Masters Degrees (Quality Management)

This online course provides a broad practical knowledge in the field of quality management providing graduates with the capability to apply these concepts in a work environment.

Our MSc will provide you with a comprehensive understanding and focuses on Total Quality Management (TQM), strategic quality management, performance management and quality improvement alongside relevant tools, techniques, models and frameworks.

It is suitable for professionals who wish to develop knowledge, understanding and business management skills in the fields of quality management and business improvement.

It will also appeal to those with an undergraduate degree who want to build career within quality management and to existing practitioners who need to enhance and develop their knowledge, competencies, understanding and quality management skills to progress within the profession.

The course is delivered online and is studied part-time over 3 years.

Visit the website https://www.rgu.ac.uk/business-management-and-accounting/study-options/distance-and-flexible-learning/quality-management

Course detail

The course comprises a range of specialist subject areas focusing on Quality Systems, Quality Improvement and Management Development. These key areas will help an organisation with the areas of quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and continuous improvement.

•Quality Systems: Those which help organisations deliver products and services. These provide a practical guide for managing, designing, implementing and assessing to meet quality standards.

•Quality Improvement: This is concerned with the tools and techniques that help organisations improve in all aspects of their product/ service offerings and processes, providing a toolkit of improvement mechanisms for use in the work environment.

•Management Development: Through a focus on a strategically important aspect of your organisation, you will learn to analyse risk at a strategic and operational level and identify suitable controls to eliminate, reduce or transfer such risks.

Stage 1

•Supply Chain Management
•Finance for managers
•Operations Management
•Safety, Health & Environmental Risk Management

Exit Award: PgCert Quality Management

Stage 2

•Performance Planning and Decision Making
•Quality, Environmental and Sustainable Management Systems
•Quality Management and Excellence Models
•Research Methods

Exit Award: PgDip Quality Management

Stage 3

•Dissertation

Award: MSc Quality Management

How you will learn

This course is delivered via our online virtual learning environment (Campus Moodle) allowing you to interact effectively with lectures and colleagues alongside accessing a wide variety of online resources. Our online resources and databases are very extensive with up to date research collections and materials. Our online study approach simulates the traditional classroom environment. Course materials will be made available on Moodle for you to access and study including e-engaging and e-discussion with lecturers and other online participants.

You will be working on both individual and group-based activities as well as case study based assignments. Interactivity is a key component in this course and has been specifically designed to accommodate busy professionals who want flexibility in their study. The course is delivered through a variety of online technologies like discussion forums, online materials, online tutorials, online activity work, online practical work (client based case study), student-centred learning and private study. This online study model has been proven very successful for our participants and also the value and benefit gained by completing this course.

Our Distance Learning Model

Our supported distance learning mode of delivery allows you to study online from any location and is designed to fit in around your work commitments. You will be taught and supported by experienced academics and industry professionals who will recreate the same challenging interactive format of the on-campus courses for those studying at a distance.

Our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle offers students flexibility of where and when they can study, offering full and open access to tutors and other class members. Students have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides students with lectures and course materials and it also includes:

•Virtual tutorials
•Live chat
•Discussion forums, blogs and chats - student and tutor led
•Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
•User friendly material
•Access to our online library

As online learners, students are part of a 'virtual cohort' and the communication and interaction amongst members of the cohort is a significant aspect of the learning process.

Placements and accreditations

This Masters in Quality Management is accepted by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) - formerly the Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA) - as part of the academic entry requirements for full CQI membership. Acceptance of our MSc Quality Management with the Institute is evidence that this course is committed to maintaining high standards of professional skill, ability and integrity of our learners and participants including meeting wide range of industry demands in quality management approaches.

The acceptance of this course by the CQI also demonstrates that you will acquire the necessary knowledge, competencies and skills to match these requirements and to gain recognition within the sector. The structure of the course allows you to gain the skills and knowledge which are applicable to a variety of different sectors, enabling you to enter your chosen industry with the necessary qualifications. This course is accepted as part of qualification route to full CQI Membership (MCQP).

Careers

Quality management is a skill which is sought after by industry globally and this course will equip you with the knowledge and expertise for a career as a leading quality professional. This course is designed to enhance your knowledge of Total Quality Management (TQM). This knowledge will enable you to add value to an organisation, in terms of developing and influencing strategy whilst understanding processes, performance measurement techniques and benefits management.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in a variety of industry sectors. These include energy, charity, pharmaceutical, and mining in roles such as-
• quality manager
• reliability manager
• project quality controller
• quality auditor
• technical inspector
• quality planner

How to apply

To find out how to apply, use the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline

Funding

For information on funding, including loans, scholarships and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) please click the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/financial-support/uk-students/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-students/

Read less

Why take this course?

This course is suitable for graduates wishing to build a professional career in Quality and Business Improvement, as well as experienced professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and business management and skills in Quality and Business Improvement. It will lead to an advanced qualification that will support your practical industry knowledge and experience.

Our MSc Strategic Quality Management has been adopted by Hewlett Packard (HP) since 2010 to build on its Lean Sigma Black Belt training for specially selected staff. It provides an academic dimension which encourages strategic thinking and critical awareness leading to more effective and sustainable improvement solutions. HP has reported significant benefits and major financial returns. This annual arrangement has also benefited the University with current practice within the technology sector feeding into the course.

What will I experience?

You will be introduced to a broad range of current theory and best practices covering operational, functional and strategic quality management. Critical thinking and self-directed study are important aspects of working at postgraduate level and the programme includes practical ways to deepen existing skills, which can be applied in both academic and business settings.

The course provides you with a deep understanding of quality and its role in the organisation together with techniques to enable you to make a significant contribution to an organisation’s strategic vision for success. It will also help you in the effective implementation of policies to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement. You will be working with academically qualified and enthusiastic staff with research and consultancy experience and links with industry.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The course provides you with quality, organisational and people management skills, and techniques to enable you to make a significant contribution to an organisation’s strategic visions for success. It will also enable you to make an effective contribution to the implementation of policies in order to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement.

Our graduates are in employment in quality management roles, operations management, training and development, and auditing and business process improvement.

Portsmouth Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM),) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF). On completion of the course, students are able to use their MSc qualification as part of their portfolio of evidence to apply for individual membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).

Module Details

The course is very flexible. You can either study full-time or part-time in Portsmouth in a classroom environment.

This well-established course comprises four units followed by a dissertation:

Business Transformation through Quality Management introduces you to the fundamental concepts of Total Quality Management and Organisational Behaviour, focusing on the application of these concepts in the organisation. It includes driving a culture of continuous improvement and managing change.

Quantitative and Research Methods evaluates concepts of quantitative methods and the application of specialist statistics to aid decision-making within organisations. It also covers the theory and application of research methodologies to support organisational improvement activities. These skills are further developed in the dissertation.

Business Operations – the Quality Management Perspective will give you knowledge of business systems for quality planning, quality standards and the benefits accruing from integrated management systems and their application in the workplace to generate organisational efficiencies. It shows you how tools such as SERVQUAL, FMEA, QFD and Benchmarking can help evaluate how an organisation is performing against their strategic vision and goals.

Strategic Organisational Excellence looks at the links between concepts of excellence (as used by EFQM and other excellence models) and their use in the strategic management of an organisation. It explores issues raised by variations in culture and sector, both within the organisation and in its relationships with its stakeholders. It will also introduce you to Corporate Social Responsibility and Quality in the Supply Chain.

The Dissertation provides the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to identify, design, plan and undertake research and effectively communicate your findings in an individual research project. Your dissertation will focus on a specific quality management issue of your choice, which may relate to a work situation. You will receive one to one supervision during the dissertation.

Programme Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and work based assignments. Classes are also interactive with the use of case studies and invited speakers. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) further supports student study by hosting a range of activities and resources online. There will be staff-led online tutorials with other students for distance learning. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from University Tutors.

Performance in all units is assessed by means of coursework. The assessment comprises a mixture of individual and group work assessments, case study analyses and reports, essays and presentations. Individual and generic feedback is provided for all assessments.

Student Destinations

The aim of this course is to enable you to improve performance at a professional and organisational level. In turn, this should boost your own career prospects by helping you to take the next step up the managerial ladder.

Our previous graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of roles in the Public and Private sectors including quality manager/director, quality engineer, quality adviser, quality analyst, quality consultant, quality environmental and health and safety manager, amongst others.

On successful completion of the course you are eligible to apply for Associate and Practitioner membership of the Chartered Quality Institute. You also may qualify for Chartered Quality Professional status through the qualification route, subject to satisfying the work experience criteria - at least five years' quality management or systems experience, two of which should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity (including the management of people, processes or systems).

Read less

MSc Food Quality Management

The MSc Food Quality Management programme offers an integrated approach to the study and assessment of quality processes in the agrifood chain through an exclusively developed techno-managerial approach. The whole supply chain is studied from the primary sector to the final consumer. Food, flowers and cattle are also discussed.

Programme summary

Food quality management assures the health and safety of food and other perishable products (e.g. flowers) and has become increasingly important in today’s society, this is due to changing consumer requirements, increasing competition, environmental issues and governmental interests. This has resulted in a turbulent situation on the food market and in the agro-food production chain. The situation is further complicated by the complex characteristics of food and food ingredients, which include aspects such as variability, restricted shelf life and potential safety hazards; as well as many chemical, biochemical, physical and microbiological processes. To face this challenge, continuous improvement in food quality management methods is required wherever knowledge of modern technologies and management methods plays a crucial role.

Quality issues in food and other perishable products are generally tackled using either a technological or a managerial approach. At Wageningen, a concept has been developed that combines both aspects. This ‘technomanagerial’ approach forms the basis of the Food Quality Management programme. It provides a comprehensive and structured overview of quality management for predicting food systems’ behaviour and generating adequate improvements in these systems from a food chain perspective.

The programme prepares graduates to understand and work together with the different players in the food industry (management, Research & Development) in order to ensure high quality products.

Specialisations

You will combine Food Quality Management courses with several courses based on your educational background and interest. These courses can be in fields of food technology (e.g. product design, process design), food safety (e.g. food safety management, microbiology), management (e.g. case studies management, entrepreneurship) or logistics (e.g. food logistics management, supply chain management). The programme is thesis oriented and tailor-made to your specific interests. The thesis and internship in the second year of the programme are carried out in cooperation with the food industry.

Your future career

Graduates from this programme will be experts in the field of food quality management and can enter careers in agribusiness, research and public administration:
• Typical positions include quality assurance manager (responsible for the quality of the ingredients for a specific product).
• Designer/specialist (working on the quality aspects of fresh products in the development process), advisor/consultant (advising companies on certification).
• Researcher (studying the improvement of existing quality assurance systems in the food industry).

Student Tasioudis Dimitrios.
"It was my desire to combine my scientific background with management studies that resulted in my decision to do the Master Food Quality Management. The master gives you a useful tool in understanding the meaning of every result in a real life situation and enables you to select the best solutions to tackle specific problems. Wageningen University is a great university where science flourishes and research is of utmost importance. It is the ideal environment to gain knowledge and to accomplish your goals."

Related programmes:
MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies
MSc Food Technology
MSc Food Safety

Read less

Why take this course?

This course is suitable for graduates wishing to build a professional career in Quality and Business Improvement, as well as experienced professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and business management and skills in Quality and Business Improvement. It will lead to an advanced qualification that will support your practical industry knowledge and experience.

Our MSc Strategic Quality Management has been adopted by Hewlett Packard (HP) since 2010 to build on its Lean Sigma Black Belt training for specially selected staff. It provides an academic dimension which encourages strategic thinking and critical awareness leading to more effective and sustainable improvement solutions. HP has reported significant benefits and major financial returns. This annual arrangement has also benefited the University with current practice within the technology sector feeding into the course.

What will I experience?

You will be introduced to a broad range of current theory and best practices covering operational, functional and strategic quality management. Critical thinking and self-directed study are important aspects of working at postgraduate level and the programme includes practical ways to deepen existing skills, which can be applied in both academic and business settings.

The course provides you with a deep understanding of quality and its role in the organisation together with techniques to enable you to make a significant contribution to an organisation’s strategic vision for success. It will also help you in the effective implementation of policies to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement. You will be working with academically qualified and enthusiastic staff with research and consultancy experience and links with industry.

If you are studying by distance learning resources for the course are available via the university’s intranet online learning system – you will need a fast, reliable Internet connection. To facilitate your study, you will be able to join in web-based interactive sessions with lecturers and other students and our University Library has extensive online resources that can be accessed via the internet at any time.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The course provides you with quality, organisational and people management skills, and techniques to enable you to make a significant contribution to an organisation’s strategic visions for success. It will also enable you to make an effective contribution to the implementation of policies in order to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement.

Our graduates are in employment in quality management roles, operations management, training and development, and auditing and business process improvement.

Portsmouth Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM),) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF). On completion of the course, students are able to use their MSc qualification as part of their portfolio of evidence to apply for individual membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).

Module Details

This well-established course comprises four units followed by a dissertation:

Business Transformation through Quality Management introduces you to the fundamental concepts of Total Quality Management and Organisational Behaviour, focusing on the application of these concepts in the organisation. It includes driving a culture of continuous improvement and managing change.

Quantitative and Research Methods evaluates concepts of quantitative methods and the application of specialist statistics to aid decision-making within organisations.

Business Operations – the Quality Management Perspective will give you knowledge of business systems for quality planning, quality standards and the benefits accruing from integrated management systems and their application in the workplace to generate organisational efficiencies. It shows you how tools such as SERVQUAL, FMEA, QFD and Benchmarking can help evaluate how an organisation is performing against their strategic vision and goals.

Strategic Organisational Excellence looks at the links between concepts of excellence (as used by EFQM and other excellence models) and their use in the strategic management of an organisation. It explores issues raised by variations in culture and sector, both within the organisation and in its relationships with its stakeholders. It will also introduce you to Corporate Social Responsibility and Quality in the Supply Chain.

The Dissertation provides the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to identify, design, plan and undertake research and effectively communicate your findings in an individual research project. Your dissertation will focus on a specific quality management issue of your choice, which may relate to a work situation. You will receive one to one supervision during the dissertation.

Programme Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and work based assignments. Classes are also interactive with the use of case studies and invited speakers. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) further supports student study by hosting a range of activities and resources online. There will be staff-led online tutorials with other students for distance learning. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from University Tutors.

Performance in all units is assessed by means of coursework. The assessment comprises a mixture of individual and group work assessments, case study analyses and reports, essays and presentations. Individual and generic feedback is provided for all assessments.

Student Destinations

The aim of this course is to enable you to improve performance at a professional and organisational level. In turn, this should boost your own career prospects by helping you to take the next step up the managerial ladder.

Our previous graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of roles in the Public and Private sectors including quality manager/director, quality engineer, quality adviser, quality analyst, quality consultant, quality environmental and health and safety manager, amongst others.

On successful completion of the course you are eligible to apply for Associate and Practitioner membership of the Chartered Quality Institute. You also may qualify for Chartered Quality Professional status through the qualification route, subject to satisfying the work experience criteria - at least five years' quality management or systems experience, two of which should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity (including the management of people, processes or systems).

Read less

Why take this course?

This course is suitable for graduates wishing to build a professional career in Quality and Business Improvement, as well as experienced professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and business management and skills in Quality and Business Improvement. It will lead to an advanced qualification that will support your practical industry knowledge and experience.

The course can be studied through campus-based or distance learning and is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma and a Masters.

What will I experience?

You will be introduced to a broad range of current theory and best practices covering operational, functional and strategic quality management. Critical thinking and self-directed study are important aspects of working at postgraduate level and the programme includes practical ways to deepen existing skills which can be applied in both academic and business settings.

You will be working with academically qualified and enthusiastic staff with research and consultancy experience and links with industry.

For distance learning, resources for the course are available through the University’s online learning system – you will need a fast, reliable internet connection. To facilitate your study, you will join in web-based interactive sessions with lecturers and other students and our University Library has extensive online resources that can be accessed online at any time.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The course provides you with a deep understanding of quality and its role in the organisation together with techniques to enable you to make a significant contribution to an organisation's stategic vision for success. It will also help you in the effective implementation of policies in order to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement.

Our graduates are in employment in quality management roles, operations management, training and development, and auditing and business process improvement.

Portsmouth Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM),) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF). On completion of the course, students are able to use their qualification as part of their portfolio of evidence to apply for individual membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).

Module Details

Our course is very flexible. You can study part-time in Portsmouth in a classroom environment or by distance learning, supported by thorough online resources. For study by distance learning, you can complete the postgraduate certificate in one year part time distance learning and the Master’s in a little over two years.

This is a well-established course. The Master’s comprises four units followed by a dissertation; the Postgraduate Certificate comprises two units:

Business Transformation through Quality Management introduces you to the fundamental concepts of Total Quality Management and Organisational Behaviour, focusing on the application of these concepts in the organisation. It includes driving a culture of continuous improvement and managing change.

Business Operations – the Quality Management Perspective will give you knowledge of business systems for quality planning, quality standards and the benefits accruing from integrated management systems and their application in the workplace to generate organisational efficiencies. It shows you how tools such as SERVQUAL, FMEA, QFD and Benchmarking can help evaluate how an organisation is performing against their strategic vision and goals.

Programme Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and work based assignments. Classes are interactive with the use of case studies and invited speakers. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) further supports student study by hosting a range of activities and resources. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from University Tutors.

For distance learning, you will benefit from comprehensive learning materials including online video, audio and written resources. There will also be staff-led online tutorials with other distance learning students. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from university tutors.

Performance in all units is assessed by means of coursework. The assessment comprises a mixture of individual assessments such as case study analysis and reports and essays. Individual and generic feedback is provided for all assessments.

Student Destinations

The aim of this course is to enable you to improve performance at a professional and organisational level. In turn, this should boost your own career prospects by helping you to take the next step up the managerial ladder.

Our previous graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of roles in the Public and Private sectors including quality manager/director, quality engineer, quality adviser, quality analyst, quality consultant, quality environmental and health and safety manager, amongst others.

On successful completion of the course you are eligible to apply for Associate and Practitioner membership of the Chartered Quality Institute. You also may qualify for Chartered Quality Professional status through the qualification route, subject to satisfying the work experience criteria - at least five years' quality management or systems experience, two of which should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity (including the management of people, processes or systems).

Read less

Why take this course?

This course is ideal for graduates wishing to build a professional career in Quality and Business Improvement, as well as experienced professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and business management skills in Quality and Business Improvement. It will lead to an advanced qualification that will support your practical industry knowledge and experience.

The programme is taught part time over two years (both campus-based and distance learning) and is also available as a Postgraduate Certificate or Masters. Find out more about this course, our facilities and generous scholarships by attending one of our regular open evenings where you can meet teaching staff and current students. Alternatively, join our next online SQM information session.

What will I experience?

A broad range of current theory and best practices covering operational, functional and strategic quality management.
Critical thinking and self-directed study are important aspects of working at postgraduate level and the programme includes practical ways to apply in both academic and business settings.
Learn from staff with a research background and consultancy experience, including links with industry.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The course provides you with a deep understanding of quality and its role in the organisation. You will learn techniques to make a significant contribution to an organisation's strategic vision for success. It will also help you in the effective implementation of policies in order to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement.

Our graduates are in employment in:

Quality management roles
Operations management
Training and development
Auditing and business process improvement.

Portsmouth Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF). On completion of the course, you will be able to use your qualification as part of your portfolio of evidence to apply for individual membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).

Module Details

Our course is very flexible. You can study part time in Portsmouth in a classroom environment or by distance learning, supported by thorough online resources.

The postgraduate diploma comprises four units:

Business Transformation through Quality Management introduces you to the fundamental concepts of Total Quality Management and Organisational Behaviour, focusing on the application of these concepts in the organisation. It includes driving a culture of continuous improvement and managing change.

Business Operations – the Quality Management Perspective will give you knowledge of business systems for quality planning, quality standards and the benefits accruing from integrated management systems and their application in the workplace to generate organisational efficiencies. It shows you how tools such as SERVQUAL, FMEA, QFD and Benchmarking can help evaluate how an organisation is performing against their strategic vision and goals.

Strategic Organisational Excellence looks at the links between concepts of excellence (as used by EFQM and other excellence models) and their use in the strategic management of an organisation. It explores issues raised by variations in culture and sector, both within the organisation and in its relationships with its stakeholders. It will also introduce you to Corporate Social Responsibility and Quality in the Supply Chain.

Quantitative and Research Methods evaluates concepts of quantitative methods and the application of specialist statistics to aid decision-making within organisations. It also covers the theory and application of research methodologies to support organisational improvement activities.

Programme Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and work-based assignments. Classes are interactive with the use of case studies and invited speakers. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) further supports your studies by hosting a range of activities and resources. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from University Tutors.

Performance in all units is assessed by coursework. The assessment comprises a mixture of individual and group work assessments, case study analysis, reports, essays and presentations. Individual and generic feedback is provided for all assessments.

Student Destinations

This course will improve performance at a professional and organisational level. In turn, it will boost your own career prospects by helping you to take the next step up the managerial ladder.

Our previous graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of roles in the Public and Private sectors including quality manager/director, quality engineer, quality adviser, quality analyst, quality consultant, quality environmental and health and safety manager, amongst others.

On successful completion of the course you are eligible to apply for Associate and Practitioner membership of the Chartered Quality Institute. You also may qualify for Chartered Quality Professional status through the qualification route, subject to satisfying the work experience criteria - at least five years' quality management or systems experience, two of which should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity (including the management of people, processes or systems).

Read less

Why take this course?

This course is suitable for graduates wishing to build a professional career in Quality and Business Improvement, as well as experienced professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and business management and skills in Quality and Business Improvement. It will lead to an advanced qualification that will support your practical industry knowledge and experience.

The course can be studied through campus-based or distance learning and is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma and a Masters.

What will I experience?

You will be introduced to a broad range of current theory and best practices covering operational, functional and strategic quality management. Critical thinking and self-directed study are important aspects of working at postgraduate level and the programme includes practical ways to deepen existing skills which can be applied in both academic and business settings.

You will be working with academically qualified and enthusiastic staff with research and consultancy experience and links with industry.

For distance learning, resources for the course are available through the University’s online learning system – you will need a fast, reliable internet connection. To facilitate your study, you will join in web-based interactive sessions with lecturers and other students and our University Library has extensive online resources that can be accessed online at any time.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The course provides you with a deep understanding of quality and its role in the organisation together with techniques to enable you to make a significant contribution to an organisation's stategic vision for success. It will also help you in the effective implementation of policies in order to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement.

Our graduates are in employment in quality management roles, operations management, training and development, and auditing and business process improvement.

Portsmouth Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM),) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF). On completion of the course, students are able to use their qualification as part of their portfolio of evidence to apply for individual membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).

Module Details

Our course is very flexible. You can study part-time in Portsmouth in a classroom environment or by distance learning, supported by thorough online resources. For study by distance learning, you can complete the postgraduate certificate in one year part time distance learning and the Master’s in a little over two years.

This is a well-established course. The Master’s comprises four units followed by a dissertation; the Postgraduate Certificate comprises two units:

Business Transformation through Quality Management introduces you to the fundamental concepts of Total Quality Management and Organisational Behaviour, focusing on the application of these concepts in the organisation. It includes driving a culture of continuous improvement and managing change.

Business Operations – the Quality Management Perspective will give you knowledge of business systems for quality planning, quality standards and the benefits accruing from integrated management systems and their application in the workplace to generate organisational efficiencies. It shows you how tools such as SERVQUAL, FMEA, QFD and Benchmarking can help evaluate how an organisation is performing against their strategic vision and goals.

Programme Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and work based assignments. Classes are interactive with the use of case studies and invited speakers. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) further supports student study by hosting a range of activities and resources. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from University Tutors.

For distance learning, you will benefit from comprehensive learning materials including online video, audio and written resources. There will also be staff-led online tutorials with other distance learning students. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from university tutors.

Performance in all units is assessed by means of coursework. The assessment comprises a mixture of individual assessments such as case study analysis and reports and essays. Individual and generic feedback is provided for all assessments.

Student Destinations

The aim of this course is to enable you to improve performance at a professional and organisational level. In turn, this should boost your own career prospects by helping you to take the next step up the managerial ladder.

Our previous graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of roles in the Public and Private sectors including quality manager/director, quality engineer, quality adviser, quality analyst, quality consultant, quality environmental and health and safety manager, amongst others.

On successful completion of the course you are eligible to apply for Associate and Practitioner membership of the Chartered Quality Institute. You also may qualify for Chartered Quality Professional status through the qualification route, subject to satisfying the work experience criteria - at least five years' quality management or systems experience, two of which should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity (including the management of people, processes or systems).

Read less

Why take this course?

This course is ideal for graduates wishing to build a professional career in Quality and Business Improvement, as well as experienced professionals who want to develop knowledge, understanding and business management skills in Quality and Business Improvement. It will lead to an advanced qualification that will support your practical industry knowledge and experience.

The programme is taught part time over two years (both campus-based and distance learning) and is also available as a Postgraduate Certificate or Masters. Find out more about this course, our facilities and generous scholarships by attending one of our regular open evenings where you can meet teaching staff and current students. Alternatively, join our next online SQM information session.

What will I experience?

A broad range of current theory and best practices covering operational, functional and strategic quality management.
Critical thinking and self-directed study are important aspects of working at postgraduate level and the programme includes practical ways to apply in both academic and business settings.
Learn from staff with a research background and consultancy experience, including links with industry.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The course provides you with a deep understanding of quality and its role in the organisation. You will learn techniques to make a significant contribution to an organisation's strategic vision for success. It will also help you in the effective implementation of policies in order to achieve customer focus and continuous improvement.

Our graduates are in employment in:

Quality management roles
Operations management
Training and development
Auditing and business process improvement.

Portsmouth Business School is a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and the British Quality Foundation (BQF). On completion of the course, you will be able to use your qualification as part of your portfolio of evidence to apply for individual membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).

Module Details

Our course is very flexible. You can study part time in Portsmouth in a classroom environment or by distance learning, supported by thorough online resources.

The postgraduate diploma comprises four units:

Business Transformation through Quality Management introduces you to the fundamental concepts of Total Quality Management and Organisational Behaviour, focusing on the application of these concepts in the organisation. It includes driving a culture of continuous improvement and managing change.

Business Operations – the Quality Management Perspective will give you knowledge of business systems for quality planning, quality standards and the benefits accruing from integrated management systems and their application in the workplace to generate organisational efficiencies. It shows you how tools such as SERVQUAL, FMEA, QFD and Benchmarking can help evaluate how an organisation is performing against their strategic vision and goals.

Strategic Organisational Excellence looks at the links between concepts of excellence (as used by EFQM and other excellence models) and their use in the strategic management of an organisation. It explores issues raised by variations in culture and sector, both within the organisation and in its relationships with its stakeholders. It will also introduce you to Corporate Social Responsibility and Quality in the Supply Chain.

Quantitative and Research Methods evaluates concepts of quantitative methods and the application of specialist statistics to aid decision-making within organisations. It also covers the theory and application of research methodologies to support organisational improvement activities.

Programme Assessment

The course uses a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and work-based assignments. Classes are interactive with the use of case studies and invited speakers. The University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) further supports your studies by hosting a range of activities and resources. We encourage and develop critical thinking and self-directed study, with academic support from University Tutors.

Performance in all units is assessed by coursework. The assessment comprises a mixture of individual and group work assessments, case study analysis, reports, essays and presentations. Individual and generic feedback is provided for all assessments.

Student Destinations

This course will improve performance at a professional and organisational level. In turn, it will boost your own career prospects by helping you to take the next step up the managerial ladder.

Our previous graduates have gone on to undertake a variety of roles in the Public and Private sectors including quality manager/director, quality engineer, quality adviser, quality analyst, quality consultant, quality environmental and health and safety manager, amongst others.

On successful completion of the course you are eligible to apply for Associate and Practitioner membership of the Chartered Quality Institute. You also may qualify for Chartered Quality Professional status through the qualification route, subject to satisfying the work experience criteria - at least five years' quality management or systems experience, two of which should be in a managerial or supervisory capacity (including the management of people, processes or systems).

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This programme will help broaden your horizons and give your studies a global outlook. The dual award, which offers practical experience, builds on the Postgraduate Diploma Quality Management at UWS (see page 164) with additional study at University of Angers, France.

About the programme

Quality Management is the application of specialised managerial and technological skills to achieve the desired quality at a minimum cost. It also addresses strategic quality issues and leadership in establishing a total quality ethos which focuses on achieving customer satisfaction.

Our close links with commerce and industry ensure the programme reflects the latest in quality thinking and techniques, and our laboratories have industry-standard equipment. It will enhance your understanding of modern developments within the global field of quality.

This dual award programme is the same as the MSc Quality Management (see page 164) but with additional study at the University of Angers in France. Funding options are available for the period of study in France. At the end of the programme you will receive two Masters; MSc Quality Management (International) from UWS, and MSc ISMP (Ingénierie des Systèmes et Management de Project) from University of Angers. Classes in France are taught in French but you can sit exams and assignments in English.

Your learning

MSc Quality Management (International) Postgraduate Diploma
• Operations and Project Management
• Interpersonal Skills and Change Management (10 point module)
• Research Design and Methods (10 point module)

plus one from:
• Service Quality
or
• Reliability and Experimental Design for Industry

MSc ISMP
You will also study:
• Formation Générale
• Management de projet
• Qualité Logiciel

MSc

Upon successful completion of the taught modules listed above you will undertake the MSc research project, which can be carried out within industry in Scotland or France.

Our Careers Adviser says

Graduates seek employment as quality or continuous improvement managers in various organisations including manufacturing, electronics, engineering, public sector and service organisations.

First-class facilities

Get the hands on experience you need to succeed. We have excellent specialist facilities which support our research students and staff. These include an advanced chemical analysis lab: with state-of-theart chemical analysis for isotopic and elemental analysis at trace concentrations using ICPMS/OES and the identification of organic compounds using LCMS; and the Spatial and Pattern Analysis (SPAR) lab: providing high specification workstations, geographical information system (GIS) software, geochemical and image processing facilities to support data management in science research.

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We designed this course for professional managers who wish to develop their career in total quality management and organisational excellence.

Flexible attendance allows you to fit your study round your personal commitments, providing you complete stage one in three years and all three stages in six years.

The course is suitable for you if you are

• employed in quality improvement
• seeking up-to-date knowledge of the methods, principles and practice of total quality management and organisational excellence
• responsible for setting up total quality management projects
• working closely with senior colleagues and others to carry out total quality initiatives

It is a practical course which builds on your personal management and development skills, which bring significant benefits for your organisation.

If you successfully complete this course, you can apply for full membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and become a Chartered Quality Professional (CQP). CQP status is the gold standard for the quality profession.

You can upgrade your membership from member to fellow and are exempt from modules D1 and D2 of the current CQI diploma.

You can also gain continuing professional development status if you have met the requirements for CQI member or fellow and actively participate in the CQI's scheme for continuing professional development.

Opportunities are available for MPhil/PhD research in areas of total quality management and organisational excellence.

Professional recognition

If you successfully complete this course you can apply for full membership of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) 

Course structure

Distance learning – typically two years, including three weekend study schools and a one day induction seminar held in Sheffield 

Core modules – stage one

• Fundamentals of quality
• Process and service improvement

Core modules – stage two

• Statistical process control and 6 sigma
• Managing change and innovation

Options

• Supply chain management and partnering
• Performance measurement
• Training on the EFQM excellence model 

Core modules – stage three

• Research methods
• Dissertation

Assessment

100% course work

Employability

By reflecting on previous and current experience in the quality field, you complete a professionally relevant masters degree that significantly improves your career prospects.

Previous graduates have found employment in companies and organisations such as • Rolls Royce • the NHS • Lloyds TSB • CSC Computer Sciences Corporation • Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Group.

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**Accredited by the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), the leading qualifying body for food professionals in Europe.**

This programme provides graduates with an insight into measures that are required to provide a supply of safe and wholesome food to consumers globally. A wide spectrum of food safety and quality management issues are addressed following the farm to fork approach.

Topics covered include: good governance and national control systems; food inspection and testing services; legislation and private standards; and management of food safety and quality within the supply chain as well as in hotels and restaurants.

Students also acquire a knowledge of the design and management of safety and quality management systems based upon risk analysis, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 9001:2008 designed to meet the requirements of national and international legislation and private standards. Students sit the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing and are also given membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Individual courses are offered on a stand-alone basis. These are attended by professionals working in the food industry. Lectures are also delivered by experts currently working in the food sector. This gives our postgraduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn from a range of practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to apply for short placements in the food sector, which provides them with the all important experience that they need to demonstrate when applying for jobs.

The aims of the programme are:

- To prepare graduates for careers in the national and international food chain, e.g. food businesses, consultancy, research and development

- To equip graduates with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability

- To enrich graduates understanding of the dynamics of food safety and quality management systems and the context under which they operate at national and international levels.

Visit the website http://www.gre.ac.uk/pg/engsci/foodsaf

Food and Agricultural Sciences

The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) has an internationally-recognised academic reputation and provides taught postgraduate courses in a wonderful environment for students.

NRI provide research, consultancy, training and advisory services to underpin sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction. The majority of our activities focus on the harnessing of natural and human capital for the benefit of developing countries, though much of our expertise has proved to be of growing relevance to industrialised nations.

What you'll study

- Food Safety (30 credits)
- Food Safety and Quality Management (30 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Research Project (MSc only) (60 credits)
- Two or three optional courses chosen from a range of themes running across the programme (45 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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This programme provides graduates with an insight into measures that are required to provide a supply of safe and wholesome food to consumers globally. A wide spectrum of food safety and quality management issues are addressed following the farm to fork approach.

Students aquire a knowledge of the technical and economic principles involved in the handling and storage of both durable and perishable crops. The programme provides an essential background for any graduate who will have responsibilities in managing postharvest strategies to maintain high quality food crops.

Students aquire a knowledge of the design and management of safety and quality management systems based upon risk analysis, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 9001:2008 and private standards, all designed to meet the requirements of national and international legislative requirements. Students sit the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing and are also given membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Individual courses are offered on a stand-alone basis. These are attended by professionals working in the food industry. Lectures are also delivered by experts currently working in the food sector. This gives our postgraduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn from a range of practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to apply for short placements in the food sector, which provides them with the all important experience that they can demonstrate when applying for jobs.

The aims of the programme are:

To prepare graduates for careers in the national and international food chain, e.g. food businesses, consultancy, research and development
To equip graduates with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability
To enrich graduates understanding of the dynamics of food safety and quality management systems and the context under which they operate at national and international levels.

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This programme provides you with an insight into measures that are required to provide a supply of safe and wholesome food to consumers globally. A wide spectrum of food safety and quality management issues are addressed following the farm to fork approach.

Increasing globalization of the food chain has resulted in many disputes about the safety and quality of food products. You will learn about the elements that make up an effective national food control system based on risk anlysis and acquire an understanding of the interactions between control systems and trade.

You will acquire a knowledge of the design and management of safety and quality management systems based upon risk analysis, e.g. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 9001:2008 and private standards, all designed to meet the requirements of national and international legislation. Students sit the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing and are also given membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Individual courses are offered on a stand-alone basis. These are attended by professionals working in the food industry. Lectures are also delivered by experts currently working in the food sector. This gives our postgraduate students the opportunity to interact with and learn directly from a range of practitioners.

Students have the opportunity to apply for short placements in the food sector, which provides them with the all important experience that they can demonstrate when applying for jobs.

The aims of the programme are:

To prepare you for careers in the national and international food chain, e.g. food businesses, consultancy, research and development
To equip you with the knowledge and skills that will enhance your employability
To enrich your understanding of the dynamics of food safety and quality management systems and the context under which they operate at national and international levels.

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This course embraces the implications of food safety and quality management against the backdrop of food authenticity and sustainability within an increasingly globalised food industry. You will gain an in-depth understanding of regional, national, and international standards in regulatory processes, and the role of public institutions and policy makers in delivering safe, quality foods to consumers.

This course is designed for graduates and those working in the agri-food industries who are seeking to advance their knowledge and understanding of food safety and quality management, and progress their professional careers.

Structure

The course may be studied full-time over 12 months or part-time over two years.

You will study eight modules, followed by the Research Project, carried out over the summer to be submitted in September. It will be presented as a review paper and as a research paper.

If you do not wish to undertake the Research Project may choose to take a Postgraduate Diploma following successful completion of eight modules.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, group workshops and seminars, case studies, individual and student-led research, group projects, and field studies

Students are encouraged to participate in the RAU Enterprise Scheme where they can develop their entrepreneurial skills towards starting their own business.

This course is available to start in either September or January.

September entry

Students will study four modules in the autumn term followed by four modules in the spring term, and complete their Research Project by the end of September.

January entry

Students will study four modules in the spring term, complete their Research Project by the end of September, and study four modules in the autumn term.

Modules

• 4014 Food Chain
• 4075 Research Project
• 4206 Fundamentals of Food Science
• 4207 Systems for Food Safety Management
• 4209 Sustainability and the Food industry
• 4228 New Product Development (NPD) in the Agri-Food Industry
• 4237 The Politics and Policies of Food Assurance

Plus choice of TWO modules, selected from:

• 4040 Sustainable Management of Soil and Water
• 4084 Tourism and Development
• 4110 Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
• 4201 Poverty and Food Security
• 4211 Global Red Meat Chains
• 4212 Global White Meat Chains
• 4213 Global Dairy Food Chain
• 4238 Integrated Organic Systems

Modules will be taught in 10 week blocks.

Assessment

Modules are assessed through written examinations and coursework, including case study analysis, essay writing, oral and poster presentations, and assessed seminars. For the new product development (NPD) module, students are assessed against a food product which they develop and produce in small teams. To complete this module, students are given training in the CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing, which is beneficial to them post-graduation.

Career prospects

Graduates will be equipped with the education and industry experience to progress their career and become food safety and quality management professionals within:

• An international institution – UN (World Food Programme), IFAD, FAO, IFPRI etc.
• Government and statutory bodies – Defra, DflD, FSA etc.
• Business and industry – major agricultural and food supply companies, consultancy
• NGOs – local food associations, aid and development organisations
• Academia and research – lecturer, PhD

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.rau.ac.uk/STUDY/POSTGRADUATE/HOW-APPLY

Funding

For information on funding, please view the following page: https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/funding

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This programme is suitable for those wishing to pursue a career in the industrial or service sector as a quality professional.

About the programme

Exploring the application of specialised managerial and technological skills to achieve the desired quality at a minimum cost, this programme also addresses strategic quality and leadership issues focussed on achieving customer satisfaction. You will learn about the complexities and inter-relationships which exist in implementing cost effective quality management solutions to the ISO9000 series of standards and to the excellence models.

Practical experience

Opportunities exist to conduct a project within industry or with one of our European partner institutions.

Your learning

Full-time Diploma and MSc students undertake five core and two option modules over two trimesters. MSc students must also complete a significant industrial or university based dissertation over the summer.

Core modules include:
• Managing Quality
• Statistical Quality Control
• Risk Management
• Interpersonal Skills and Change Management
• Operations and Project Management

Option modules include:
• Service Quality
• Research Design and Methods
• Logistical Resources
• Reliability and Experimental Design for Industry (EDI)

MSc

Upon successful completion of the taught modules listed above you will undertake the MSc research project.
Postgraduate Certificate students who transfer to the MSc Quality Management (International) (see page 165) can study for the dual
award with the University of Angers.Upon its successful completion students are awarded MSc Quality Management (International) from UWS and Master Degree Ingénierie des Systèmes et Management de Project (Systems and Project Management) from University of Angers, France.

Our Careers Adviser says

Strong industry links ensure employment and placement opportunities are available for all graduates. Recent graduates work for Toyota Europe (Brussels), Amec, Raytheon, Howden and Honeywell.

Professional recognition

Students can join the Chartered Quality Institute as associate members.

Financial support

In session 2015/16 the Postgraduate Diploma element of this programme carried SAAS postgraduate loan funding for eligible students. Check http://www.saas.gov.uk for 2016/17 loan info.

First-class facilities

Get the hands on experience you need to succeed. We have excellent specialist facilities which support our research students and staff. These include an advanced chemical analysis lab: with state-of-theart chemical analysis for isotopic and elemental analysis at trace concentrations using ICPMS/OES and the identification of organic compounds using LCMS; and the Spatial and Pattern Analysis (SPAR) lab: providing high specification workstations, geographical information system (GIS) software, geochemical and image processing facilities to support data management in science research.

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