Chss - Pgt Selection Criteria from Schools ( 23 Oct 07)

CHSS Paper 2007/1/1 (Rev 1)

CHSS - PGT SELECTION CRITERIA FROM SCHOOLS (@ 23 OCT 07)

CONTENTS

College Guidance on PGT Application Selection Criteria

From ACE – PG Programme Admissions

From ACE – Further Programme Selection Information

From DIV - PGT PGT Biblical Studies selection criteria

From DIV - PGT Christianity in the Non-Western World selection criteria

From DIV - PGT Ministry selectioncriteria

From DIV - PGT Theological Ethics selection criteria

From DIV - PGT Theology in History selection criteria

From EDU – AWAITED

From HEA - AWAITED

From HCA - Revised Admissions Criteria MSc T

From LAW - PGTCriteriaSept07

From LLC - Assessment Criteria for MScTs

From MSE - Admissions Reqts (MSc)

From MSE - Admissions Reqts (MBA)

From PPLS - interim (from email) - Assessment Criteria for MScTs

From SPS – AWAITED

GUIDANCE ON PG APPLICATION SELECTION CRITERIA

This guidance is intended to assist those developing criteria for acceptance of PGT applications. It consists of principles, rather than specific attributes.

THE PRINCIPLES

* Each programme should list the documents required on which a decision would be made. This list must include a minimum of: a completed application form, an academic transcript and two references. An acceptable English language test certificate will be required from international students as required in due course.

* Criteria must be simple and unambiguous.

* Criteria must be chosen and described in such a way that enables decisions to be made (eg “ a 2:1 in Law” is more helpful than “a good degree”).

* Criteria must include explicit academic aspects such as entry qualifications, entry experience, use of references, personal statements and portfolio requirements.

* Criteria must include explicit non-academic aspects such as English language requirements and any age constraints.

* Criteria must include sufficient information to identify those applicants whose applications should clearly be rejected.

* Criteria must include quota limitations such as a maximum cohort size, maximum over-offer ratio (eg 110% = 10% more offers than places can be made to allow for anticipated drop-outs), waiting list size and any maximum numbers from specific countries.

* Guidance provided on the interpretation of supporting documents such as references and transcripts should be sufficiently comprehensive to allow consistent decisions to be made.

Rick Kiralfy

15 Jun 07

CHSS Paper 2007/1/1 (Rev 1)

ACE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME ADMISSIONS

Standard University Admissions criteria normally apply:

First degree in an appropriate subject (1st or 2.1cl)

English certificate at the required level if English not first language (exemption can be granted from this requirement if first degree taught in English)

Transcript of degree results

Copy of degree certificate

2 references

However, it should be noted that careful consideration will always be given by admissions tutors to non-standard entry applications from candidates with appropriate knowledge and experience. This is particularly important in a School such as ACE which caters for the creative disciplines of Music, Architecture and History of Art. Many such applications have been successful in the past.

See attached notes (below) for further details of specific programme requirements and comments from admissions tutors.

CHSS Paper 2007/1/1 (Rev 1)

ACE – FURTHER PROGRAMME SELECTION INFORMATION

SUBJECT AREA / PROGRAMME / POS CODE / RESEARCH COSTS/ BENCH FEE / PROGRAMME DIRECTOR / ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
ARCHITECTURE / Advanced Architectural Design (MSc/Dip) / C0069 / £800 / Stephen Cairns / Design Portfolio - guidance via - follow link for admissions. For general programme information, see
Architectural Design Practices (MSc/Dip[r]) / C0007 / £250 / Stephen Cairns / Design Portfolio - guidance via - follow link for admissions.
Architectural Facilities Management (MSc)** / C0186 / HW / Remo Pedreschi / Admissions administered by HW
Architectural Project Management (MSc) ** / C0028 / HW / Remo Pedreschi / Admissions administered by HW
Architecture (MSc/Dip[r]) / C0095 / £250 / Alex Bremner / 500 word synopsis of intended research topic - guidance via - follow link for admissions
The City / C0168 / £800 / Richard Williams / Personal statement outlining academic background and motivation for undertaking studies. A portfolio of visual and/or design material, and/or written material. See - follow link for admissions
Design & Digital Media (MSc/Dip) / C0090 / £800 / John Lee / See notes from Programme Director. For general programme information, see
Digital Media & Culture (MSc/Dip[r]) / C0008 / £250 / Richard Coyne / 500 word synopsis of intended research topic - guidance via - follow link for admissions
Sound Design (MSc/Dip[r]) / C0005 / £250 / Martin Parker / 500 word synopsis of intended research topic - guidance via - follow link for admissions. Also see notes from Programme Director
Sound Design (MSc/Dip) / C0068 / £800 / Martin Parker / See - follow link for admissions. Also see notes attached from Programme Director
Sound Environments (MSc/Dip) / C0004 / £800 / Richard Coyne / Normally a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants who do not have a sound-related undergraduate degree are asked to submit a small portfolio of sound work. This can range from an essay on sound to a small collection of sound recordings, performances or documentation of a sound-based project such as an installation, film or animation. For general programme information, see
PhD Architecture / C0094 / £250 / Alex Bremner / 500 word synopsis of intended research topic - guidance via - follow link for admissions
PhD by Design / C0188 / £250 / Stephen Cairns / 500 word synopsis of intended research topic and design portfolio - guidance via - follow link for admissions
MPhil Architecture / C0093 / £250 / Alex Bremner / 500 word synopsis of intended research topic - guidance via - follow link for admissions.
HISTORY OF ART / History of Art (MSc/Dip[r]) / A0362 / £250 / Richard Williams / Research proposal synopsis on intended research topic
History, Theory & Display (MSc/Dip) / A0995 / £250 / Richard Williams / 2000 word essay on History of Art
Renaissance to Enlightenment (MSc/Dip) / C0009 / £100 (increasing to £250 2008/2009) / Jill Burke / 2000 word essay on any humanities subject
Scottish Art & Visual Culture 1750-2000(MSc/Dip) / A0906 / £250 / Viccy Coltman / 2000 word essay on History of Art
PhD History of Art / A0815 / £250 / Richard Williams / Research proposal synopsis on intended research topic
MPhil History of Art / A0367 / £250 / Richard Williams / Research proposal synopsis on intended research topic
MUSIC / Composition(MMus) / H0020 / £250 / Nigel Osborne / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at - Applicants should also supply two pieces of work (either written or composition) for consideration by the admissions tutor along with their application.
Digital Composition & Performance(MSc/Dip) / H0024 / £800 / Michael Edwards / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at - Applicants should also supply at least two pieces of original music (either in score or recorded form) for consideration by the admissions tutor along with their application.
Keyboard Performance Studies (MMus) / H0021 / £250 / John Kitchen / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at - Applicants should also supply two authenticated recordings of their performance for consideration by the admissions tutor along with their application.
Music (MSc by Research) / H0007 / £250 / Katie Overy / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at - Applicants should also provide a research proposal synopsis on intended research topic
Music in the Community (MSc/Dip) / H0025 / £250 / Katie Overy / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at -
Musical Instrument Research (MMus) / H0008 / £250 / Darryl Martin / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at -
Musicology(MMus) / H0018 / £250 / Noel O'Regan / Normally a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, e.g. a diploma at an equivalent standard from a major conservatory of music. Applicants with a 2:1 degree in a subject other than music can also be considered if the applicant can provide evidence of musical qualifications which guarantee sufficient knowledge of music to take the course, e.g. Grade 8 or a diploma from a recognised examining board. While this is the basic qualification, evidence of commitment to, and ability to learn from, the programme are also sought in the applicant's letter of application, references etc. Additional information in support of an application should be provided on the form available at -
PhD Music / H0012 / £250 / Katie Overy / Research proposal synopsis on intended research topic
MPhil Music / H0011 / £250 / Katie Overy / Research proposal synopsis on intended research topic
** administered by Heriot Watt

CHSS Paper 2007/1/1 (Rev 1)

DIVINITY

MTh/MSc in Biblical Studies: Selection Criteria
1) List of documents on which a decision would usually be made:

i) completed application form

ii) all original transcripts

iii) two letters of (academic) references

A certificate of competence in English language (to the standard required by CHSS) would be required of students for whom English is not a first language. Without this, an offer will only be conditional.

2) Entry Requirements. Admission is open to students with a good honours degree, or its equivalent, namely, a good 2.1 classed degree or 3.5 and above GPA in Divinity, Religious Studies or cognate subjects (with adequate previous study relevant to Biblical Studies), or exceptionally in another subject when there is evidence that the student can move successfully to postgraduate-level study in biblical studies, or exceptionally to candidates whose prior study and professional experience provide evidence of ability for postgraduate study in Biblical Studies.

3) Academic Transcripts. All students are expected to have prior study in at least one of the two main biblical languages (Hebrew, Greek), and the core requirements in the programme include further courses in biblical and/or cognate languages. Normally, applicants will be expected to have completed a second-level course in biblical Hebrew or Greek, or demonstrate comparable reading ability. Applicants may be admitted, however, on the basis of a very strong showing in a first-level course in either language. Therefore the language components of the transcript will especially be scrutinised for suitability for the programme.

4) Reference Letters. Only academic reference letters will be acceptable. They must be confidential and sent directly to the University from the referee and not come from the candidate. Little or no value will be placed on ‘open’ reference letters from the candidate.

5) We look especially for clarity of focus in the applicant’s description of his/her academic interests.This requires academic judgment.

6) We have no portfolio requirements. We may ask for a sample of scholarly written work, particularly if a student has unconventional entry qualifications but looks promising, or if s/he declares an interest in proceeding to research (see also 10, below).

7) There are no age constraints.

8) We do not at present maintain a maximum number of entrants per year, and so would not want to have a waiting list.

9) We have no restrictions about maximum numbers from specific countries.

10) If the applicant has an interest in going on to doctoral work, their suitability for using this particular Masters degree as a training degree needs to be assessed: this requires academic judgment.

11) Quite often, we recommend that an applicant for one course is offered a place on another more suitable programme (another taught Masters course, or a Masters by Research): such a recommendation would be made on academic grounds.

MTh / MSc in non-Western Christianity: application selection criteria
1)List of documents on which a decision would usually be made:

i)a completed application form

ii)academic transcripts for degrees completed or in progress

iii) two academic references

A certificate of competence in English language (to the standard required by CHSS) would be required of students for whom English is not a first language. This could be produced in due course, but if so would always be part of a conditional offer.

2)Entry qualifications. Normally a 2:1 or equivalent, e.g. a North American GPA of 3.5. However, a considerable number of students who fall slightly below this hurdle turn out to be excellent: the decision about whether an applicant’s qualifications are appropriate is an academic one. Successful applicants would be likely to have an undergraduate degree in Theology or Religious Studies: interested and qualified students with a degree in Social Anthropology, History or similar will also be accepted. Successful applicants might hold an undergraduate degree in an entirely unrelated area (e.g. an undergraduate Science degree) but also hold a Graduate Diploma in Theology, or a degree such as Master of Arts in Religion, or a Master of Divinity.

3) Academic transcripts should provide evidence of previous coursework relevant to the demands of this programme, which will enable students to study Christianity in, or derived from, Africa, Asia, Latin America. Applicants’ performance in these courses is particularly noted, as evidence of aptitude, experience and skills for postgraduate work within the scope of this programme. This again requires academic judgment.

4) Use of references. Along with academic transcripts, the academic references are an important indicator of potential for Masters level work. This is particularly true if an applicant has an unconventional background for entry. Academic judgment is especially necessary to assess the weight to be placed on a referee’s opinion and to judge the calibre of their institution, given that many applicants come from a variety of educational centres in Africa and Asia.

5)We look especially for a definite focus in the applicant’s description of his/her academic interests, even if this is not always sharply articulated due in large part to different academic backgrounds and expectations.This requires academic judgment.

7)There are no age constraints.

8)At this point we would not want to put limits on the maximum cohort size (we are still building up our numbers), and so would not want to have a waiting list.

9)We have no restrictions about maximum numbers from specific countries.

10)If the applicant has an interest in going on to doctoral work, their suitability for using this particular Masters degree as a training degree may need to be assessed: this requires academic judgment.

11)Quite often, we recommend that an applicant for one course is offered a place on another more suitable programme (another taught Masters course, or a Masters by Research): such a recommendation would be made on academic grounds.

MTh / MSc in Ministry: application selection criteria
1)List of documents on which a decision would usually be made:

(i)a completed application form

(ii)academic transcripts for degrees completed or in progress

(iii) two academic references

2)Entry qualifications. Normally a 2:1 or equivalent, e.g. a North American GPA of 3.5. (However, in some cases we have recruited students who have narrowly fallen below this hurdle, who have turned out to be excellent.) Successful applicants for this programme would be likely to have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Theology.

3) Applicants for this degree will also have either professional experience of Christian ministry or be candidates for ordination in a recognised Christian denomination.

4) Use of references. Along with academic transcripts, the references are an important indicator of potential for Masters level work. For the Ministry degree such references are as likely to concern the preaching, teaching and pastoral skills of a candidate as their academic work. Such references will need to be assessed by the director of the Masters’ programme and are not easily amenable to judgment by those without knowledge of professional ministerial practice.