, data analysis, and presentation packages. They will also require these packages when submitting assessed work for consideration, for presenting to class both individually and in groups, and for presenting to client organizations during consulting challenges. Methods of Assessment This forms a component of assessment strategies, in particular for the dissertation, in which marking criteria encompasses an attention to formatting, clarity and presentation of written work. |
Work both independently and in groups |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students will have various opportunities both within and beyond the classroom to work as individuals and within groups. Methods of Assessment Group work has been specifically integrated into the assessment methods in some modules. |
Communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Interactive class sessions allow students to discuss complex theoretical frameworks pertaining to core business disciplines and present their findings and analysis in individual and group formats through verbal and written forms. Methods of Assessment Through continuous assessment students demonstrate the ability to present ideas, discuss complex and ambiguous information in both written and oral forms within an individual and group-based format. Formative and summative feedback strategies ensure that students can develop their skills over the course of the programme. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Appreciate diversity and be capable of placing issues within their local and international contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The importance of diversity is embedded within the student cohort, which is balanced in terms of nationality, gender, and professional experience. Teams used to undertake the group work assessments reflect this balance. The importance of diversity within teams and organisational is specifically explored in the Developing as a leader module, and Leadership Change and Organization: addressing topics such as high-performance teams and cross-cultural management. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessments in various modules and the MBA Project require analysis of both the local and international contexts - using frameworks to analyse organisations’ external environments. |
Engage with issues around ethics, responsibility, and sustainability |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MBA, in line with the wider School vision of QMS, places an explicit emphasis on business ethics and sustainability. Business sustainability refers to the process by which companies manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities (the integration of profits, people and planet). Methods of Assessment Assessments (individual and group) relating to relevant aspects of each taught module incorporate a focus on ethics and sustainability while reflective assessments within the Developing as a Leader module will encompass an emphasis on this topic. |
Subject Knowledge: Understand the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the major functions of the organization, with a focus on management and leadership and application to practical organizational scenarios. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Modules focus on teaching the core principles behind major organizational functions including accounting, marketing, strategy and leadership. Acquisition of knowledge and understanding, across modules, is through structured exposition based on lectures, tutorials, breakout sessions and master classes, directed reading, student presentations, group projects, reflective development, and private study. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment elements to assess knowledge and understanding include written assignments, presentations, individual and group project reports (including the Consultancy Project) and consulting challenges. |
Understand how relevant theory can be applied to a variety of current and historical managerial challenges and contexts within core business disciplines |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The teaching material in each of the modules has been specifically developed to expose students to methods for putting management theory into practice in contemporary organizations. This is provided through the use of case studies contemporary organizational problems and research studies. Methods of Assessment Assessments will require students to apply theory to managerial challenges, to be demonstrated through the use of examples and references. Methods include case reports, and individual and group essays. |
Understand the process of academic research |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies All modules incorporate an emphasis on leading edge academic research and so students are able to appreciate the outputs. The MBA Project and associated training provide opportunities to appreciate the research process first-hand. Methods of Assessment Students will have opportunities to develop their ideas into more structured research through continuous assessment for each of the modules. Students completing the MBA Project will require a clear insight into the academic research process, with a focus on practical application. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Identify relevant quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyse applied managerial contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies In each of the modules, students will become familiar with a wide range of research methods that are used in the core business disciplines studied through exposure to key research via books and articles. Methods of Assessment Students will have opportunities to engage with a wide range of research methods in the continuous assessment across modules on the programme. |
Understand how to enhance and progress one’s career |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MBA provides a specific year-long career development programme encompassing career coaching, focused on practical skills such as CV analysis and development, interview skills and networking strategies. Methods of Assessment While this is not formally assessed, attendance and participation is mandatory. |
Acquire significant understanding of the major areas of knowledge which underpin general management |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Specific key areas are covered by academic modules as follows: Methods of Assessment A wide variety of assessments to include: |
Provide leadership to themselves and to others in order to achieve organizational goals |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies This area will be the focus of an integrated and cross-programme module Developing as a Leader and a Manager, encompassing individual assessments of leadership and group work styles, personal coaching, and continual reflection. Methods of Assessment The Developing as a Leader and a Manager will be assessed via reflective assessments and essays. |
Focus on application of theory to practical organizational scenarios. Use applied case studies to illustrate a wide range of managerial and business function problems/opportunities for relevant analytical purposes |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Effective analysis of case studies illustrating management and business function problems/opportunities is crucial for developing the capacity to apply theories into practice. Consequently, these skills are developed across modules. Methods of Assessment Assessments include case reports, challenge weeks with external organisations designed to apply analytical skills to real world problems, and individual and group essays and presentations. |
Understand how to assess and maximize resources |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Targeted focus on this topic will be provided in the relevant subjects’ particularly accounting, operations management, business analytics and marketing. Methods of Assessment Relevant modules will be assessed via Individual and group essays and reports, Presentations and the MBA Project. |
Know how to effectively work in cross-cultural, globalized settings |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The MBA has a specifically international focus, with a diverse student cohort. Targeted coaching in cross-cultural issues in the context of both academic and practitioner working will be provided via the Developing as a Leader and Manager module. Methods of Assessment Relevant modules will be assessed via Individual and group essays and reports, Presentations and the MBA Project. |
Comprehend and evaluate academic literature in core business disciplines |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Up-to-date literature is integrated throughout the programme, and emphasis is placed on the on-going development of the students’ skills in order to effectively communicate, debate and critique this literature within the applied context of their own organizations. This is facilitated through group discussion and individual directed reading. Methods of Assessment In all modules students will be encouraged to engage with the most current literature in the core business discipline area. Continuous assessment in several modules will assess this skill specifically and require the students to formally analyse and evaluate a range of contemporary and historical literature applying it to managerial challenges. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Integrating Knowledge 1: Social Innovation and Business Planning | MBA7176 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Integrating Knowledge 1: Business Analytics | MBA7177 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Organizing and Implementing | MBA7175 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Making Decisions 2 | MBA7174 | 7 | 20 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Making Sense of a Complex World | MBA7172 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Making Decisions 1 | MBA7173 | 7 | 20 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Developing as a Manager and Leader | MBA7171 | 7 | 20 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
The elective modules MBA7176 and MBA7177 will be offered in Year 1 of the Part-Time course.