msc communication, behaviour and credibility analysis€¦ · msc communication, behaviour and...

PARM1.4

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

MSc Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis

Programme Specification

This document provides a concise summary of the main features of the course(s) & associated award(s) offered through this Programme Specification, and includes the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, curriculum content, teaching/learning, assessment methods for each unit and on the Programme’s relationship to QAA Subject Benchmark Statements may be found in the dedicated student handbook for the Programme. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be subject to verification by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education

PARM1.4

Versioning of Programme Specification This programme specification is valid for the period of approval confirmed at the time of the approval/last review event and relates to provision approved at that point. Programme specifications are updated on an annual basis to include modifications approved through the University’s quality assurance processes. This version provides a description of the programme as approved for the academic session indicated in section 3 of the following table.

1 Date of initial Approval or last review: 27 Jan 2016

2 Effective date of Approved/Reviewed Programme Specification: 1 September 2016 – 31 August 2022

3 This Version effective from: 1 September 2017

4 Version number: 2017/Version 2

Modifications to Programme Specification

Modifications to the programme specification since approval/ last review, and the cohort of students affected by the change, are listed in Section G (Log of Modifications) at the back of the document.

Cross Referencing of Programme Specifications

The following elements of provision included in this document is/ are also included in the following programme specifications

Award Programme Specification

Amendments made to provision listed in this table, must also be reflected in the relevant programme specifications listed above

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CASQE Programme Specification

CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC STANDARDS & QUALITY ENHANCEMENT

Programme Specification

The information in this document is organised into the following sections: Section A – Administrative and Regulatory Information Section B – Outcomes Section C – Structure Section D – Teaching, Learning and Assessment Section E – Programme Management Section F – Mapping Section G – Log of Modifications

SECTION A – ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY INFORMATION

1 Overarching Programme Specification Title


2 Brief Summary

This 22 month part time course is based on theories and techniques relating to the study of communication, the message and its channels; with a specific focus upon the behaviour and interactions of provider(s) and receiver(s). Its aim is to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skill sets to assess the credibility of content, its delivery and, where relevant, any potential deception and assessment of their (most) plausible intentions and/or their emotional states. Knowledge of interpersonal, linguistic, and other communicative behaviours, - such as the use of digital media and interfaces, are recognised to be essential. In many professions effective communication is critical as are critical judgements of its credibility, and where the understanding of communication behaviour in general leads to advanced levels of literacy in accessing, analysing, evaluating and producing messages in multifarious formats of communication (including digital).

3 Awarding institution Manchester Metropolitan University

4 Home Faculty HLSS

5 Home Department/ School/ Institute Languages, Information & Communications

6 UCAS/GTTR code(s) N/A

7 Framework for HE Qualifications position of final award(s) Framework for HE Qualifications

Masters (Level 7)

8 Alignment with University Curriculum Framework Curriculum Frameworks

Postgraduate

9 Engagement with the University-wide provision (eg Uniwide Language, EdLab)

Uniwide is not available for Postgraduate programmes

10 Compliance with University Assessment Regulations University Assessment Regulations

Taught Postgraduate

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance#page-1

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/curriculum-frameworks.php

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/assessment.php


11 Approved Variations/Exemptions from University Assessment Regulations University Assessment Regulations

12

Relationship with Faculty Foundation Year

N/A

Awards

13 Final award title(s)


14 Combined Honours There is no Combined Honours provision within this programme specification

14a

(i) Combined Honours Awards available eg:

BSc/BA (Hons) AB

BSc/BA (Hons) AB and XY

BSc/BA (Hons) AB with XY (ii) Single Honours Awards available

through Combined Honours (ie Named Awards)

(iii) Approved Subject Combinations

administered by this Programme Specification (ie “home” combinations)

N/A

14b Approved Subject Combination administered by other Programme Specifications

Approved Combination Home Programme Specification & Home Dept

15 Interim exit awards and Subject title(s)

PG Diploma Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis PG Certificate Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis

Arrangements with Partners

16 Approved Collaborative partner(s)

Partner Name Type of Collaborative Partnership

N/A

17 Articulation Arrangements with Partners

Partner Name Details of Arrangements

N/A

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/assessment.php


Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies

18 PSRB(s) associated with final award of any route within the programme specification

N/A

19 Date, outcome & period of approval of last PSRB approval/accreditation

N/A

Approval Status

20 Date and outcome of most recent Manchester Met review/ approval

(i) Latest review/approval 27 Jan 2016

(ii) Date and Period of approval of most recent Manchester Met review/approval 6 Years 1 September 2016 – 31 August 2022

(iii) Major Modifications to Programme Specification since last review/approval

21 Next Scheduled Review Date:

2022/2023

22 Programme Specification effective date:

September 2017

SECTION B - OUTCOMES

23 Manchester Met Graduate Outcomes

On successful completion of their course of study Manchester Met graduates will be able to:

GO1. apply skills of critical analysis to real world situations within a defined range of contexts;

GO2. demonstrate a high degree of professionalism characterised by initiative, creativity, motivation and self-management;

GO3. express ideas effectively and communicate information appropriately and accurately using a range of media including ICT;

GO4. develop working relationships using teamwork and leadership skills, recognising and respecting different perspectives;

GO5. manage their professional development reflecting on progress and taking appropriate action;

GO6. find, evaluate, synthesise and use information from a variety of sources; GO7. articulate an awareness of the social and community contexts within their disciplinary

field.

NB the above align to the Employability outcomes on the unit specifications


24 Programme Rationale

This interdisciplinary MSc has been constructed to appeal to a professional, industry-facing market: namely, professionals engaged in careers centrally concerned with individual and group activities, and interpersonal, linguistic, and other communicative behaviours such as via digital media and interfaces. Linguistic, digital and social intelligence, and their application, are recognised to be essential in many professions where critical judgements of credibility are crucial, and where the understanding of communication behaviour in general leads to advanced levels of literacy in accessing, analysing, evaluating and producing messages in multifarious formats of communication (including digital). This programme is designed, primarily, for those career specialists who want to engage in life-long learning in a way that benefits their chosen career paths. It is also informed by our intention that professionals have access to the latest research and can work within a university department to test the validity of some of the current research theory and work with academic staff to push forward research that has real world application. Professionals who are likely to be attracted to the postgraduate course will have a diverse range of backgrounds in academia, business, coaching, counselling, digital publishing (and web design), human resources, intelligence, investment, law enforcement, library and information, management, medicine, negotiation, security, selling, sport and social services The interdisciplinary programme will develop students’ research skills in the core disciplines of the make up of the programme, Linguistics, Psychology, Sociology and Information & Communications. It will further make use of the research areas of expertise from the participating disciplines, particularly Forensic Linguistics, Criminology, Social Interaction and Human Communication, Digital Information Interactions and Assessment.

25 QAA Benchmark Statement(s) QAA Benchmark Statements are available from the QAA website

There are no subject benchmark statements for master’s degree subjects in the area of the MSc. The nearest Undergraduate Benchmark Statements (when relating to specific topic areas rather than the domain of the discipline at undergraduate) are Linguistics (2007) (Sociolinguistics) Psychology (2010) (Individual Differences, Social Psychology) Sociology (2007) (Understanding of the relationship between individuals, groups and social institutions) Communication, media, film and cultural studies (2008) (Processes and practices) Librarianship, information, knowledge, records and archives management (2015) (Using information technology; managing and exploiting knowledge and information)

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements


26 Programme Specific Outcomes

(a) Final Award Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of MSc Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis, students will be able to: PLO 1 Critique Linguistic and Psychological techniques and strategies underpinning interpersonal

communication, in a variety of contexts (professional, personal, digital)

PLO2 Appraise and apply, and sometimes integrate Linguistic and Psychological theory and

principles to the investigation of emotions, credibility and deception

PLO3 Devise advanced analytical skills to become better “readers” of people and their spoken

and/or written discourse and, hence, situations.

PLO4 Critically appraise models of communication behaviours, such as information seeking,

influence and persuasion, and assess their validity and effectiveness in situational contexts

and digital/non digital environments

PLO 5 Critically appraise and apply the study of communication, behaviour and interactions in

relation to self, society and environment

PLO6 Evaluate interpersonal and sometimes digital interactions and their meaning, intentions,

motivations

PLO7 Critique research based investigations at the forefront of academic excellence and

professional expertise in the study of emotions, credibility and deception

PLO8 Develop advanced research skills required to continue individuals’ own professional

development, through independent research in the field or through further academic

study.

PLO9 Apply a set of transferable critical skills that will allow students to market themselves as

researcher-practitioners with a specialism in interpersonal communication PLO10 Appraise the ethics, value and limitations of Linguistics and Psychological scholarship in the

field and of professional practice and standards.

(c) Pass Degree Learning Outcomes

Not Applicable for this programme


27 Interim Award Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of a PGDiploma Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis, students will have achieved 120 credits and will be able to demonstrate the advanced subject-specific and methodological knowledge required in all core mandatory units of the programme , but have fallen short of demonstrating a threshold ability to apply such knowledge in independent Masters research

On successful completion of a PGCertificate ‘Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis’, students will have achieved 60 credits and will be able to demonstrate the advanced subject-specific knowledge required in some of the core mandatory units of the programme, but have fallen short of demonstrating a threshold ability to apply such knowledge in independent Masters research.

SECTION C – STRUCTURE

28

Structures, modes of delivery (eg FT/PT/DL etc), levels, credits, awards, curriculum map of all units (identifying core/option status, credits, pre or co-requisites) potential entry/exit points and Progression/Award requirements

OPTION UNITS Option units listed in the following curriculum structures are all approved for delivery but may not all run in any one academic session.

MSc Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis Part time

POSTGRADUATE Level 7

Core Units

Code Occ Status Unit Title No of credits

N/A 9 Cognitive behaviour in Communication CBC 30

N/A 9 Emotions literacy and Credibility Detection ELCD 30

N/A 1 The Linguistics of Interpersonal Communication (LIC)

20

N/A 1 Using Technology to Read People: The Possibilities and Limitations

10

44607009 9 Research Project RP 60

Option Units Choose 2 from options listed

44607010 9 Psychology of Interpersonal Communication PIC 15

44607011 9 Digital Interactions and Behaviour DIB 15


44607012 9 The Sociology of Interpersonal Communication SIC 15

On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 60 credits: interim/final exit award - PGCertificate Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis (CBC, ELCD) 120 credits: interim/final exit award - PGDiploma Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis (CBC, ELCD, LIC, TechR and two from PIC, DIB, SIC) 180 credits: Final exit award - MSc Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis (CBC, ELCD, LIC, TechR, RP and two from PIC, DIB, SIC)

Note Students joining the course with RPL (90 credits) may complete the MSc in 10 months, Sept-June

(RP, and two from PIC, DIB, SI)

SECTION D - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

29 Articulation of Graduate Prospects

This is aimed at industry-facing professionals engaged in careers centrally concerned with individual and group activities and interaction. Communication and the ability to read others, with particular focus on detecting emotion and credibility is an intelligence that is recognised to be essential in many professions. The success of professional training centres such as the Emotional Intelligence Academy (EIA) is indicative of the interest from professionals who want to engage in life-long learning in a way that benefits their chosen career paths. Special interest groups in professional associations, such as HCI in the British Computer Society indicate the interdisciplinary nature of specialist areas of development in these professions, in particular the application of social and communication science for the successful implementation, training or front end development of information and communication technologies. The MSc is designed to target such individuals and provide the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills from the relevant discipline areas and to engage with further research and application in the field. Professionals who are likely to be attracted to the postgraduate course will have a diverse range of backgrounds in academia, business, coaching, counselling, digital publishing, human resources, information systems design, intelligence, investment, law enforcement, management, medicine, negotiation, security, selling, sport, social services and user experience design.

30 Curriculum Design

OPTION UNITS Option units listed in the following curriculum structures are all approved for delivery but may not all run in any one academic session. In the first year of the part time masters students will study on four core units Cognitive Behaviour in Communication, Emotions literacy and Credibility Detection, The Linguistics of Interpersonal Communication and Using technology to “read” people: the possibilities and the limitations. These identify the relationship of cognition and memory on language and emotional behaviour; apply knowledge and skills in the development of emotion literacy; and, explores the linguistics of


interpersonal communication and the technologies used to measure and detect indicators of credibility and deception. Cognitive Behaviour in Communication on the cognitive underpinning of communication behaviour, and The Linguistics of Interpersonal Communication and Using technology to “read” people on the linguistic techniques and strategies underpinning interpersonal communication, will be taught as ‘short and fat’ units in each term of the first year. Emotions literacy and Credibility Detection focusing on the knowledge and skills in the development of emotion literacy and the investigation of emotions, credibility and deception will run as a ‘long and thin’ unit across the two terms in the first year. The units Cognitive Behaviour in Communication, Emotions literacy and Credibility Detection, The Linguistics of Interpersonal Communication and Using technology to “read” people all map onto the learning outcomes of the 90 credits of the EIA certificates and modules. Students may apply with prior learning (up to 90 credits) to start the course in year two. In year two, term one students will study on 2 unit options from Psychology of Interpersonal Communication, Digital Interactions and Behaviour, and The Sociology of Interpersonal Communication. The Research Project commences in the Autumn term with research methods classes offered in the September block week. The options offer the opportunity to explore interpersonal communication from a social psychological perspective, with emphasis on emotion, influence, credibility and deception; to study communication behaviours and interactions in relation to self, society and information seeking and digital environments; to evaluate interpersonal and sometimes digital/information interactions and their meaning, intentions, and motivations. In particular, these are research informed taught units and encourage critical investigation of the research at the forefront of academic excellence and professional expertise in the study of communication behaviour in various contexts. In the Spring term students will commence the Research project and will be facilitated in their development of independent and reflective approaches to learning. Students will identify, plan and complete a scholarly research project relating to communication, behaviour and credibility analysis, from first ideas through to proof-reading and presentation.

31 Learning and Teaching

Guided practice will be enabled through lectures, workshops and seminars – face-to-face and online (using, e.g., written text, “talking heads” and video). Learning and teaching is further achieved through conducting an empirical piece of research. The learning outcomes will be assessed through a combination of coursework (essays, presentations and practical assignments) and the research project. The course incorporates a large component of coursework which, like the Research Project requires students to engage in literature searches, critical evaluation, integration and presentation of information The second year of the course is delivered online and during block weeks that are scheduled to take place in a week in June and September. Teaching methods used within the block week include lectures, “hands on” workshops, discussion groups and guest speaker talks. The aim is to achieve a meaningful balance between direct input covering theoretical and methodological aspects, and the practical application of this knowledge.


The week block teaching on campus is mandatory. In the rare event that a student is unable to attend a block week, due to a sudden illness or other serious and unforeseen event or set of circumstances, mitigating circumstances regulations and procedures may be applied and an alternative mode of delivery provided. Mitigating circumstances must be notified to the department immediately with the submission of appropriate documentary evidence, produced by an appropriate third party, and with precise details about how the circumstances have rendered attendance at the block week not possible. Alternative modes of delivery will be provided to students with accepted mitigating circumstances, including access to all learning materials on the university’s VLE and to the ‘live’ sessions that will be specifically recorded for this purpose.

32 Assessment

The assessment strategies will include essay to assess knowledge and understanding of a topic, oral/poster presentations to assess presentation and communication skill, reports/portfolio of evidence from practical engagement and application of analytical tools. Completion of the research project will represent the primary form of assessment. This requires students to develop skills in research methodology and analysis and to critically engage with a diverse range of theories. Formal feedback on assessments will be provided via the university VLE and opportunities for informal feedback will be available via contact with the unit tutor. Both the formal and informal feedback will inform students of their level of achievement in unit learning outcomes and of their on-going learning. Feedback on the assignment will typically be within four working weeks, and will take the form of comments directly related to the Marking Criteria, as well as a set of detailed comments. Students have the opportunity to discuss their feedback in person with the unit tutor. In, at least, one of the timetabled face-to-face sessions (e.g. Webinar) in each unit, students will be asked to participate in a set exercise (for example, present an explanation of a key concept or produce a draft of an assignment) for timely formative feedback to take place. Further explicit formative assessment is used, in particular, to foster a supervisory relationship, for example in the development of a research proposal for the project. The methods overall further encourages students to reflect on their learning, and as a result become more effective, independent, confident, self-directed and active learners.

33 Inclusive Practice

The programme team follows university protocol for inclusive practice and to work together with student support services to identify the needs of individual students throughout their course of study and to ensure that required support is provided.

34 Technology Enhanced Learning


The programme is delivered via blended learning and designed to ensure that practical ‘hands on’

sessions are covered during the block week, and that other content, including recorded lectures and

webinars are delivered via Moodle (Manchester Met’s Virtual Learning Environment). The webinars

are designed to enable students to immerse themselves in current debates in respect to the unit

field of study.

35 Placement and/or Work-based Learning Activities

The programme will comply with the requirements for part time study and will relate the assessment requirements to the workplace.

There is no fieldwork or placement associated with the course

36 Engagement with Employers

Professionals who are likely to be attracted to the postgraduate course will have a diverse range of backgrounds. The programme team, hence, has engagement with professional training centres such as the Emotional Intelligence Academy (EIA) to inform curriculum development and relevance.

37 Personal Development Planning

PDP will be closely aligned with the programme learning outcomes, and will be an integral part of the programme, taking place in the main through the supervisory meetings.

SECTION E - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

38 Programme Specific Admission Requirements

Standard admission to postgraduate applies Students may apply for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) to articulate up to 90 credits into the MSc. The MSc may admit students who have previously completed a programme with the Emotional Intelligence Academy (EIA), and who will articulate 90 credits from that programme into the MSc. NB Minimum admission points for entry to the University are reviewed on an annual basis. For entry requirements refer to the current University on-line prospectus

39 Programme Specific Management Arrangements

The programme specific management of delivery by distance learning includes the following: 1. The Programme Leader will monitor the use of resources available for the programme

delivery and ensure that the unit tutors have taken opportunity of the support available and of the training Manchester Met provides for the delivery of distance learning materials.

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/docs/APL_policy.pdf

http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/


2. The Programme Leader will monitor the distance learning provision specifically to ensure

the provision of the learning materials and staff contact via the VLE in the event of staff absence and according to departmental procedures and policies

3. The Blended learning involving the block weeks on campus involves the Admissions Tutor with an additional duty to provide accepted students with information on arriving to, and studying at, the campus in the block weeks. This includes information on transport in Manchester, campus maps and places to eat and of interest nearby

NB: see guidance on University’s Management of Programme Delivery

40 Staff Responsibilities

Staff responsibilities outlined in the management of programme delivery apply

NB: the University’s Management of programme Delivery is available from the CASQE website

41 Programme Specific Academic Student Support

Generic academic student support is provided to all students in line with the guidance outlined in the University’s Student Handbook.

42 Programme Specific Student Evaluation

The Programme complies with current institutional evaluation guidance. NB University guidance on Evaluation of Student Opinion is available from the CASQE

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/docs/programme-management.pdf

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/regulations/docs/programme-management.pdf

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/students/

http://www.mmu.ac.uk/academic/casqe/experience/voice/docs/evaluation_of_opinion.pdf

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CASQE Programme Specification

SECTION F – MAPPING MAP I RELATIONSHIP TO SUBJECT BENCHMARK STATEMENT(S)

Map guide: Insert K to indicate Knowledge and Understanding Insert S to indicate Skills

Knowledge and Understanding Mapping (K)

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Skills

Mapping (S)

PL01 Linguistic and Psychological techniques and strategies underpinning interpersonal communication

K S

K S

K S

S K S

PL01 Analytical skills to become better “readers” of people and their communication

PL02 Linguistic and Psychological theory and principles to the investigation of emotions, credibility and deception

K

S

K

S

K

S

S

K

S

S

PL03 apply analytical skills to become better “readers”

PL04 Models of communication behaviours

K S

K S

K s

PL04 Assess validity & effectiveness of models in situational contexts and environments

PL05 Communication technology and information interactions models

K S

K S

PL06 Assess and evaluate influences and impacts

PL07 Research in the study of emotions, credibility and deception in communication

K S

K S

K S

K S

K S

PL07 Critique published research

S

S

S

S

S S

PL08 Research skills, independent research PL09-10 Professional practitioner


ASSESSMENT /OUTCOMES MAP MAP II Map guide: GO = Manchester Met Graduate Learning Outcomes (Section 23) PLO – Programme Learning Outcomes (Section 26) – add more lines as appropriate

insert as appropriate

Level 7

Cognitive behaviour in Communication

Emotions literacy and Credibility Detection

The Linguistics of Interpersonal Communication

Using Technology to Read People

Psychology of Interpersonal Communication (PIC) Digital Interactions Behaviour (DIB) Sociology of Interpersonal (SIC)

Research Project

Assignment task 1 3000 word equivalent Portfolio

Assignment task 2 Essay 3000 word

Assignment task 1 Reflective Report 3000 word

Assignment task 2 3000 word equivalent Portfolio

Assignment task 1 Essay 4000 word

Assignment task 1 Project 2000 word

Assignment PIC Report 3000word Assignment DIB Report 3000word Assignment SIC Report 3000word

GO 1 PIC, DIB, SIC

GO 2 PIC

GO 3 DIB, SIC

GO 4

GO 5 PIC

GO 6 PIC, DIB, SIC

GO 7 PIC, DIB, SIC

PLO 1 PIC

PLO 2 PIC

PLO 3 PIC

PLO 4 PIC, DIB, SIC

PLO 5 DIB, SIC

PLO 6 DIB, SIC

PLO 7 PIC, DIB, SIC

PLO8

PLO9

PLO10


SECTION G Approved Modifications to Programme Specification since Approval/Last Review The following log provides a cumulative of minor and major modifications made to the Programme Specification since its approval/last review.

FAQSC Reference (or PARM ref for Major Modifications requiring strategic approval)

Programme Specification Title (specify award titles/routes affected by change)

Brief Outline of Minor Modification/ Major Modification (Minor - include level & title of units & a brief description of modification) (Major - include details of change such as new routes, pathways etc)

Date of FAQSC Approval (or PARM event)

Approval effective from:

Details of cohort of students who will be affected by the modification (eg students entering Level 5 wef September 2014 onward)

06/12/2017 MSc CBCA


Minor modification – Changes to Programme Specification to reflect the 90-credit entry level for students articulating into Year 2 of the Msc from the Emotional Intelligence Academy. Amendment to the start date of the programme.

06/12/2017 01 September 2017 Students entering Level 7 from 01 September 2017 onwards.

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