Quality Handbook Section 4 - Postgraduate taught and research awards - requirements

3.1 For postgraduate awards, a proportion of credits from a lower level may be included. This flexibility recognises that some postgraduate courses will commence with introductory material that may not itself be at postgraduate level.

4.1 At this level there is more than one type of qualification that may be achieved (for example, postgraduate diplomas and certificates in addition to master’s degrees). Within each level, the various types of qualifications involve different volumes of learning (for example master’s degrees entail more learning than postgraduate certificates). As a consequence of this there are likely to be differences in the range and nature of intended course learning outcomes. Not all of the qualification types at each level therefore meet all of the expectations of the qualification descriptor. Where a qualification type other than the main qualification has a smaller volume of learning, the qualification descriptor for the degree is used as a reference point and the sub-degree qualification is expected to meet the descriptor in part.

4.2 Course teams may contextualise the descriptors to particular subjects but must ensure congruence with the FHEQ level descriptors.

4.3 The FHEQ descriptors are provided below for Level 7:

Level 7

The descriptor provided for this is for any master's degree which should meet the descriptor in full. This qualification descriptor should also be used as a reference point for other qualifications at Level 7.

Students learning at this level will demonstrate:

• a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice;
• a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship;
• originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline;
• conceptual understanding that enables the student:
  • to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
  • to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Students will typically be able to:

• deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.

Students will also have:

• the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
  • the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
  • decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
  • the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

8.1 Holders of a Postgraduate Diploma will be capable of taking an informed position in relation to their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. Holders will be able to identify and apply appropriate research methodologies, and demonstrate personal skills in critical analysis, reflection and contextual awareness.

9.1 Holders of a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) will have developed knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of teaching and will have met the requirements for entry to, or for endorsement for entry to, the teaching profession in relation to those requirements for which the University has assessment responsibility. The definitive course information in CourseLoop will determine the precise level of academic and professional achievement. Candidates will systematically evaluate theories of teaching and learning to develop their practice. They will show critical understanding of current issues and specialist fields of study and exercise independent judgement and accountability in applying this understanding in a range of contexts. In professional situations, they will be able to use advanced research methodology to engage with the complexities of the educational process, to demonstrate a clear vision for innovation and to communicate and promote their values and leadership.

10.1 Holders of a Postgraduate Certificate will be able to engage with advanced levels of theories and practice in relation to their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. They will be able to explore appropriate research methodologies. Holders will be able to demonstrate personal skills in critical analysis, reflection and contextual awareness.

11.1 Holders of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will have developed knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of teaching and will have met the requirements for entry to, or for endorsement for entry to, the teaching profession in relation to those requirements for which the University has assessment responsibility. The definitive course information in CourseLoop will determine the precise level of academic and professional achievement. Candidates will engage in systematic analysis of the theory of learning and teaching in relation to practice. They will display a critical awareness of current issues and articulate a comprehensive understanding of the field, displaying expertise in the use of subject and professional knowledge within the context for which they have been trained. In professional situations, they will be able to use appropriate research methodology to critically evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements, and to communicate effectively.

12.1 Holders of a PhD will have demonstrated the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication.  They will systematically acquire and understand a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline. Holders will be able to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems. They have a detailed understanding of applicable methods and techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

12.2 Holders of a PhD are able to make informed judgements on complex issues in a specialist field, often in the absence of complete data. They are able to communicate ideas and conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and to defend their thesis orally to the satisfaction of the examiners.

13.1 Holders of a Professional Doctorate award will have demonstrated the creation and interpretation of new knowledge in a particular professional field, and that will contribute to the enhancement of professional practice and practitioners, through original research or advanced scholarship. They will systematically acquire and understand a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of a professional discipline. Holders will be able to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new professional knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of practice, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems. They have a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.

13.2 Holders of a Professional Doctorate are able to make informed judgements on complex issues in a professional field, often in the absence of complete data. They are able to communicate ideas and conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. They will have undertaken research that has direct relevance to their own professional interest, working life or that of an organisation. They are able to defend their thesis orally to the satisfaction of the examiners.

14.1 Holders of an MPhil will have in-depth knowledge and understanding of their discipline informed by current scholarship and research, including a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the subject. A graduate will have the ability to study independently and an ability to use a range of techniques and research methods applicable to advanced scholarship in the subject. In addition, a graduate will possess a range of generic abilities and skills that include the ability to use initiative and take responsibility, to solve problems in creative and innovative ways and to make decisions in challenging situations. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, with colleagues and a wider audience, in a variety of media.

17.1 The Professional Doctorate designation is (DProf). The following ‘specific’ award designations are also available for Professional Doctorates that are geared towards the achievement of outcomes in a specific professional or discipline area:

• Doctor of Architecture (DArch);
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA);
• Doctor of Design (DDes);
• Doctor of Digital Media (DDM);
• Doctor of Education (EdD);
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng);
• Doctor of Fashion Industry (DFI);
• Doctor of Fine Art (DFA);
• Doctor of Legal Practice (DLegalPrac);
• Doctor of Medical Science (DMedSci);
• Doctor of Psychology (DPsych);
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA);
• Doctor of Real Estate (DRealEst);
• Doctor of Social Practice (DSocPrac);
• Professional Doctorate by Established Work (DProf (Est Work)).

17.2 A Professional Doctorate may have a ‘subject’ title after the award designation, e.g. Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, Doctor of Engineering in Construction Management, Doctor of Psychology in Forensic Psychology, etc.

17.3 Proposed new Professional Doctorate designations are subject to Academic Board approval before they can be offered to students.