Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Masters Degrees

The CIPR Public Affairs Diploma is designed for public relations or public affairs practitioners who want to develop relevant theoretical knowledge and to strengthen their practical skills in order to become more effective and better placed to take on more senior roles. The course focuses on the role communication expertise plays in public policy processes as they are approached in the context of strategic communications and reputation management that underpin the public affairs function. The qualification is firmly rooted in practice - with regular contributions from senior practitioners - as well as clear in its interdisciplinary theoretical basis. Public Affairs Diploma students receive 20 hours of face-to-face tuition between January and May, individual supervision for the research project (course assessment), as well as extensive online resources developed to support individual study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Twenty hours of on campus teaching comprises a variety of approaches including lectures, workshops, group work and input from senior practitioners and QMU academics. Work is set and contact maintained between teaching blocks through online discussions. Students also receive supervision support with their assignment. CIPR Public Affairs Diploma students learn alongside and MSc Strategic Communications and Public Relations students ensuring that you benefit from sharing experiences and developing a network of colleagues. Assessment is through submission of a 6,000 word research project. Support is offered with research project preparation. Further information is available on the CIPR website at http://www.cipr.co.uk/courses/public-affairs-diploma.

Teaching hours and attendance

Teaching is normally delivered in one or two day blocks three/ four times a year. Details will be available on the QMU website.

Links with industry/professional bodies

Students on the course are eligible for student membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and, on graduation, can upgrade their membership to full or associate status depending on professional experience.

Entry requirements:

You must have ONE of the following requirements:
- The CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations;
- The CIPR Internal Communication Certificate plus one year'’s full-time employment in PR;
- A postgraduate professional qualification in a related discipline (eg CIM Diploma), plus one year’'s full-time employment (or equivalent part-time employment) in PR;
- A degree in business/marketing/management/communication studies, plus one year’'s full-time employment in PR;
- Any other UK degree plus two years full -time employment in PR;
- NCTJ Diploma plus either five years’ journalism experience or three years’ full -time employment in PR;
- Two years’ full-time employment in PR, and the CAM Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communication;
- LCCIEB 5 3rd Level subjects, including PR, Marketing, Advertising, Principles & Practice of Management, plus two
years’ experience in PR;
- Four years’ full-time employment in PR and five GCSE passes, one of which must be in English Language.

NB Restrictions on existing students apply. To check eligibility of PR role email the CIPR professional development team.

International: Those whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the language - spoken and written - to an International Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Modules

Public Policy Landscape/ Lobbying and Campaigning/ Public Affairs in the Context of Reputation Management/ Research Project

Careers

CIPR qualifications are recognised as the benchmark for professional practice in public relations by employers in the private and public sectors. Studying for the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma counts towards the CIPR’s CPD programme and becoming a CIPR Accredited Practitioner - the hallmark of your commitment to professional development.

Quick facts

- QMU is the only institution outside London to teach the CIPR Internal Communication Diploma, the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma and the CIPR Diploma.
- QMU is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
- Our PR academics are recognised nationally and internationally for their excellence in research. These courses reflect the strength and depth of the teaching team which includes academics with extensive research and publication portfolios and PR practitioners with many years of experience at senior level in a wide range of organisations.
- CIPR Public Affairs Diploma graduates receive credits towards a MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations at QMU and towards the CIPR Diploma.
- Block teaching is a simple way of fitting your study around the demands of your job.

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This course, developed by the CIPR and recognised as the benchmark for professional practice in public relations by the private and public sectors, offers practitioners a real opportunity to develop their professionalism both by reflecting critically on their current practice and by focusing on the very hands-on teaching of strategic PR planning and its role in the achievement of broader organisational objectives. It is ideal for people wanting to develop their professional public relations expertise at a number of different stages in their career.

Typical students include:
- experienced journalists who need to develop their knowledge of organisations and strategic planning in order to facilitate a move into public relations;
- ambitious practitioners who need to take time to reflect critically on their practice in light of latest thinking and theory in order to develop their career and
- graduates who need to quickly gain an in-depth knowledge of the debates, practices and critical thinking within the profession to help them gain enough understanding to practice professionally.

This course provides PR practitioners with the knowledge and understanding of theory and practice to develop as effective and efficient professionals. You will understand the practice of public relations as a strategic management function, and will develop planning expertise as well as being encouraged to analyse existing practice from a critical perspective. You will benefit from sharing experiences and developing a professional network of colleagues in similar situations.

The individual project which forms part of the course offers you the opportunity to work with a supervisor over a number of months to produce a well-researched piece of work focusing on an area of your choice. Students often choose to devote this opportunity to help develop or improve specific work projects, or to develop their expertise in a particular area of public relations practice.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching hours and attendance

Entry requirements:

You must have ONE of the following requirements:
- CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations
- CIPR Internal Communication Certificate plus one year’s full-time employment in PR
- Postgraduate professional qualification in a related discipline (eg CIM diploma), plus one year’s full-time
employment (or equivalent part-time employment) in PR
- A degree in business/marketing/management/communication studies, plus one year’s full-time employment in PR
- Any other UK degree plus two years full time employment in PR
- NCTJ Diploma plus either five years’ journalism experience or three years’ full-time employment in PR
- Two years’ full-time employment in PR*, and the CAM Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communication
- LCCIEB 5 3rd Level subjects, including PR, Marketing, Advertising, Principles & Practice of Management, plus two years’ experience in PR
- Four years’ full-time employment in PR and five GCSE passes, one of which must be in English Language.

International: Those whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the language - spoken and written - to an International Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Modules

PR Theory and Practice / PR Planning and Management/ Reflective Practice

Careers

The CIPR Diploma is recognised as the benchmark for professional practice in PR by employers in the private and public sectors. It helps participants to develop or diversify their careers by fostering a strategic approach to managing PR, as well as extending knowledge of areas such as internal communications, corporate culture and research. QMU graduates have gone on to progress their careers in a number of ways – graduates occupy a wide range of senior positions.

[Quick facts]
- QMU has a long history of teaching the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma and remains the only Scottish Institution to deliver it.
- QMU is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
- At QMU you will be taught by some of the world’s best known PR academics as well as professionals with a depth of PR experience.
- Through our intensive workshops you will build a network of your own peers which will aid your continuing professional development

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This course is for experienced internal communication practitioners or PR professionals who want to develop their
strategic internal communication and management skills. It provides those working in internal communications with a platform for continuous development. On this course, you will take an in depth look at the role that internal communications plays in organisations and in particular those going through change. You will develop your ability to use research to inform effective internal communication strategies and develop successful plans. The course focuses on core topics such as: internal communication; audit; change management theory; using research to inform and help develop internal communication strategies; moving from one-way communications to engagement; psychology of communication and the role and function of technology.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Twenty hours of on campus teaching compises a variety of approaches including lectures, workshops, group work and input from senior practitioners and QMU academics. Work is set and contact maintained between teaching blocks through online discussions. Students also receive supervision support with their assignment. CIPR Internal Communication Diploma students learn alongside CIPR Diploma and MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations students ensuring that you benefit from sharing experiences and developing a network of colleagues.

Assessment is through submission of a 6,000 word research project. Support is offered with research project preparation.

Further information is available on the CIPR website at http://www.cipr.co.uk/content/qualifications/internal-communicationdiploma.

Teaching hours and attendance

Teaching is normally delivered in one or two day blocks three/ four times a year. Details will be available on the QMU website

Entry requirements:

You must have ONE of the following entry requirements:
- The CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations;
- The CIPR Internal Communication Certificate plus one year’s full-time employment in PR;
- A postgraduate professional qualification in a related discipline (eg CIM Diploma), plus one year’s full-time
employment (or equivalent part-time employment) in PR;
- A degree in business/marketing/ management/communication studies, plus one year’s full-time employment in PR;
- Any other UK degree plus two years full-time employment in PR
- NCTJ Diploma plus either five years’ journalism experience or three years’ full-time employment in PR;
- Two years’ full-time employment in PR and the CAM Advanced Diploma in Marketing Communication;
- LCCIEB 5 3rd Level subjects, including PR, Marketing, Advertising, Principles & Practice of Management, plus two
years’ experience in PR;
- Four years’ full-time employment in PR and five GCSE passes, one of which must be in English Language.

International: Those whose first language is not English must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the language - spoken and written - to an International Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Modules

Assessing Internal Communication/ Change Management and Communication/ Applying Advanced Communication
Theory/ Research project

Careers

CIPR qualifications are recognised as the benchmark for professional practice in public relations by employers in the private and public sectors. The CIPR Internal Communication Diploma helps participants to develop or diversify their careers by fostering a strategic approach to internal communications management. Studying for the CIPR Internal Communication Diploma counts towards the CIPR’s CPD programme and becoming a CIPR Accredited Practitioner - the hallmark of your commitment to professional development.

Quick facts

- QMU is the only institution outside London to teach the CIPR Internal Communications Diploma, the CIPR Public Affairs Diploma and the CIPR Diploma.
- QMU is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
- Our PR academics are recognised nationally and internationally for their excellence in research. These courses reflect the strength and depth of the teaching team which includes academics with extensive research and publication portfolios and PR practitioners with many years of experience at senior level in a wide range of organisations.
- CIPR Internal Communication Diploma graduates receive credits towards an MSc Strategic Communication and Public Relations at QMU and towards the CIPR Diploma.
- Block teaching is a simple way of fitting your study around the demands of your job.

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The European MSc International Health

The European MSc International Health is a prestigious one-year full-time degree taught in English and is jointly provided by nine participating tropEd institutions across Europe, Mexico and Thailand. Students experience the diverse expertise and teaching and learning approaches to international health that each participating institution has to offer.

The programme has five tracks that specialise in different aspects of international health; the Institute of International Health and Development is responsible for delivering Track 3 focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health, along with the Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam.

Track 1 Tropical Medicine and Disease Control (taught at the Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Berlin and Bordeaux School of Public Health, University of Bordeaux)

Track 2 Health Systems, Policy and Management (taught at the Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam)

Track 3 Sexual and Reproductive Health (taught at the Institute of International Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and the Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam)

Track 4 Child Health (taught at the Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Berlin and the University College, London)

Track 5 Health Research Methods (Taught at the University College, London and University of Bergen)

The European MSc is open to all students with an interest in international health and who fulfill the entry requirements.

Highly qualified students who wish to apply for this programme are encouraged to apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarships - substantial Erasmus Mundus scholarships towards fees and living costs are available for eligible applicants.

For further information on the entry requirements, application procedure and scholarship criteria, please visit the Erasmus Mundus website

IGHD Involvement

As founder members of the tropEd network, we have worked together, since the mid 1990s, with prestigious European institutions for higher education in international health to provide high quality postgraduate opportunities. IIHD is a ‘home institute’ for students interested in following the tropEd MSc International Health and offers short courses to tropEd students from other higher education institutions who are members of this network.

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Gender Health & Development - Masters Module/Short Course

This module is designed to provide participants with a critical approach to gender and to be able to develop competency in gender sensitive planning and practice in health and social development.

Indicitivate content will include:

-gender as a social concept
-theoretical perspectives which explain gender differences
-gender, class, ethnicity and age
-gender based violence
-gender effects on health
-gender effects on development
-gender relations
-men and women's health
-gender planning frameworks
-gender sensitive health interventions

Credit Rating: 15 SCOTCAT/5ECTS

Participants of the professional development courses will receive a certificate of attendance from the Institute.

However, participants wishing to gain an award may register for a post graduate certificate. The modules are then taken for credit on a part-time basis each year. A PG Cert requires 60 credits and a post graduate diploma requires 120 credits. If you do a dissertation in addition to the short courses, you will gain 180 credits.

If you register for an award, you can have up to 4 years for a PG Cert, 5 years for a PG Dip and 7 years for a MSc to complete in part-time mode.

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Global Health & Social Policy - Short Course

This module provides students with a coherent framework for understanding the range of conceptual approaches used in social development and health and provides a foundation for further specialist study.

The content includes:

-social development and health
-health and disease: individual and community experience
-development theory
-understandings of health
-measuring progress - key indicators
-the policy process
-the global context for policy initiatives
-health economics
-health sector reform
-rights, equity and poverty reduction strategies
-key international players

Credit Rating - 15 SCOTCAT

Participants of the professional development courses will receive a certificate of attendance from the Institute.

However, participants wishing to gain an award may register for a post graduate certificate. The modules are then taken for credit on a part-time basis each year. A PG Cert requires 60 credits and a post graduate diploma requires 120 credits. If you do a dissertation in addition to the short courses, you will gain 180 credits.

If you register for an award, you can have up to 4 years for a PG Cert, 5 years for a PG Dip and 7 years for a MSc to complete in part-time mode.

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Global Mental Health & Psychosocial Wellbeing

This module aims to provide students with knowledge and critical skills to analyse the current debates in global mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in relation to theory, evidence and practice in these areas. The focus is on developing competence in understanding and analysing and relevance and appropriateness of global mental health and well being in low-income and humanitarian settings.

Credit Rating: 15 SCOTCAT/5ECTS

Participants of the professional development courses will receive a certificate of attendance from the Institute.

However, participants wishing to gain an award may register for a post graduate certificate. The modules are then taken for credit on a part-time basis each year. A PG Cert requires 60 credits and a post graduate diploma requires 120 credits. If you do a dissertation in addition to the short courses, you will gain 180 credits.

If you register for an award, you can have up to 4 years for a PG Cert, 5 years for a PG Dip and 7 years for a MSc to complete in part-time mode.

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Global Public Health - Short Course

The course aim is to provide participants with background to the key public health issues, disciplines and approaches to assessing evidence and prioritising health problems in a range of settings.

The content includes:

-an introduction of epidemiology
-disease burden patterns around the world
-how to critically assess evidence
-methods for prioritising health problems
-major trends in disease patterns and factors influencing those (reference to epidemiological transition; HIV and TB epidemics; new and -growing environmental risks; disease related impacts of globalisation; effects of economic crisis)
-selected issues in public health

Credit Rating - 15 SCOTCAT

Participants of the professional development courses will receive a certificate of attendance from the Institute.

However, participants wishing to gain an award may register for a post graduate certificate. The modules are then taken for credit on a part-time basis each year. A PG Cert requires 60 credits and a post graduate diploma requires 120 credits. If you do a dissertation in addition to the short courses, you will gain 180 credits.

If you register for an award, you can have up to 4 years for a PG Cert, 5 years for a PG Dip and 7 years for a MSc to complete in part-time mode.

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Health Systems - Short Course

The course aim is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to better understand the functioning of health systems and to analyse their performance in high-, middle-, and low-income settings..

The course will approach the study of health systems by introducing core building blocks of health care systems, their functions, and modes of operation as well as considering debates around the challenges facing health systems today. The implications of different types of systems for access, quality and equity in health services will be examined. Key questions addressed include:

-what are the boundaries and the goals of the health system?
-what key components make up a health system?
-how are health systems evolving in the context of epidemiological transitions, and trends in financing and service delivery?
-how do we determine whether health systems work to achieve their goals?

Credit Rating - 15 SCOTCAT

Participants of the professional development courses will receive a certificate of attendance from the Institute.

However, participants wishing to gain an award may register for a post graduate certificate. The modules are then taken for credit on a part-time basis each year. A PG Cert requires 60 credits and a post graduate diploma requires 120 credits. If you do a dissertation in addition to the short courses, you will gain 180 credits.

If you register for an award, you can have up to 4 years for a PG Cert, 5 years for a PG Dip and 7 years for a MSc to complete in part-time mode.

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Since the late 1990s governments and policy makers have increasingly recognised the importance of the contribution of culture to economic growth and other social benefits. Although culture is often associated with big firms and institutions most of the activity in the sector tends to be small scale. That is particularly true at the creative and enterprising phase of cultural processes. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of the creative phase is essential for people who wish to contribute to the production of culture, and
for the development of the cultural sector more generally. The course emphasises the importance of change and unpredictability
for the growth of the creative and cultural sector and locates that in broader social, economic and political processes.

The key aims of the MA are to deliver a qualification that:

- explains the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to innovation, enterprise and employment;
- develops practical skills for the development of ideas into cultural and creative projects, enterprises and businesses;
- investigates the challenges and issues affecting the cultural and creative sector at an individual, national and global level;
- critically examines the political, economic and social dimensions of the cultural and creative sectors and
- provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with each other and with academic staff, and to connect with cultural and creative professionals from across the public and private sectors.

The course is designed for students who wish to develop and combine practical and intellectual skills at masters level. It will enable you to work individually and in small groups and require you to take initiative and responsibility for your individual development. The course is delivered by staff with both practical and research interests in the creative and cultural sector, including digital media production, theatre and performance, costume design, radio, popular music, contemporary art, culture industry and economy, cultural policy and management. It is supported by guest staff from both the public and private sector to provide the additional benefit of experience and insight.

The MA will particularly interest those who wish to develop careers in the cultural and creative sectors. A degree or background
that is related to the creative and cultural sector is relevant to be considered for admission but we welcome applications from graduates from other disciplines who can demonstrate that they have the relevant experience and motivation.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises and projects and covers a broad range of topics informed by research and a creative approach to problems. Performance is assessed through a variety of methods including essays, reports, presentations, portfolios and a dissertation or project. The final dissertation or project is designed to develop individual interest and curiosity. Class sizes will be around 15 students.

Teaching hours and attendance

Normally course modules require eight hours contact time per week. In most instances this will be delivered across two days full-time, one day part-time.

Links with industry/professional bodies

Course staff have a range of formal and informal relationships with individuals and organisations across the culture and creative sector who contribute advice, support and teaching.

Modules

The Creative Sector and Entrepreneurship/ Introduction to Culture and Economy/ Understanding Research/Writing Art and Culture/Creative Enterprise Development/ Work Organisation and Production in Culture and Creative Enterprise/ Option Modules
60 credits: Dissertation/Creative Development Project.

Careers

The course provides knowledge and insight for culture and creative enterprise development at whatever stage of the process applicants are at. The course is also suitable for people who are interested in developing knowledge of culture and creative enterprise for academic development, such as research and teaching, and support agency policy development.

Quick Facts

- Small cohort of students
- Established connections with external agencies, forms and networks
- Individual development support
- Funded places available for Scottish and EU residents

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Within a rapidly changing domestic and international environment, the work of Stage Managers is becoming more complex and technically challenging. The entertainment and live events industries are growing rapidly and the need for skilled Stage Managers has never been greater. The evolving range and scope of where, and how, live entertainment is delivered leads to often difficult and sometimes contradictory demands and challenges for the Stage Management team. This leads to a situation where there is a need for graduates with more holistic and integrated perspectives regarding the management of entertainment and live events and the artistic, economic, social and environmental conditions in which they function. This course has been developed in response to this need and is rooted in a belief that effective Stage Managers need training that is both practical and critically reflective, the course will develop your knowledge of the contemporary issues affecting the management of entertainment and live events while equipping you with the practical skills that are essential for developing a career in the field. The course is run in partnership with The Edinburgh Stage Management School which specialises in post-graduate vocational training and combines a well established industry focus with successful graduate employment. The MA course combines the best aspects of the vocational, practical and academic models.

This MA is designed as a conversion degree and we welcome applicants from non-arts related subjects. It is suitable for both graduates who wish to add a vocational Stage Management emphasis to their first degree and those with equivalent professional qualifications or experience. It is likely to be of interest to those who studied the arts and humanities at undergraduate level or those with significant workplace experience who would like to gain a formal qualification.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises, and projects. You will undertake professional practice working with QMU shows and events as well as engaging with the wider industry. Your performance on the course will be assessed by essays, reports, reflective blog, portfolio, presentations and a dissertation or project (MA only). Normally, there are around six to eight students undertaking the course each year.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Most modules consist of five or six hours of class time each day during the teaching periods of the semester. Where possible, all teaching takes place over three days per week.

Links with industry/professional bodies

Our partnership with The Edinburgh Stage Management School ensures an active industry focus to the course with key professional practitioners delivering master classes and practical workshops. Our location in the festival city also allows for strong practical links between the course and the many arts, festival and cultural organisations based in and around Edinburgh, across Scotland and the UK.

Modules

15 credits: Core Technical Skills for Theatre Production / Managing Productions: Theory & Practice / Advanced Technical Skills for Theatre Production / Managing People & Projects.

30 credits: Professional Practice 1 (15 + 15) / Professional Practice 2 (15 + 15)

If studying for an MA, you will also complete a dissertation or project (60 credits).

Careers

You will be qualified for a broad range of stage management positions within a wide spectrum of live entertainment and live events industries. Many career opportunities are open to you and previous graduates (Edinburgh Stage Management School) have gone on to work in theatres, performing arts organisations, festivals, corporate events and ceremonies. In addition, many now tour within the UK, Europe and internationally. Potential careers might include producing, fundraising, marketing, programming, or audience development, as well as many other roles across the cultural industries and all professions requiring skills in effective management.

Quick facts

- Small cohort of students working closely and collaboratively with staff
- Range of guest lecturers from key cultural organisations and associated industries
- The only postgraduate course of its kind in Scotland
- Unique partnership with The Edinburgh Stage Management School.

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Within a rapidly changing domestic and international environment, the work of arts and cultural managers is becoming more complex and significant. The creative industries are growing rapidly and patterns of cultural work are changing. Cultural organisations and festivals are in a period of fundamental, pervasive and long-term change; managers must deal with a host of dramatic, often contradictory demands and challenges. This leads to a situation where there is a need for graduates with more holistic and integrated perspectives regarding the management of cultural organisations and the political, economic, social and environmental conditions in which they function. This course has been developed in response to this need and is rooted in a belief that great leaders in the acknowledging that approaches may need to be adapted to meet the particularities of cultural organisations and festivals. Through encouraging you to become critically reflective, the course will develop your knowledge of the contemporary issues affecting the management of arts organisations and festivals while equipping you with the practical management skills that are essential for developing a career in the field. Mindful of the need for students to develop vocational skills, a number of assignments are orientated towards developing the knowledge and skills required to become an effective practitioner in the field. In addition, students are encouraged to arrange and undertake practical experience within cultural organisations to complement their studies.

This MA is designed as a conversion degree and we welcome applicants from non-business related subjects. It is suitable for both graduates who wish to add a vocational management emphasis to their first degree and those with equivalent professional qualifications or experience. It is likely to be of interest to those who studied the arts and humanities at undergraduate level or those with significant workplace experience who would like to gain a formal qualification in a flexible manner.

We also offer a block taught PgCert

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises, field trips and projects. You will also be required to arrange a period of industry based learning. Your performance on the course will be assessed by essays, reports, exams, presentations and a dissertation or project (MA only). Normally, there are around 30 to 35 students undertaking the course each year.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Most modules consist of two to three hours of class time each week of the semester. Where possible, all teaching takes place over two days per week. Your specific timetable will depend on whether you study full or part time. Flexible study options and a diverse curriculum mean that this course is suited to both those already working in the arts and those who are looking to start a career in the sector.

Links with industry/professional bodies

Part of our strength comes from our location; being based in Edinburgh means that the course has been developed over time in co-operation with key national cultural agencies and other bodies with a strategic interest in the development of arts organisations and festivals. Our location in the ‘festival city’ also allows for strong practical links between the course and the many arts, festival and cultural organisations based in and around Edinburgh, across Scotland and the UK.

Modules

15 credits: Critical Issues in Cultural Management and Policy/ Managing Cultural Projects and Festivals/ Marketing Cultural Organisations and Festivals/ Strategic Management and Finance/ Fundraising and Development in Cultural Organisations and Festivals/ People Management, Governance and Law/ Arts Management in Practice (subject to validation)/ Understanding Research/ Dissertation or project (60 credits) (MA only)

Careers

You will be qualified for a broad range of management positions within a wide spectrum of cultural organisations and festivals. Previous graduates have gone on to work in theatres, performing arts organisations, galleries, local government, and cultural agencies. In addition, many now work in festivals within the UK, Europe and internationally. Potential careers might include producing, fundraising, marketing, programming, or audience development, as well as many other roles across the cultural industries.

Quick Facts

- Small cohort of students working closely and collaboratively with staff.
- Range of guest lecturers and field trips to key cultural organisations and festivals.
- The only postgraduate course of its kind in Scotland.

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Within the health and care professions, the demand for evidence-based practice has led to an increasing need for high-quality
research to underpin practice. A Master of Clinical Research will provide graduates with the education and experience necessary in order to plan and undertake health-related, or clinically-based research.

This multi-disciplinary course aims to provide a broad, foundational research training for nurses, midwives and other
health and care professionals who wish to develop careers in clinical or academic research as well as those who may wish to continue on to doctoral studies. The course will focus on preparing students to undertake projects relevant to their practice through the development of skills and knowledge in research methodologies, project management, research governance and evidence-based practice.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The course will comprise of two 30-credit taught modules - Research Methods and Applied Research - plus an extended research project. These modules will focus on research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, research
ethics, patient and public involvement, research governance, project management and disseminating research. The two taught modules will incorporate a range of teaching and learning activities which will be underpinned by the assumption that the adult learners on this course will already possess transferable skills and knowledge related to evidence-based practice. Considerable use will be made of the virtual learning environment through which students will be supported to develop their autonomy and self-direction in terms of learning further. Central to this will be the development of a community of practice through which students will support each
other to develop their research skills. Within this context, students will have the opportunity to engage with diverse teaching and learning activities which can include lectures, tutorials, asynchronous online discussions, collaborative working towards group presentations and/or seminar production, case study analysis, individual presentations and directed study. A key aspect of course is the research project. Assessment of the project will be staged, providing students with opportunities for formative feedback throughout. The final assessment will focus on the dissemination of the study findings in such a way as to have the maximum possible influence on practice.

Teaching hours and attendance

Research Methods classes run weekly during semester one and may be accessed either face-to-face or by distance learning. Applied Research classes run fortnightly over semesters one and two and are delivered face-to-face. During the research project, you will have up to 20 hours of one-to-one support from your supervisor.

Modules

30 credits: Research Methods / Applied Research
120 credits: Extended Research Project.

Careers

A non-medical clinical academic has been defined as a nurse, midwife or allied health professional who concurrently undertakes both clinical practice and research. A key aspect of their research is that it is focused on providing effective, quality healthcare services. Clinical academics will work within, and contribute to, an environment that will lead the way in achieving excellence in healthcare and health outcomes through evidence-based practice.

The introduction of our Master of Clinical Research, intended to support the development of clinical academics, will contribute to meeting this need. The Non- Medical Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Clinical Academic Research Career Framework recommends this type of MRes education for those in the early stages of a clinical academic career and therefore the course will fit well with identified training needs of the NMAHP professions. Graduates may go on to develop research in their own practice areas, or continue to doctoral level studies.

Quick Facts

■■ This course provides students with the skills to develop a career in clinical or academic research.
■■ Students can focus their studies on their own area of clinical interest while working in highly supportive peer groups.
■■ The extended research project allows students to address questions that are clinically relevant.

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- Innovative ‘leadership exchange’ will enable students to gain valuable experience of working in another public service organisation.
- Variety of expert guest speakers and research-active academics.
- Diverse learning activities and assessment methods across all modules.


The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is an internationally recognised professional postgraduate degree, which is a public sector equivalent to the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The course is targeted primarily at public service and third sector professionals. The content is relevant to both international students and those based in the UK.

The aim of the MPA is to enable learners to build on their professional experience by engaging critically with, and reflecting on, key developments in public administration in order to more effectively deliver public service outcomes in a rapidly changing environment.

The course is based on a philosophy of transformational learning and transformational change. Central to this is the role of public services in promoting social justice and equality. International examples will be used to provide thought provoking challenges to the way our public services are designed and delivered. Rather than reflect today’s public services, the state and society, this MPA aims to shape the public service landscape of tomorrow.

This MPA offers an excellent student experience and includes an innovative ‘leadership exchange’ element, working with the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO), to enable all students to participate in an appropriate exchange within another public service organisation.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The MPA offers options for both full-time and part-time study which will fit with busy working lives. This is a multidisciplinary course, with the purpose of preparing students for professional roles in the public sector. As such the delivery draws on academic expertise from a range of backgrounds such as administrative justice, public management and social policy. The input of research active academics will be complemented with expert guest speakers and visits to key public administration sites such as the Holyrood Parliament in Edinburgh, Houses of Parliament in London, Parlament de Catalunya in Barcelona and the European Parliament in Brussels.

Teaching hours and attendance

The amount of contact time will vary depending on whether you are studying on a part-time or full-time basis.

Links with industry/professional bodies

The ‘leadership exchange’ element of the course is delivered in association with the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO). We are also an institutional member of the Joint University Council’'s Public Administration Committee.

Modules

There is a range of core and optional modules from which you will need to complete 120 credits, plus the 60 credit dissertation module in order to complete the MPA. Module options include:
International Trends in Public Administration/ Gender and Equalities/ Leading Change in Public Services/ Workplace Learning/ Law and Public Administration/ Social Justice and Critical Perspectives on the State/ Information Governance and Data Protection/ Multilevel Governance in Europe.

Careers

In Scotland 21% of the workforce is employed in the public sector. This does not include the many private and Third sector organisations that help deliver vital public services. At a time of increasing pressure on public finances it is increasingly important that all those who support the delivery of our public services continue to develop their professional skills and knowledge. Our public services programmes support those seeking to develop these skills.

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The MRes is an award that may be the first step towards an academic research career. It would also be relevant for students keen to pursue research in other organisations with client-focused settings. The degree programme provides opportunities to develop advanced research skills, and assessments are focused on real world relevant outputs (such as a research protocol for a funding application and a potentially publishable paper for submission to the peer-review process). Individual modules may be available to applicants wishing to acquire particular research skills.

Applying to this course

Due to the heavy focus on the Research Project, students will need to produce an outline protocol (2-3 sides of A4) of their intended research project, including a named supervisor who has the expertise to supervise the project, as part of the application process. This should normally be prepared in conjunction with the named academic member of staff. Applicants should therefore identify the subject area within which they would like to conduct their research and either make contact with a member of staff directly, or ask to be put in touch with subject area research advisors via the programme leader Dr Stephen Darling, see opposite). Browsing webpages of the relevant subject areas within the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management on the QMU website will allow potential applicants to determine the current research interests of the academic staff.

Teaching, learning and assessment

There are two taught modules (Research Methods and Applied Research) designed to develop skills in, and awareness of, the modern research environment and delivered via seminars, workshops, online learning and independent study. A major component of this course is the Research Project, which offers students the opportunity to carry out an extensive piece of research, or to produce a client report, with the expectation of an output suitable for submission to the peer-review the process for potential publication.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out self-directed, independent work. Your attendance requirements at QMU will depend on which module you are studying and whether you are studying full or part-time.

Modules

Two taught 30 credit modules:
-Research Methods
- Applied Research

Research Project (120 credits)

Careers

The MRes may be the first stage in an academic career and the skills gained on this degree course are a sound basis on which to pursue doctoral studies for a PhD award. The skills gained through the MRes will also give students a thorough base from which to pursue a career in undertaking research activities in other organisations, relevant to service users, industry or society.

Quick Facts

- Students who complete this course will have acquired and demonstrated the fundamental skills required to successfully conduct sound research and disseminate research findings.
- Graduates will be well-equipped to embark on a research career within academia.
- Graduates will also be well-equipped to carry out research related activities in other settings, working for organisations beyond academia.

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