Course Resources Archive

The module aims:

• To develop participants’ understanding of the elements that comprise academic practice in higher education and the way in which they relate to each other;
• To provide opportunities for participants to explore research into aspects of academic practice in higher education, including change management;
• To develop participants’ ability to undertake curriculum design, planning for research and project management activity;
• To enhance participants’ understanding of the theory and practice of quality assurance and enhancement in higher education.

This module allows participants to examine in depth aspects of academic practice including: strategic planning; the design, implementation and evaluation of high quality curricula at the level of the institution, the department or field and the individual; and the national policy and institutional systems for assuring and enhancing quality.  The module also focuses upon the development of human resources, in particular working with colleagues to facilitate the successful management of change for professional and / or personal development.  Finally the module requires participants to consider the individual management of academic practice as a whole, the balance of workload and the demands of different types of work from research, knowledge transfer, teaching, learning support to administration.  Particular consideration is given to the importance of taking responsibility for personal and professional development and the need to develop strategies for ensuring personal health and well-being in the workplace.

On successful completion of the module the participant should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of strategic planning for institutional development in higher education and an awareness of how this process may be undertaken;
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the national context within which curriculum design in higher education takes place including the role of HEFCE, DfES, QAA, professional bodies and subject associations;
• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of the nature of the curriculum and the theory and practice of curriculum design and development;
• Understand the theoretical underpinnings of assessment and evaluation as key elements within curricula and to be aware of the importance of constructive alignment in curriculum development;
• Articulate a critical understanding of change management in personal and professional development including an awareness of barriers to successful change in groups of colleagues, other individuals and themselves.

This module generates 200 hours of learning activity, comprised of a maximum of 30 hours contact time, independent study, professional practice and Learning Set activity.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.