UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
  1. University Department/Centre
/ SOLLIS: International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS)
  1. External Accreditation
/ N/A
  1. Title of Final Award
/ Certificate of Achievement in Applied Sign Language Studies (Foundation Entry)[1]
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-Time, Part-time
  1. UCAS Code
/ N/A
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ N/A
  1. Other external influences
/ N/A
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ June 2003
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To introduce deaf learners to the requirements, skills and culture of Higher Education

  • To provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment for students new to Higher Education

  • To develop a range of interpersonal skills, critical self-awareness and problem-solving abilities

  • To develop English literacy, IT as well as numeracy skills needed for Higher Education

  • To improve sign language skills to a level sufficient for academic purposes

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will have developed knowledge and understanding of:
A1. the requirements, skills and nature of Higher Education
A2. the attributes and strategies for effective learning required to embark ondegree level study
A3. personal strengths and weaknesses as learners
A4. the use of English, ITand Numeracy for academic purposes
Teaching and Learning Methods
A wide range of teaching and learning methods are employed with a strong emphasis on formative assessment in the initial stages; lectures, seminars and workshops; group activities (both small and large groups); individual tutorials, self-directed study, and self-evaluation will form the core teaching and learning methods.
Assessment methods
Written and signed assignments, in-class tests, student presentations (both group and individual), group tasks, and portfolios.
B.Subject-specific skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to
B1. identify and use relevant reading and reference materials from various sources using appropriate techniques.
B2. demonstrate adequate English literacy, IT and numeracy skills needed for HE
B3. understand the nature of various assessment strategies in HE and produce acceptable output for assessments including the use of sign language output.
B4. reflect upon their own learning experience and develop confidence in personal development planning.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The teaching and learning methods generally include: lectures, seminars and workshops; group activities (both small and large groups); individual tutorials, self-directed study and report writing.
Assessment methods
Written and signed assignments, in-class tests, report writing, student presentations (both group and individual), group tasks, and portfolios.
C.Thinking Skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
C1. deliver a presentation and defend their position
C2. use knowledge from learned sources to place reasoned arguments
C3. plan and conduct specific projects using problem solving methods
C4. make informed decisions about study at further levels.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars, student-led discussions
Assessment methods
Presentation, In class assessment, PDP portfolio
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
By the end of the course, students will have developed:
D1. theability to work autonomously, or with minimum guidance where appropriate
D2. proficiency in written and face-to-face communication in a range of settings
D3. IT and multimedia skills appropriate for degree level study
D4. ability to work with others/team working skills
Teaching and Learning Methods
Discussion, debate, personal reflection, action planning, lab-based projects, group work
Assessment methods
Reflective essays, PDP portfolio, presentations (both group and individual), lab assignments
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Levels 3
Comp
O / IK C001 / English for deaf learners in HE / 20 / Certificate of Achievement
Requires a minimum of 20 credits at level 3 or above.
Six modules are taken to complete the foundation level (120 credits at level 3), five must be compulsory (COMP) and one must be optional (O)
IK C002 / English reading skills for deaf learners / 20
IK C004 / Signing skills in academic contexts / 20
IK C005 / Study skills and Personal Development Planning / 20
IK C006 / Information Technology and Numeracy in HE / 20
IK C003 / Text composition skills for deaf learners / 20
IK C007 / Student Initiated Module / 20
15.Personal Development Planning
The Personal Development Planning (PDP) is managed through a number of inter-linked measures to support the development of academic, personal and professional skills in students. This is being the first batch with no senior students or alumini PDP will be managed in the following ways:
1. The department student tutoring system is designed to monitor the students’ PDP; students’ personal tutors are contacted by students at regular intervals for individual meetings on PDP.
2. Joint activities are arranged for students and personal tutors for the purpose of networking and PDP advice to students.
3. Workshops, seminars and invited lectures will be organised to let students learn more about PDP. Practical activities will also be organised.
Students keep records about PDP tutorial meetings and peer mentoring meetings and events in the form of a progress log book.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Essential admissions criteria are:
- Sign language skills at level 2 minimum (determined through certified learning or interview)
- Successful personal interview
- A sufficient level of English literacy potential to achieve equivalent of IELTS 4.5 by completion of (120 credits) certificate;
This programme has been designed for deaf students. No certified previous qualification is required, Following receipt of application form; all students will be interviewed by two members of the course team to assess their level of proficiency in sign language and in English, and the applicant’s ability to benefit from the programme.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • iSLanDS website

  • Factsheet (also available online)

  • IGNOU website

18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
Level C / IK C001 / English for deaf learners in HE / COMP /  /  /  / 
IK C002 / English reading skills for deaf learners / COMP /  /  /  /  /  / 
IK C003 / Text composition skills for deaf learners / COMP /  /  /  / 
IK C004 / Signing skills in academic contexts / O /  / 
IK C005 / Study skills and Personal Development Planning / COMP /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
IK C006 / Information Technology and Numeracy in HE / COMP /  /  /  /  /  / 
IK C007 / Student Initiated Module / O /  /  /  /  / 

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks

[1] A Certificate of Achievement with120 credits constitutes a Foundation Entry qualification for entry to the BA (Hons) in Applied Sign Language Studies. This is a dual award from IGNOU and UCLan.