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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


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio

o Literature review

o Reflective portfolio

o Project Report

3. Integrate complex

knowledge into a structure

professional report

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio


proposal


o Project Report

4. Critically evaluate current

literature appropriate to

research discipline

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio


proposal


o Paper Review

o Project Report

5. Apply a comprehensive

understanding of the

analytical approach to new

scientific problems

LSC-40045


Report

o Project Report

6. Manage practical project

work effectively

LSC-40045


o Project Report

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Report

7. Use scientific research

principles to develop

research questions, or

hypotheses

LSC-40045


Report


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


Report

o Project Report

9. Report the results of an

empirical study, applying

appropriate skills of

presentation, interpretation

and discussion of findings.

LSC-40045


Report

o Project Report

10. Acquire independent

laboratory competencies

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio

o Project Report

11. Evaluate complex

scientific data

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio


o Project Report

12. Demonstrate self-

direction and dedication to

independent learning

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044



proposal

o Oral presentation

o Literature review


o Project Report

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Training Portfolio

13. Demonstrate effective

time management and work

to deadlines

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio


proposal

o Oral presentation

o Literature review


o Project Report

14. Act autonomously in

implementing and managing

academic activities

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio


proposal

o Oral presentation

o Literature review


o Project Report

15. Demonstrate innovation

and originality in the

understanding and

application of new

knowledge

LSC 40043


Skills

LSC-40045


Report

LSC-40044


Training Portfolio


proposal


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.

http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/li/

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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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