Course description
Course Description
The MA in Management Studies is primarily aimed at existing or aspiring managers seeking a programme which equips them to rise to the top of organisations. Emphasis is placed on treating students as mature learners and developing a framework in which they develop.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE
Compulsory: MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS
Compulsory: PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
Core: MSC/MA DISSERTATION
Core: RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES IN ACCOUNTING AND MANAGEMENT
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Developing a critical and reflexive interpretation of the character of management and organizations.
A2 : The historical influences on the practice of managing in organizations.
A3 : The contexts, both internal and external that underpin and contribute to the character of managing and organizations.
A4 : Epistemological and social scientific influences and interpretations of management and organizations.
A5 : An in-depth understanding of particular areas of the various research methodologies available to investigate management and organizations and the influences of these methods on the understandings generated.
A6 : In-depth understanding of specific areas in which the student has chosen to specialise.
Teaching Methods
Outcomes A1-A6 are acquired through lectures, seminars, group and individual tasks, and directed independent study. The development of the dissertation in consultation with a supervisor provides an additional opportunity for achieving learning outcomes A1-A6
Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understandings to facilitate students exploration, the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of management and organisations, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach.
Directed independent study and reading, along with individual and group tasks, enable the further exploration of the relevant areas.
Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course.
Assessment Methods
Informal:
Outcomes A1-A6 are informally assessed via group work and oral presentations. The associated informal feedback provided enables students to explore and enhance their understandings, and develop presentation skills.
Formal:
Outcomes A1-A6 are formally assessed via unseen written examinations and coursework assignments.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Capacity to appraise theoretical ideas.
B2 : Assimilate and synthesise advanced theories and concepts from a variety of relevant frameworks.
B3 : Formulate logical and coherent arguments
B4 : Interpret and critically evaluate empirical evidence.
B5 : Plan and undertake a substantial piece of independent research.
Teaching Methods
Skills B1-B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through directed independent study, reading, group and individual tasks given for their courses, although lectures and seminars provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.
Students independent study and preparation for tasks involves the reading, interpretation and critical evaluation of relevant frameworks, theories and understandings to facilitate students assimilation and synthesis of these various theories and concepts, while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.
Lecturers provide necessary feedback on student work. Lecturers also engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments and email communication.
Skill B5 is acquired through the work that students undertake for the MA dissertation. The dissertation further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills B1-B4
Assessment Methods
Informal:
Skills B1-B4 are informally assessed via oral presentations. The associated informal feedback provided enables students to explore and enhance their understandings, and develop presentation skills
Formal:
Skills B1-B4 are formally assessed via unseen written examinations and coursework assignments. The MA dissertation provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.
Skill B5 is assessed through the dissertation and econometrics project.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Analyse and evaluate empirical data
C2 : Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches to management and organizational practice
C3 : Develop a critical and reflexive appreciation of the implications and impact of management and organizations.
C4 : Access and retrieve information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
C5 : Access and retrieve information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
C6 : Research presentation and written presentation skills.
C7 : Undertake independent research
Teaching Methods
Skills C1-C6 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their courses, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.
Skill C6 is further acquired through the work that students do for the dissertation. The dissertation further provides an opportunity for students to acquire skills C1-C5
Assessment Methods
Informal:
Skills C1-C5 are informally assessed through group work and oral presentations along with the associated informal feedback. This further enables students to explore and enhance their understanding, and develop research and presentation skills
Formal:
Skills C1-C5 are formally assessed via unseen written examinations and coursework assignments. This enables the demonstration of the relevant theories of accounting and finance and empirical evidence and facilitates the demonstration of a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.
Skill C6 is assessed through the dissertation and course work
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Communicate ideas and arguments in a coherent and effective manner
D2 : Use information technology, such as word processing, databases and the web to locate and analyse data and other relevant information
D3 : Manipulate numerical data and apply appropriate statistical or econometric techniques
D4 : Problem solving and analytical skills necessary to investigate and understand management and organisations
D6 : Time management, task prioritisation and working to deadlines
Teaching Methods
Verbal communication skills (D1) are developed through group tasks involving oral presentation and group discussion in the lecture.
Written communication skills (D1) are developed primarily through small group project reports and individual tasks.
IT skills (D2) are developed as individual tasks require extensive research involving web based material, internet and various electronic medias.
Problem solving skills (D3-D4) are developed principally through specific problem based exercises and project given to the students.
Planning and organisation, enterprise and resourcefulness (D5) are essential to any learning process dependent on independent study and to some extent individual advice from teachers. These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their courses.
Assessment Methods
The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the management degree schemes; however the approach to assessment varies.
Written communication skills, problem solving, numeracy and IT skills are assessed directly throughout the degree programme.
Personal skills are assessed through coursework. Verbal communication skills are not formally assessed although feedback on communication skills forms part of the formative feedback provided on small group tutorial presentations
