Module POLM014M for 2017/8
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM014M: MPA Applied Studies (MPA with Applied Studies ONLY)
This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introductory induction session for whole class
- Fortnightly seminars & lectures with the module co-ordinator in term 1 covering topics such as evaluation, research methods in public administration, evidence-based policy, lesson drawing and policy transfer.
- Fortnightly supervision meetings for employer report with module coordinator in term 2;
- Organised visits to local public and non-profit institutions;
- Talks by guest speakers on topics relating to public administration;
- Work placements/ policy analysis activity on public or non-profit organisations
- Review class for the whole group at the end of the module: discussion and appraisal
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 540 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | 10 hours whole class seminars/ lectures (5 x 2 hours term 1) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 10 | 10 hours group/ individual supervisory meetings (5 x 2 hours term 2) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | 10 hours guest lectures (5 x 2 hours over terms 1 & 2) |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 12 | 3 x half day institutional visits |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 18 | Work placement/ policy analysis activity |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Preparation for seminars including reading & note taking |
| Guided Independent study | 40 | Writing reflective logs |
| Guided Independent study | 10 | Preparation for formative presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | 15 | Preparation for supervision |
| Guided Independent Study | 380 | Production of report, including reading, research, drafting & editing |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Preparation for/ follow-up from institutional visits/ placements |
| Guided Independent Study | 15 | Preparation for summative presentation including audio-visual materials |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
Indicative web based resources e.g. ELE:
The module will be supported by ELE materials, including the reflective learning log
Other Learning Resources
Websites and literature produced by the various institutions visited
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Feedback on Reflective Learning Log as it progresses during terms 1 & 2 | 300 words (1 log entry per seminar) | 1-9 | Oral in class (including peer feedback) |
| Student presentations of report topic & plan | 15 minutes | 1-9 | Oral in class (including peer feedback) |
| Feedback on report drafts | 2,000 words draft chapters | 1,2,6,7, 8,9,10 | Oral in person during supervision |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 0 | 15 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 60 | 10,000 words | 1,2,6,7, 8,9,10 | Written |
| Final Reflective Learning Log | 25 | 3,000 words | 1-10, 12 | Written feedback upon completion |
| Presentation of report | 15 | 20 minutes | 1-9,11 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Report (10,000 words) | 1,2,6,7, 8,9,10 | August/September reassessment period |
| Final Reflective Learning Log | Reflective Learning Log (3,000 words) | 1-10,12 | August/September reassessment period |
| Presentation of report | Individual Presentation (20 minutes) | 1-9,11 | August/September reassessment period |
