Unit information: Special Independent Study in 2015/16

Unit name	Special Independent Study
Unit code	SPOLD2026
Credit points	40
Level of study	D/8
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Payne
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is used in exceptional circumstances that require an individually negotiated programme of study, submission of work and assessment that could not be met by any other available unit in the programme. The unit devised for these purposes must be consistent with and contribute to significant aspects of the Programme Specification.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Advance significantly their knowledge and critical understanding of an agreed topic
• Demonstrate intellectual skills and attributes of analysis, critical evaluation and synthesis at doctoral level
• Undertake self-motivated and directed work at doctoral level
• Enhance and extend practical, professional and/transferable skills at an expert level

Teaching Information

The primary method of academic support is provided through negotiating a programme of reading and/or relevant activity supported by opportunities for discussion with academic tutor(s) and responding to comments and suggestions about ideas and submitted draft text. These contacts may be face to face communication, by Skype or telephone . Additional support may be available from support services and informal contacts with other staff and students.

Assessment Information

8,000 word assignment

Reading and References

Key reading and references will be specific to the topic of the Special Independent Study. It will be negotiated accordingly.