The academic, linguistic and regulatory framework of postgraduate education; principles of award design; forms and opportunities for learning and assessment; negotiating and planning learning and assessment.

You are expected to submit your Independent Learning Agreement within 6 months of registration for this module. During this time your Account Manager / Director of Studies will provide both support and advice as well as check on your progress as your module supervisor. Some of you will be working as a group with your supervisor and you should anticipate participation in perhaps 3 group workshops. Overall we normally expect that you will receive up to 10 hours of personal support, feedback and advice. You will be allocating much of your early work to ensuring that firstly you have a sound understanding of the nature of the task and its constraints and opportunities and secondly, a process of personal reflection about your aims, purposes and interests. It is important that you submit early drafts of your proposed agreement by no later than 2/3 of the way towards your deadline for final submission.

Pass
Proficient, fluently, presented arguments that demonstrate understanding of theoretical issues in the application of knowledge.
Work includes critical analysis that demonstrates breadth and depth of literature and knowledge in the subject area, and originality in presentation.
The use of evidence demonstrates an understanding of the advancement of the boundaries of knowledge and is used as a basis for problem - solving.
Referencing is complete and accurate.

In this module this will cover the following:
- Appropriate selection of critical events/situations/factors as the basis for valid analysis of complex situations and contexts.
- Application of theory to practice in order to develop appropriate strategies in an ongoing situation.

Merit
A piece of work which meets all the requirements of a pass grade and in addition:
Presents arguments which have been underpinned by a thorough exploration of data and conceptual - based evidence which may go beyond the boundaries of the discipline. Discussion communicates ideas and arguments logically, concisely, clearly and effectively.

Distinction
An outstanding piece of work which meets all of the requirements of a merit grade and in addition:
Demonstrates creativity and innovation.
There is substantial evidence of critique, challenge and original thought.
The arguments presented are compelling and authoritative and demonstrate synthesis to support new ideas

In this module this will cover the following:
- An excellent awareness and understanding will be shown of the subject matter when selecting appropriate critical events/situations/factors which are the basis for valid analysis of complex situations and contexts.
- Logical and clear conclusions/proposals which show perception and insight when used as the basis for specific practice and identifying actions that lead directly from reflection.

It is essential that you study not only the handbook for this module, but also The Guides to Negotiated Learning and Independent Study Modules. You will need access to PG prospectus of the University as well as appropriate module descriptors.
Blackboard

A wider perspective on the nature of the activity can be found in:

Anderson, G. et al 1996. Learning Contracts, Kegan Paul.
Anderson, G. & Boud, D. 1997 Introducing Learning Contracts: A Flexible Way to Learn, Innovations in Education and Training International 33, 4, 221-7
Stephenson, J. and Laycock, M. (eds) 1993 Using Learning Contracts in Higher Education. Kegan Paul.