Analytic Quality Glossary

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/

This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.

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Programme specification

 

core definition

A programme (program) specification documents the aims, objectives or learning outcomes, programme content, learning and teaching methods, process and criteria for assessment, usually with indicative reading or other reference material as well as identifying the modules or subunits of the programme, setting out core and optional elements, precursors and levels.

 

explanatory context

Programme specification may, in some settings, be referred to as a course specification. A module (or other programme sub-unit) specification is similar to programme specifications but should normally also identify how it relates to the overall programme specification.

 

analytical review

The University of Warwick (2004), for example, defines it thus:

Course specification: A description of the intended outcomes of learning from a higher education course of study (learning outcomes), how these outcomes are achieved (taught and learned) and demonstrated (assessed). A course specification should improve student understanding of how learning occurs on a particular course, what is being taught, and inform reflection upon personal learning, performance and achievement.

 

UMIST defines a programme specification as:

a concise statement about the intended learning outcomes from successful completion of a particular degree programme, and information about the teaching, learning and methods of assessment used which enable the learning outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated. It should help improve student understanding of how and when learning occurs, and of what is being learned, and promote reflection upon personal learning, performance and achievement.

 

 

associated issues

 

related terms

 

sources

University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), 2001, Annex 1: Glossary, UM/DG/005 http://www2.umist.ac.uk/staff/talsc/TaLSC/quality/dg005%20_glossary.pdf, posted 30/08/01

University of Warwick, 2004, Course Specifications: Glossary of Terms relating to Course Specifications http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/insite/info/quality/coursespecs/view/glossary/ Last revised: Tue, Aug 24, 2004