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Quality Assurance
Masters, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate in Scientific Research Training
Programme Specification: Postgraduate
Information for students: the programme specification is the definitive document summarising the
structure and content of your degree programme. It is reviewed and updated every year. The
document aims to clarify to potential and current students what you can expect from the study of
the subject over the course of your programme.
Name of programme:
Names of programme(s): MScs in Scientific Research Training
MScs in Scientific Research Training (with international placement)
Comprises the following masters’ programmes:
MSc Biosciences Research Training (with international placement)
MSc Biosciences Research Training
MSc Neuroscience Research Training (with international placement)
MSc Neuroscience Research Training
Mode of study: Full Time - students will have five days per week of scheduled
engagement
Framework of Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) level of final award:
Postgraduate Masters (FHEQ Level 7)
Duration: One year full time
External Examiner : Professor John Lewis –http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/externalexaminers/
1. What is the Philosophy of the Programme?
The over arching educational aim of this programme is to train students in those generic and
discipline specific research skills which would prepare them for a career in research and
development. The courses would therefore have a shared common first semester which would
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incorporate generic skills with some discipline specific orientation, whilst the majority of the
scientific and discipline specific skills would be acquired within the extensive 8 month research
project. The latter 110 credit research module would primarily be undertaken in a non-UK based
partner Institute/Industry all of which have hosted Keele students in the past, have established
research links with Keele staff and/or have been duly accredited by the individual Schools involved.
Students undertaking their projects in Europe will be eligible for European Funding under the
ERASMUS Placement Scheme and would duly receive an EU accredited certification for this
component of their course training. All students and particularly international students for whom
English is not their native language will be given an opportunity to carry out their research project at
Keele under the auspice of the School of Life Sciences. This would enable the latter to continue their
English training as well as reduce the challenges they may face in learning another language and
obtaining an appropriate visa. Those UK students who undertake a placement for semester 2/3
outside the UK and for all international students will have due recognition of the internationalisation
of their studies by being awarded the appropriate MSc with international placement. All
programmes would be run via a Programme Committee and therefore would provide the initial cost
effective support.
Alongside this core academic basis the programme(s) also aims to develop key professional and
employment skills by directly embedding students within a research/industrial environment for a
substantial component of their programme. This will ensure the students will receive training at the
forefront of their chosen research discipline and enable them to nurture new attitudes to the
approach, integration and application of new knowledge and problem solving. Particular emphasis
will be placed on developing critical thinking, innovation, reflective writing, autonomous learning
and communication skills to really help prepare them for a life time of continued professional and
research development. In addition, the programmes will enable Keele University to consolidate or
develop extensive research links with other internationally recognised institutes/industries thus
increasing the internationalisation of the students learning experience.
The emphasis on the substantial ‘hands on’ research training in the international arena makes these
programmes unique within the Higher Education Sector in the UK and thus increases employability
for participating students.
Intended learning outcomes of the programme(s) reflect what successful students should know,
understand or to be able to do by the end of the programme(s). Programme specific learning
outcomes are presented in section 3, but to summarise, the programme(s) aims to :
develop students’ knowledge and understanding of different theoretical perspectives,
methodological approaches, research and practical applications within their chosen
research discipline.
explore and explicitly critique the research outcomes of their work within their chosen
disciplines and to place this in the context of a research environment and fully consider the
potential implications of their research for their discipline, the international research
community in general and society as a whole.
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develop a critical awareness of ethics and to fully integrate these issues into research,
project management including grant application and business planning.
support student autonomy and innovation by providing opportunities for students to
demonstrate originality in developing or applying their own ideas.
direct students to integrate a complex knowledge base in the scrutiny and accomplishment
of problem solving scenarios and project development.
enable student acquirement of advanced laboratory practical and research competencies
and high level analytical skills.
promote an environment that would allow students to share research experiences and best
practice, encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving and to develop
extensive communication skills particularly their ability to convey complex research data
and knowledge to specialist and non-specialist listeners.
provide students with a wide range of learning activities and a diverse assessment strategy
in order to fully develop their research, employability and academic skills, ensuring both
professional and academic attainment.
2. How is the Programme taught?
The programme is delivered through a series of taught sessions for each first semester module
which comprise a range of learning and teaching activities including lectures, workshops, seminars,
small group activities, problem-based learning, laboratory training, student-driven talks, in addition
to one-on-one meetings/discussions with individual research supervisors. The programme is
structured so that all taught sessions are delivered in the first semester whilst the second and third
semesters are based on individual tuition and research laboratory work. All students are expected
to engage in independent study for the duration of the programme.
Semester 1 will focus on generic research skills and cultural/language training. In addition, students
will undergo preparation for the discipline specific research project by carrying out appropriate
laboratory training and background literature review. Training throughout this semester will
therefore involve such actives as language training, cultural awareness of host country where project
will be undertaken, ethics, grant application, business planning, laboratory competencies,
methodological approaches, analytical reasoning, scientific writing, oral presentation and research
information retrieval. As such, this semester is an opportunity to:
Develop a structured approach to the design and management of projects including
consideration of ethics, grant application and business planning through a series of lectures
and small group activities and discussions.
Share best practice and develop communication and group collaboration skills through a
series of student-led talks.
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Acquire advanced laboratory competencies and analytical skills appropriate to the chosen
research discipline which will be acquired through working in a research environment at
Keele.
To consider the application of new or existing knowledge to novel, up-to-date problems
within the chosen discipline or in new innovative contexts through seminars and group
activities.
Develop scientific critique, writing and presentational skills appropriate for a career in
research and development.
Acquire knowledge of a language and cultural awareness appropriate to the country in
which the research project will be undertaken.
In Semesters 2 and 3 the research project will be undertaken which will allow students to develop
advanced research, practical and analytical skills, and provide an opportunity to work alongside
experts either in the University or at an international partner. This provides excellent research
training within the specialist area and allows a range of employability skills to be developed. In
addition, students will develop and be able to apply those generic and language skills obtained in
Semester 1 to an actual working research environment.
The Keele Learning Environment (KLE) will provide a virtual resource to support learning and
teaching activities, enhance student development and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and
discussion of issues that may arise during programme delivery.
The teaching staffs comprise a number of expert academics with active research interests in a range
of scientific disciplines which are supported by leading experts in that discipline located at foreign
institutes, governmental or industrial venues.
3. What is the Structure of the Programme?
All of the programmes indicated above have a similar structure and comprise a shared training
scheme for generic skills and individually tailored research training appropriate to the students’
requirements and career expectations.
The programme(s) comprise four modules; two in the Semester 1 and two in Semester 2/3.
Semester 1:
1) Post-graduate Research Training Module LSC 40043 (15 Credits). Attended by all students
and sharing some classes with MSc in Biomedical Blood Sciences, MSc Environmental
Sustainability and Green Technology . Module includes for example scientific writing, project
design, ethics, laboratory practice
2) Language Module (15 credits) To prepare students for the linguistic and cultural challenges
they are likely to encounter in their placement country in semester 2, and/or within their
future international career i.e. LSC 40044/LSC40045. Language modules focus on the
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development of all four skills (writing, reading, listening and speaking) as well as cultural
awareness.
OR
Academic English for Postgraduates (15 Credits) ENL-40001. Advanced English module for
overseas students who are undertaking LSC 40044/LSC40045 at Keele University. The
module develops the specific vocabulary, writing, critical reading, oral communication and
study skills needed for success with academic assignments at postgraduate level.
Semester 2/3
International Research Training Portfolio LSC-40044 (40 Credits). Undertaken by all students and
includes critical assessment of the experimental procedures appropriate to the area of the research
project, communication of scientific results, understand the necessity for risk assessment, health
and safety issues in a research environment, record and reflect on skills from research laboratory.
International Research Report LSC40045 (110 Credits). Undertaken by all students and is a 20,000
word research report on research studies carried out. Research project will be related to discipline of
final award.
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MSc Routes in Research Disciplines
UK STUDENTS
GRADUATING
THROUGH A) UK
ROUTE OR B)
INTERNATIONAL
ROUTE
ALTERNATIVE
ROUTE FOR
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
Foreign Language
Module e.g.
French, German,
Polish MXL10003
(15 Credits) A and
B Routes
Post-graduate Research
Skills (LSC 40043) (15
Credits)
A and B Routes
Academic English
for Postgraduates
(ENL40001) (15
Credits)
International Research Report
LSC-40045 –A Route
taken at Keele; B
Route taken at
International Partner
(110 Credits)
International Research Training Portfolio
LSC-40044
A Route taken at Keele; B
Route taken at International
Partner (40 Credits)
International Research Report at Keele
University LSC-40045
(110 credits)
ALTERNATIVE MSc IN RESEARCH TRAINING FINAL
AWARDS
Biosciences with international placement;
Biosciences; Neurosciences: Neurosciences with
international placement
Semester 1
Oct-Jan
Sept
Semester 2/3
Feb-Sept
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Learning Outcome Module in which this is
delivered
Principal forms of assessment
(of the Learning Outcome) used
1. Demonstrate a systemic
understanding of project
management including
consideration of ethics,
grant applications and
business planning
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Oral presentation
o Project report
2. Develop a critical
awareness of current issues
and important insights
appropriate to research
discipline
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Literature review
o Reflective portfolio
o Project Report
3. Integrate complex
knowledge into a structure
professional report
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Reflective portfolio
o Project Report
4. Critically evaluate current
literature appropriate to
research discipline
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Reflective portfolio
o Paper Review
o Project Report
5. Apply a comprehensive
understanding of the
analytical approach to new
scientific problems
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
o Project Report
6. Manage practical project
work effectively
LSC-40045
International Research
o Project Report
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Report
7. Use scientific research
principles to develop
research questions, or
hypotheses
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Research Project
8. Use scientific research
principles to select
appropriate techniques of
experimental design and
analysis to research
questions or hypotheses
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
o Project Report
9. Report the results of an
empirical study, applying
appropriate skills of
presentation, interpretation
and discussion of findings.
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
o Project Report
10. Acquire independent
laboratory competencies
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Project Report
11. Evaluate complex
scientific data
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Reflective portfolio
o Project Report
12. Demonstrate self-
direction and dedication to
independent learning
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Oral presentation
o Literature review
o Reflective portfolio
o Project Report
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Training Portfolio
13. Demonstrate effective
time management and work
to deadlines
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Oral presentation
o Literature review
o Reflective portfolio
o Project Report
14. Act autonomously in
implementing and managing
academic activities
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Oral presentation
o Literature review
o Reflective portfolio
o Project Report
15. Demonstrate innovation
and originality in the
understanding and
application of new
knowledge
LSC 40043
Postgraduate Research
Skills
LSC-40045
International Research
Report
LSC-40044
International Research
Training Portfolio
o Completion of a grant
proposal
o Reflective portfolio
o Dissertation/Project
Report
16. Demonstrate proficiency
in a language other than
one’s own first language.
FRE-,SPN-,GER-,MLX-
module or
Postgraduate ENL-
module
o Course work, including
class participation,
written, oral and aural
language tasks
In order to obtain an MSc degree, students are required to obtain 180 credits including a 110-credit
dissertation/project. Since the aim of the course is to provide students with those necessary
generic and subject specific skills to enable them to follow a career in research and development the
dissertation/research project is the major route by which these skills will be obtained i.e. via ‘on the
job’ training. A PG Certificate of 60 credits will be awarded to students who have failed the Research
Project but pass all other modules PG Diploma is available to students who obtain at least 120
credits to include the International Research Report (110 credits).
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4. How is the Programme assessed?
This programme’s varied assessment strategy ensures the student develops employability, and
research and academic skills, appropriate for a career in research and development. The assessment
design is based on several key principles which promote of independent learning, student autonomy
and responsibility for personal learning and the development of innovation and originality within the
chosen research area. For example, in the Postgraduate Research Skills module each student
produces an independent literature reviews in an area of their choice. This requires students to
critically appraise current literature and integrate their new knowledge into a structured argument
and literature review. In addition, the module includes a critical appraisal of a research article thus
allowing the students to evaluate data produced, hypothesis proposed and conclusions drawn. In
Semester 2 (LSC-40044 International Research Training Portfolio) an oral presentation on the results
obtained and progress made. Students are also required as part of their Postgraduate Research Skills
module to undertake project design in the form of a funding application which will comprise, in
addition to scientific information, financial and ethical considerations.
The reflective portfolio provides students an opportunity to evidence their understanding in a range
of specialist topics, and to present their interpretation and critical evaluations of the area. In
addition, it will give them an opportunity to demonstrate a complete understanding of research
techniques used in their chosen discipline, critically evaluate oral presentations attended and where
possible attend scientific conferences. Reflective portfolios promote an integrated approach to
theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical implications of their work alongside their
personal thoughts and experiences. The Language component of the course which will develop the
student’s skills in a language other than their own first language will give preparation for their
international placement as part of LSC40045 (International Research Project) or increase
competence in English for international students undertaking this module at Keele.
The dissertation/report represents the culmination of the programme, providing an opportunity for
students to put together a number of key learning outcomes from across the programme and to
begin to take true responsibility for the formulation, management, conductance and final
interpretation and presentation of a new piece of scientific research.
The pass mark in each module is 50% and students must pass all level 7 modules to obtain the MSc.
A distinction will be awarded for an overall mark exceeding 70%, 60-69% merit, 50-59% pass and less
than 50% fail.
A full assessment brief is provided within each module handbook. All summative forms of
assessment are fully supported by a variety of formative assessment/feedback activities and
academic guidance.
5. What are the typical admission requirements for the programme?
Usually applicants will already hold an honours degree in a scientific discipline appropriate to the
project area and final PG award, although consideration will be given to related programmes. The
minimum degree category for entry onto this programme is 2:2, in line with the 50% pass mark
required for successful completion of this course.
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Consideration will be given to candidates who do not meet these criteria, but can evidence
appropriate, alternative professional qualifications and/or experience.
Applicants who have not had their secondary or tertiary education through the medium of English
are expected to have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
6. How are students supported on the programme?
Initially there will be one Programme Director who will be responsible for both the programmes
indicated above however, as student numbers increase in a discipline (Individual programmes) an
appropriate Director and support staff will be appointed. The initial Programme Director, who will be
based in the School of Life Sciences, will hold an Introduction session towards the beginning of the
programme to provide general guidance and advice to programme delivery and lines of
accountability and student support. Representatives from each of the individual programmes will be
present at this meeting. The Programme Director will also be available either directly or indirectly via
email or KLE discussion boards for advice on specific problems students may encounter at any point
throughout the programme.
Module leaders are available either directly or indirectly via email for module specific problems.
One-to-one meetings can be arranged as necessary for student consultation. It is the responsibility
of module leaders to ensure that appropriate feedback is provided to all students regarding both
formative and summative assessment. They will ensure that such feedback is of a high quality and
delivered in a timely fashion.
Each student will be appointed a named personal tutor from the academic teaching team for
pastoral and academic guidance. Personal tutors will meet their students as a group during
programme induction and will be available for additional one-to-one consultations as required by
the student and will be contactable by email or telephone. Personal tutors will also introduce and
promote the University’s Personal Development Planning system to further promote and develop
student learning. In addition, there will be an independent advisor available to liaise with students,
either as a group or individually, on any aspect of the programme or personal development.
Individual project supervisors can provide additional academic guidance on research-related issues.
When the student is undertaking a research project at another institute a supervisor will be
appointed at that host Institute. Guidelines are available to ensure that there is appropriate
interaction between the student, host supervisor and Keele supervisor , and the student will be
visited by the Keele supervisor or his/her representative at least once during the project. The
student and the Keele supervisor will be made aware of the Keele Code of Practice covering
placement provision.
All students are entitled and encouraged to make use of all central university services, including the
Keele Postgraduate Association.
The student cohort will also be represented on the School of Life Sciences Student/Staff Liaison
Committee and the Programme Teaching Team Committee. In addition, they will be eligible to
represent the PGT students on the School of Life Sciences Learning and Teaching Committee, if
elected to do so by their peers.
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7. Learning Resources
The programmes will be taught in modern teaching rooms across the University, almost all of which
are equipped with computers, internet access and electronic whiteboards or projection equipment.
Rooms may be arranged either in traditional lecture format or more informally to allow students to
work together in small groups.
Practical research training in LSC-40043 (Postgraduate Research Skills) will be undertaken in
appropriate research laboratories within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and students will be
embedded within appropriate research groups in their chosen discipline.
Individual module handbooks will provide a recommended reading list, which comprise both
traditional text based resources and a range of electronic multi–media resources that will be
accessed through KLE. Discussion boards available on KLE may also be used to enhance student the
student experience, learning and support during the period of engagement and provide a forum for
the exchange of ideas and discussion of issues that arise. Where feasible, students will be housed in
a PGT office or within the offices available to research groups. Within these facilities access to the
University electronic resources is available.
The programme will be supported by a number of guest speakers working within the appropriate
discipline who will give presentations at research group meeting, School Meetings or the Faculty
Research Centre meetings. Students are encouraged to make full use of the opportunities these
activities present by asking questions, staying to talk to the professionals after the sessions or
contacting them later through email to answer any questions you may have on their particular area
of expertise or general career advice.
The Library has many resources for the chosen discipline, both on campus and online. Further information about the library can be found at: http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/li/
Students will have access to the Computing Services at the University located in the library building. The Computing Services Department is responsible for the computing infrastructure in the university and for the support of all staff and students undertaking academic computing tasks.
There is a large number of open access PCs available for students. All student PCs use a standard platform, which includes software such as Microsoft Office, web browsers, and other standard applications you may need. Printing facilities are available either in Schools or in the library building.
8. Other learning opportunities
Within each School in the Faculty of Natural Sciences there are a wide range of seminar
opportunities that attract a number of expert researchers from Keele University itself, local hospital
or research groups and internationally Institutes from around the world. All students are
encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities these seminars provide and expected to
attend all presentations appropriate to their chosen discipline. Seminars are widely advertised
around the University and may be published via the KLE noticeboard.
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9. Quality management and enhancement
The Programme Board, which comprises all academic staff teaching on the programmes and student
representation, is responsible for the day to day management of the programme. The Programme
Director chairs this body, convenes once semester meetings and reports to the Head of School of
Life Sciences.
To ensure that the MSc programmes in research maintain the highest possible standards and
ensures the effective management and continuous enhancement of the quality of learning and
teaching each programme employs the following procedures:
Student evaluation of teaching; students have the opportunity to evaluate each module and the programme as a whole. Data from the evaluations is reported at regular programme board meetings and to the programme Steering Group.
Student Staff Liaison Committee; this is an integral part of the monitoring and review procedures and provides a valuable source of management data for the programme team.
Learning and Teaching Committee meetings; the Programme Board is an integral part of the School of Life Science’s Learning and Teaching Committee. This committee meets on a regular basis and is responsible for the continual reviewing and monitoring of quality management and enhancement procedures and activities across the School.
Peer observation of teaching; the staff responsible for delivering the programme undertake regular peer observation of teaching that is used to identify teaching strengths and areas of development.
Annual Programme Review; individual modules and the programme as a whole are reviewed and enhanced every year as part of the University’s Curriculum Annual Review and Development (CARD) process. A range of data is used to inform the annual programme review, it comprises student evaluations, external examiners report and internal programme review and monitoring data.
The programme is run in accordance with the agreed policies and procedures relating to quality assurance and enhancement at Keele University.
All programmes in the Faculty of Natural Sciences are supported by a Director of Post-graduate Taught Programmes who represents PGT students at Faculty and University levels.
10. The principles of programme design
The MScs in the individual disciplines have evolved as a result of collaboration between Keele University and several international research institutes and industries. The associations developed provide an excellent framework in which to train students in those generic and science specific skills which would increase their employability in the area of research and development. In addition, it gives students an opportunity to contribute the further development of the collaborative links between Keele and its international partners.
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Programme Version History
Version History Date CHANGES / NOTES
Date first created (if known)
Feb 2012 Several routes withdrawn ie maths, Forensic, Chemistry. Geosciences route now taken over by SPGS. Original option for international students to undertake research project at Keele now applied to all students. This brings courses in line with MSc Geoscience Research Training
Date last reviewed / revised Feb 2012
Last reviewed by STLC & FTLC when originally submitted
Date last approved at SLTC 5th November 2014 Alterations ratified by SLTC
Date last approved at FLTC February 2015
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