Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• Develop an understanding of the importance of  an entrepreneurial attitude in individuals and organisations
• Develop students critical thinking in order to evaluate the factors affecting the success of the innovation process
• Use action based learning to develop insight into the complexity of the innovation process, analysing and evaluating problems and responding to challenges in real time
• Develop students awareness of the help and information available to new organisations and the sources of funding they can attract
• To provide students with the skills of advanced networking and team working in order to compete in a rapidly changing business environment

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012, especially Part A: Setting and maintaining academic standards:
  • The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), the QAA, August 2008
  • Master’s Degree Characteristics, the QAA, March 2010
  • The Higher Education Credit Framework for England, the QAA, August 2008
• The Quality Code, Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality
  • Chapter B1: Programme Design, Development and Approval
  • Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching
  • Chapter B4: Enabling student development and achievement
  • Chapter B6: Assessment of students
• Master’s Degree Subject Benchmark for Business and Management, the QAA, 2007

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of…

• K1 The complexity of the innovation process and its importance in the current economic climate
• K2 The academic theories of entrepreneurship and the interconnectedness between entrepreneurial tendencies and resulting behaviour
• K3 The interrelationships between an organisations environment and its potential to succeed in the global market place
• K4 The diverse influences on the innovation process from a multidisciplinary perspective

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to…

• C1 Analyse data and information in the context of current thinking in the field of innovation management in order to make effective decisions
• C2 Recognise the benefits of self-reflection for personal development
• C3 Recognise the components of entrepreneurial behaviour and the value of taking decisive action to influence organisational success.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to…

• P1 Demonstrate rational use of business and risk analysis tools to analyse company performance
• P2 Synthesise information from appropriate sources such as intellectual property databases and advise on strategic positioning for an organisation
• P3 Demonstrate effective communication to persuade and influence stakeholders
• P4 Evaluate the funding needs of a new venture and advise on future strategy in the context of the current economic climate

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to…

• T1 Select and use appropriate investigative and research skills
• T2 Critically evaluate a range of academic and industry sources and effectively summarise these in a range of written formats
• T3 Work flexibly and creatively in a team whilst recognising the contribution of individuals with a range of diverse skills
• T4 Communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences

4. Programme structure

Semester One

Compulsory Modules (45 credits)

Optional Modules (students should select 15 credits)

Semester Two

Compulsory Modules (45 credits)

Optional Modules (students should select 15 credits)

Semester Three

Compulsory Module (60 credits)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

All modules available in the Special Assessment Period (SAP) unless specified in the Module Specification.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not Applicable.