Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in International Development

Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in International Development 2014-2016 Course code: 1416GCR09A/B COURSE SPECIFICATION University of Cambridge Instit...
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Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in International Development

2014-2016 Course code: 1416GCR09A/B

COURSE SPECIFICATION

University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, Madingley Hall, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ Tel 01223 746222 www.ice.cam.ac.uk

Contents Teaching staff ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Administrative staff ............................................................................................................................. 1 Course fees ........................................................................................................................................ 1 Venue ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Parking............................................................................................................................................ 2 Facilities for students with additional requirements ......................................................................... 2 Resources for students ....................................................................................................................... 2 Student Handbook .......................................................................................................................... 2 Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) ................................................................................................ 2 University cards .............................................................................................................................. 3 University Library ............................................................................................................................ 3 Cambridge University Press ............................................................................................................ 3 Contact details of ICE ......................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 4 i)

This course specification and how to use it .............................................................................. 4

i)

Networks and support .............................................................................................................. 4

1. Aims of the course ......................................................................................................................... 4 2. The overall structure of the course.................................................................................................. 4 Course schedule ............................................................................................................................. 4 Induction Day .................................................................................................................................. 5 Supervisions ................................................................................................................................... 5 Assignments and the dissertation.................................................................................................... 5 Summative assignments ................................................................................................................. 5 Dissertation ..................................................................................................................................... 6 3. You and your supervisor ................................................................................................................. 6 4. Time management .......................................................................................................................... 6 6. Course details................................................................................................................................. 7 9. Assessment of assignments and examination of the final dissertation ........................................... 7 Grading Scheme 
 .......................................................................................................................... 7 Learning Outcomes: Summative assignment(s) .............................................................................. 7 Learning outcomes: Dissertation ..................................................................................................... 7 10. If you encounter difficulties ........................................................................................................... 8 11. Complaints and appeals ............................................................................................................... 8 12. What Next? ................................................................................................................................... 8

Welcome to the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in International Development a University of Cambridge award offered by the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). The Advanced Diploma is taught and awarded at FHEQ level 6 (i.e. third-year undergraduate level), attracts 120 credits and is completed over two academic years. For further information about academic credit please see our website, http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/studying-with-us/information-for-students/faqs/3-credit-faqs

Over the course of two years, the programme will introduce participants to key themes in International Development and the related field of Human Geography. Through direct reading, supervisions and the development of an independent research project, participants will develop their analytical and research skills as well as a range of research approaches and methods appropriate for their chosen topic. The programme will prepare participants for later independent research and communication of findings and allow them to critically view other work and approaches to International Development research and practice more critically.

Teaching staff Course Director Alexandra Winkels is ICE’s Teaching Officer and Academic Director for International Development and Global Change. Alexandra has a BSc in Environmental Sciences (University of Salford) and studied for an MPhil in Environment & Development (Geography, University of Cambridge) before completing her PhD in Migration & Development at the University of East Anglia (Norwich). Alexandra's research focuses on the interactions between population, development and natural resources in developing countries, and particularly in Vietnam. Alexandra has worked as a consultant and advisor for DFID, CDKN and UNDP and teaches MPhil students at the Centre of Development Studies (Cambridge). For more information about Alexandra’s research interests and publications see: http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/who-we-are/institute-staff/alexandra-winkels Contact Details: Dr Alexandra Winkels, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ, [email protected]

Administrative staff Academic Programme Manager: Sarah Blakeney, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ, 01223 760865, [email protected] Programme Administrator: Mrs Rachel Revell, Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge, Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ, 01223 746282, [email protected]

Course fees The course fee is £2,300 and can be paid in full on acceptance of a place or in six instalments (credit or debit card only). For those starting in November 2014 instalments will be taken on enrolment and then on 1 November 2014, 1 February 2015, 1 August 2015, 1 November 2015 and 1 February 2016. For those students starting in February 2015 instalments will be due on enrolment and then on 1 February 2015, 1 May 2015, 1 November 2015, 1 February 2016 and 1 May 2016. Remember that you may also need to pay for travel, books and other resources and it is worth exploring whether there are funds available locally in charitable trusts which might help you with this. A reference book which will help you find out about this is The Charities Yearbook.

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Venue Madingley Hall is an historic Tudor mansion on the outskirts of Cambridge with one of the finest gardens in the region. The Hall is situated in the village of Madingley, three miles west of Cambridge with easy access from the M11 and the A14. Full directions are given on our website at www.ice.cam.ac.uk/directions Parking There is ample car parking reached via the roadway branching to the left at the top of the drive. Facilities for students with additional requirements The Institute welcomes applications from disabled students, including those with unseen disabilities and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and makes every effort both to anticipate and to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of disabled participants. The Institute can best support and advise students when it has been made aware, in advance, of the support needed by the disabled student in relation to their study. It is important, therefore, that any requirement for disability-related support is noted on the registration form for every course a student undertakes. A student may disclose a disability at any point but, after the start of the course, support may take time to implement. For further information, please visit our website at: http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/studying-with-us/information-for-students/students-with-additionalrequirements

Resources for students Student Handbook The Institute’s Handbook for students contains essential information relating to studying with the Institute. The Handbook is available on our website at http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/studying-withus/information-for-students and will be readily accessible from within the VLE. Students are expected to refer to this Handbook throughout their studies. . Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) It is essential that students have an email account and regular access to an internet connected computer. The course is supported by a web-based virtual learning environment and course communications will be sent via email. Students are expected to submit their assignments online and feedback on assignments is delivered online. Students retain access to the learning resources on their course for two academic years after they have completed their course The computing facilities available at a public library or internet café may be sufficient and unlimited free computing and internet access will be available to you within the University Library throughout your course. Full login instructions and guidance will be sent by email by the eLearning team. If you did not supply an email address on enrolment, or have changed your email address please inform us by using the form at tinyurl.com/ICESF00. Your login name will be a University identifier (CRSid) supplied by the University Information Service (Computing). This will also be your user name to access electronic resources at the University Library and you will be entered onto the University’s internal electronic Lookup service as an ICE student. However, it will not give you a @cam email account. 2

University cards You will be eligible to carry a University card (http://www.misd.admin.cam.ac.uk/services-andsupport/university-card which will also act as your library card. If you did not submit a passport-style photograph with your application then please email to [email protected] or post to the Registry, Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ as soon as possible. Your card should be ready for you at the Induction Day if you have supplied your photograph in good time. You are required to return this card to the Registry at the Institute of Continuing Education when your studies end or when the card expires. University Library While studying at the Institute you will be able to access the resources of the University Library remotely, via http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/students/ and in person, on presentation of your University card. You will have similar borrowing rights to undergraduate students. If you live away from Cambridge a letter of introduction from the Academic Programme Manager may allow you reading rights in libraries of other higher and further education institutions. Other resources you are likely to use include the libraries of the Faculty of Economics (Marshall Library, Sidgwick site) and of the Department of Geography (Downing site). Cambridge University Press Students of the Institute of Continuing Education are entitled to 20% discount on books published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) which are purchased at the Press bookshop, 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge (Mon-Sat 9am – 5:30pm, Sun 11am – 5pm). A letter or email confirming acceptance on to a current Institute course should be presented as evidence of enrolment.

Contact details of ICE Institute of Continuing Education University of Cambridge Madingley Hall Madingley Cambridge CB23 8AQ. Website: Email:

www.ice.cam.ac.uk [email protected]

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Introduction i)

This course specification and how to use it

You are encouraged to read this course specification and follow its advice. Please return to it frequently. This guide and the Student Handbook will help you with practical matters you will encounter in the course. It will help you to make the best use of your time and resources, set out the format to be used for references, the bibliography and presentation of the dissertation, emphasise areas you should be aware of, and encourage you to engage with your research. If you have questions or queries not answered in this guide ask your supervisor or the Course Director. They have expert knowledge about the subject, conventions to be used and sources and resources that are available, and will be able to tell you the best person to contact should any problems occur. i)

Networks and support

Research is exciting and rewarding and you are embarking on an exciting voyage of discovery. At times it might seem stressful; for example, the document you thought would provide essential information did not and your writing is not going as smoothly as you hoped. This is the time to contact your supervisor or the Course Director. They are there to help you and to make sure that you achieve your goals. Their experience and the resources of the University of Cambridge are there for you to use. Discussing issues with your fellow students within the VLE will also be helpful and supportive. This research and writing it up should be an enjoyable experience. Students, supervisors and the Course Director should all be looking forward to the coming years with pleasurable anticipation.

1. Aims of the course The Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in International Development aims to: a) Enable you to design and complete an independent primary research project situated within the existing debates in International Development. b) Encourage the development of appropriate critical skills, especially: evaluating the work of other researchers, identifying and evaluating appropriate primary data and secondary material, and identifying appropriate methods of analysis, interpretations and evaluation. c) Build up skills to write substantial pieces of academic work and present findings in an appropriate manner to target audiences, culminating in the presentation of primary research in the form of a 10,000-12,000 word dissertation. d) Provide an opportunity to develop research skills and a route for progression into a Master’s degree for individuals who would like to study at that level. e) To gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic in International Development.

2. The overall structure of the course Course schedule The course is run twice each academic year with one group of students starting in November, and another in February.

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Part 1 – Summative assignments Course Starts Induction Day (compulsory) Supervision 1 Submit summative assignment 1 Supervision 2 Submit summative assignment 2 Part 2 – Dissertation Supervision 3 Supervision 4 Supervision 5 Submit draft of dissertation Supervision 6 Dissertation deadline

Students starting in November 2014

Students starting in February 2015

1 November 2014 8 November 2014

1 February 2015 7 February 2015

2 February 2015

30 April 2015

30 April 2015

31 July 2015

21 March 2016

17 June 2016

2 May 2016

29 July 2016

The table above lists all the course dates that you need to know. Supervision dates are arranged individually between supervisors and students. Please write the agreed dates in to the spaces above for your own records. Induction Day The induction day provides an opportunity to meet your fellow students as well as your Course Director and there will be sessions on undertaking research, including how to access the resources of the University Library, and on preparing your dissertation. There will also be subject-specific sessions and you will be asked to share your proposal with fellow students. Supervisions The course is structured so that during the first part of the course you develop your knowledge and understanding and the appropriate skills to undertake the research that will culminate in your dissertation. Your supervisor will give assistance in this by advice on research methodology, asking questions and engaging in debates pertinent to your field of study as well as making sure that you keep to a manageable timetable. During the course you will receive six individual supervisions, see section 3 below, ‘You and your supervisor’. Assignments and the dissertation During the course you will undertake a number of pieces of written work. The types of work you need to submit are listed below and the submission date for each piece of work is listed above. All assignments must be submitted by the stated deadline and be within the stated word limits (counting any text in the body of the assignment, inclusive of references/footnotes/endnotes in the main body of the text, but exclusive of any bibliography or list of resources consulted and of any abstract, list of contents or abbreviations that may be included at the beginning or end of the assignment). Summative assignments The summative (graded) assignments together account for 30% of your final course grade. Should you fail a summative assignment, your supervisor will advise you on the reasons and ways to improve. Your overall performance on Part 1 will determine whether you will need to resubmit any failed assignments, as described in the Student Handbook. You will need to pass the summative assignment part of the course in order for you to move on to the dissertation 5

Dissertation At the end of the course you will submit a 10,000 – 12,000 word dissertation which is worth 70% of your final course grade.

3. You and your supervisor Supervisors are drawn from relevant faculties of the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Continuing Education’s tutor panel and will have expertise in the field you are studying. You will be notified by the Course Director or the Academic Programme Manager about your supervisor, and they will get in touch with you to arrange your first supervision. You can expect supervisors to be well-qualified and experienced in the study of, and research into, International Development but not necessarily have in-depth knowledge of your particular topic. The relationship between the student and supervisor is a very important one. It is useful to give details of the “contract” between you in order to avoid misunderstandings: a) The supervisor will arrange six face-to-face meetings (totalling six hours) with you to discuss your progress. The timings and details of these meetings are to be mutually agreed; b) Summative assignments will be marked by your supervisor who will provide constructive feedback; c) The supervisor should read through the final draft of your dissertation and make constructive comments on it, no later than six weeks before your submission date; d) The supervisor should be prepared to deal with a limited number of queries by communication through the VLE, or by telephone or letter. As the student you will be expected to conform to a number of criteria: a) To keep to the agreed timetable for meetings and handing in assignments. Please give your supervisor plenty of time to read and comment upon your assignments before your supervision. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please ensure you give your supervisor as much notice as possible. b) To make the best use of supervision time: firstly by preparing for the meeting in advance and secondly by listening to the advice given to you by your supervisor. Your supervisor will be asked to write a number of reports on your progress to the Course Director. These reports will be uploaded in your course VLE space as a record of your progress though the course.

4. Time management It is very useful to make a preliminary plan for your work. Research often takes longer than anticipated but it is a useful discipline to impose deadlines on yourself. A useful tool is a research log. This can be constructed to suit your requirements but the following headings have proved useful in the past:      

Date Weekly objective Hours worked and where Summary of main work covered, books read, primary research material collected Problems with research or general comments Plan for following week

One page per week should be sufficient to help you keep track of your work. 6

6. Course details There are two parts to the course: Part one: Two summative assignments Part two: Dissertation The Advanced Diploma comprises six supervisions, two summative assignments and one dissertation over two academic years of study. The two summative assignments are written in part one of your course and together count towards 30% of the final grade. In part two of your course you will undertake a 10,000-12,000 word dissertation, which makes up 70% of your final grade. It is advisable to discuss your research plan and assignments with your supervisor as soon as possible after commencing the course.

9. Assessment of assignments and examination of the final dissertation Grading Scheme 
 Your summative assignments are graded in relation to your achievement of the learning outcomes specified for the course. For further information and a description of the grading scheme please refer to the Student Handbook. Learning Outcomes: Summative assignment(s) The student will be able to: a) b) c)

demonstrate an understanding of the issues involved in the critical study of International Development evaluate current debates and theories within one sub-field/ topic in International Development identify suitable methods and use a range of data sources to answer a range of relevant questions

Learning outcomes: Dissertation The student will be able to: a) b) c)

demonstrate a critical, in-depth knowledge of their chosen area of research within the study of International Development summarise, represent and interpret a range of both primary and secondary sources including materials from different disciplines have an ability to develop an argument and present different viewpoints in a critical manner

Your summative assignments and dissertation will be graded by your supervisor, after which they will go through a moderation process; for further information relating to moderation please refer to the Student Handbook. Feedback will be returned to you as soon as possible On passing the course, you will be invited to receive your certificate and transcript in person at the Institute of Continuing Education at Madingley Hall; alternatively the certificate can be sent to you by post. ICE will normally retain a paper copy of your dissertation for a period of six months following confirmation of an award, unless you have initiated an appeal against your result. 7

10. If you encounter difficulties If you encounter difficulties during your studies that affect your performance, you should let your Course Director know as soon as possible so that we can give you advice. Extensions are not available. Instead, you should submit your work as close as possible to the deadline, even if incomplete. You should then use the “mitigating circumstances” process to ask that the circumstances be taken in to account. The mitigating circumstances process takes place at the end of each academic year, and is explained in full in the Student Handbook.

11. Complaints and appeals If you feel that you have not received the tuition you expected, or there were academic circumstances which limited your achievement of the learning outcomes, you should notify the Course Director. The procedures for making a complaint and academic appeals are detailed in the Student Handbook.

12. What Next? Successful participants of this course will have developed the skills and qualifications necessary to take a much more informed approach to current issues in International Development. These skills can be used professionally through careers in International Development related organisations or as a basis for further research. You will be able to pursue your interests further through a higher degree (such as a taught Masters or a Masters by research). As the dissertation will represent a novel piece of research, it may also be possible to present these at conferences, edit these for publication in peerreviewed research journals or publish as policy relevant briefing papers for organisations that are pertinent in the topic of your choice. If you would like to discuss the possibilities further, please contact the Course Director.

I Information correct as at 21 May 2014

University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, Madingley Hall, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ Tel 01223 746222 www.ice.cam.ac.uk 8