INTO Programme Specification
Graduate Diploma Graduate Diploma in Social Sciences (Accelerated)
Academic Year 2023/24
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 | Graduate Diploma Graduate Diploma in Social Sciences (Accelerated) | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Graduate Diploma | |||||||||||
Programme Code | NTO-AGD-SS | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100471 - Social sciences - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year |
Total Credits for Programme | 120 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
INTO Queen's |
School/Department |
INTO |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 6 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
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The British Council |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 11-05-18 |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None. |
Programme Specific Regulations ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
Students with protected characteristics None. |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
The specific objectives of the programme are to:
1. Prepare graduates of the programme for further study in a range of Social Sciences disciplines at Masters level. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of ELSS teaching across the programme.
2. Equip students with the critical writing and oral communications skills appropriate for work at Masters level in Social Sciences and other related disciplines.
3. Provide effective systems of learning, academic guidance and pastoral support to encourage the academic, intellectual and personal development of students.
4. Develop students’ skills in problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking, team working and interaction including planning, managing priorities, managing time and negotiating.
5. Equip students with the skills necessary to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources.
6. Provide the opportunity for students to formulate ideas and concepts independently and to communicate them in a clear and supported manner.
7. Develop a sound knowledge and understanding of research epistemology, theory and practice as it relates to the Social Sciences.
8. Introduce core research skills including literature review, research methodology evaluation and selection, research design, empirical investigation and data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, presentation of results, critical reflection in and on practice.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Problem solve through the application of synthetic and analytic logical reasoning |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Cognitive skills are developed across first and second term modules and focus particularly on problem solving and logical reasoning. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations. Methods of Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course assignments, oral presentations, project work and examinations. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Construct arguments and exercise problem solving skills; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development permeates the teaching and learning on the Graduate Diploma programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to draw upon a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. ICT skills are consolidated throughout the course as an aid to report writing, visual presentation, literature searching and data handling. Although not formally assessed, qualities such as self-reliance, good time management and the ability to undertake independent study are fostered and encouraged throughout the course. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g. critiques of journal articles, essays, PowerPoint or similar presentations, case studies) to demonstrate their learning. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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1. Know the major approaches to empirical enquiry in the social sciences, understand the broad methodologies and when (and how) to use specific research methods, or a combination of methods, know how to evaluate these and how to manage their limitations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Knowledge-based subject-specific learning and teaching is provided through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group-work, directed reading, independent learning activities and computer-based learning materials. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment is used throughout all modules. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Investigate, critically assess and present complex data and information sources as they relate to research in the social sciences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials Methods of Assessment Examination, coursework, presentations (individual and group) |
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 % | ||||||
Foundations of Social Science | NTO3015 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 8 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
English Language and Study Skills | NTO3001 | 1 | 40 | YES | YES | 16 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Research Design | NTO3014 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 8 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Empirical Enquiry and Critical Thought | NTO3003 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 8 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Exploring Culture | NTO3005 | 1 | 20 | YES | YES | 8 weeks | N | YES | -- | 50% | 0% | 50% |
Notes
The four academic modules may be offered in either semester depending on student intake.
Please note that the British Council accredits the ELSS module for this programme.