Programme Specification

Programme Title and

Master of Business Administration Energy and Sustainability
Name of Award

Professional
Qualifications / None
Accreditation

Academic Level NQF Level 7 Total Credits 180

UCAS Code JACS Code N100

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the formal
entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to
pursue the course successfully.

The formal entry requirements are:

· An honours degree at 2:2 or above.

· At least 2 years’ relevant work experience.

· English language at IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each

component).
Criteria for Admission to Applications are considered from candidates who do not meet the
the Programme formal entry requirements but can provide evidence of equivalence.
Examples of equivalence are:

· A wide range of professional qualifications and/or work

experience.

· Working or studying in English or an English-speaking

environment.

Applications will be considered from candidates who do not meet the

formal entry requirements but who can demonstrate by interview the
commitment to complete the programme successfully.

Teaching Institution Robert Kennedy College

Owning Department Department of Business, Law, Policing and Social Science

Programme delivered in
-
conjunction with

Principal Mode of Distance Learning with mandatory residency (blended)

All rights including copyright in the content of this programme are owned or controlled by the University of Cumbria. Except as
otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or by the University of Cumbria, the content of the programme may not be
copied, duplicated, reproduced, republished, posted, distributed or broadcast in any way without the written permission of the
University of Cumbria
Delivery

Pattern of Delivery Full Time / Part Time

Primarily distance learning (Robert Kennedy College)

Delivery Site(s)
University of Cumbria campus for five-day residential module

Programme Length Minimum 12 months, Maximum 5 years

Higher Education
Achievement Report -
(HEAR)

You may be awarded one of the following Exit Awards if you fail to
achieve the requirements of the full programme:
Exit Awards
- Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration

- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration

Programme Features

This programme provides an opportunity to study a subject specific MBA using two distinct flexible and
distributed learning environments that will complement each other and enhance your learning
experience:

(1) Robert Kennedy College provides a bespoke series of MBA modules, including one focused on
Energy and Sustainability, via distance learning that, within a set time frame, allow study at a pace,
place and location which suits you

(2) The University of Cumbria complements the distance learning modules with a residential
programme of study in Tackling Global-Local Challenges in Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability.
This module is delivered at a university campus providing accessibility to a range of guest speakers
and opportunities to engage in valuable interaction with fellow students. The residential programme is
mandatory for completion of the award of MBA Energy and Sustainability.
Much of the learning and development on this programme is designed to encourage the student to
become an independent learner. The combined student experience is one of high level participation
and input. The main emphasis on the programme is on a strong practical and professional orientation,
and the online work is developed and enhanced through the residency element, where the student
experience is drawn together. Students following this programme would normally have at least two
years’ post-graduation work experience, and this programme will build upon prior knowledge and skills
gained within a wider organisational and contextual framework.
The mandatory residency is designed to facilitate the deeper exploration of problems/issues within an
organisational context not only in terms of the module associated with it. The establishment of learning
sets is instrumental in driving through the concept of reflective practitioner, and is designed to
encourage the student to interact with other participants, both formally and informally, in seeking best
practice and challenging existing practices.

This programme benefits greatly from the internationality derived from recruiting students from all the
inhabited continents, and being able to draw on tutors, well qualified in their field, from across the
globe. The value of the resultant exposure to business practice, culture and ideas from such a variety
of experiences is incalculable, particularly to an MBA programme where you may already have a wide

3
range of experience and expertise developed in a variety of international contexts.

The programme builds on the strong and long-standing track record in online delivery developed by
Robert Kennedy College. Apart from the residential element of one module, this programme is
delivered entirely by distance learning. RKC’s tailor-made, state-of-the-art software for online course
delivery (OnlineCampus) is a highly evolved all-encompassing, interactive and easy-to-use software
designed to make studying online an enjoyable experience.

This programme has been designed with a certain degree of flexibility in mind; however, some of the
modules need to be taken at certain times (e.g. students need to start with the non-credit Induction
and their first module needs to be Organisational Behaviour). Details are available in a subsequent
section of this programme specification - Programme Curriculum Map.

The programme includes a specific module on Energy and Sustainability, and the dissertation topic,
chosen by the student in discussion with the supervisor, will also be focused on issues relating to
energy and sustainability.

Aims of the Programme

The overall aims of the Programme are to:

1. further develop relevant management and organisation knowledge, both academic and
professional, in line with postgraduate standards/benchmarks and in the context of energy and
sustainability;

2. develop critical reflection skills and engagement with organisational and professional theory to
understand, and where appropriate, challenge existing individual and organisational perspectives
and practices;

3. develop, and where appropriate apply, new knowledge to add value by enhancing organisational
capability through an understanding of its energy sources and usage;

4. develop an understanding of an organisation’s strategic focus and environment and the impact of
the inter-relationship between the organisation’s resources and clients in a changing environment,
particularly focusing on sustainable energy (renewable energy) technologies and applications,
policies/regulations and planning, environmental and social impact, barriers, and potential market
reforms to facilitate sustainable energy development;

5. develop commitment to continuous personal and professional development, independence and

reflective learning in the context of energy and sustainability;

6. develop particular expertise and understanding in the fields of business and management, energy
and sustainability, enabling a critical engagement with contemporary discourses in sustainability
and the social responsibility of organisations, that will promote a personal and professional
reflection on leading change in the energy sector.

Successful students will be able to:

1. understand and apply management theory, engage in individual research, and make, when
necessary, sound judgments in the absence of complete data;

2. exhibit improved independent research and time management skills, having undertaken a
substantial self-managed research project which involved application of a variety of management
and research practices, and demonstrates expertise and understanding of issues in leadership
4
 and/or sustainability;

3. demonstrate enhanced interpersonal and team skills, through working with others from different
industry or cultural backgrounds;

4. continue to reflect on their existing experiences, and learn from and build on the experience of
others;

5. develop into modern, well rounded and outward looking leaders with a high concern for customers
and colleagues, capable of taking responsibility for themselves, their people, their areas of
responsibility and their organisation in an energy-conscious and sustainable manner.

Level Descriptors

Level Descriptors describe in general terms the expected outcomes you will achieve at each level of
study as you progress through your programmes. They describe the relative demand, complexity,
depth of learning and learner autonomy associated with a particular level of learning and achievement.
The University’s Level Descriptors are aligned to the national Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications (FHEQ) and are a key mechanism for ensuring the academic standards of the University’s
provision.

At Level 7 (Usually Master’s level), you will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability:

 To display a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current

problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of your
academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice.

 Employ advanced subject-specific and cognitive skills to enable decision-making in complex and
unpredictable situations.
 Generate new ideas and support the achievement of desired outcomes

 Accept accountability for decision making including the use of supervision

 Analyse complex concepts and professional situations by means of synthesis of personal and
work place reflection and data drawn from scholarship and research in the field.

Programme Outcomes – Knowledge and Understanding

The programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate the following:

After 60 credits of study (PGCert) you will be able to demonstrate:

K1. The role and function of organisations and the context in which they operate, including the key
drivers of change

K2. Critically assess a variety of business tools

K3. Present in writing coherent analyses of business issues.

After 120 credits of study (PGDip) you will be able to demonstrate:

K4. An understanding of the relationships between organisations’ resources and their clients and their
strategic focus within an evolving environment, with an emphasis on energy and sustainability
K5. An understanding of the core disciplines of finance, marketing, business and management in the

5
international context

K6. The application of critical thinking to the successful management of organizations including a deep
understanding of the processes of strategic problem-solving and decision-making.

After 180 credits of study (MBA) you will be able to demonstrate:

K7. The range of research methods that can be applied to the study of business management and
leadership
K8. A comprehensive theoretical foundation in the extensive area of business and management in the
global environment, with a specific focus on sustainability and the energy sector, complemented by a
variety of analytical and personal skills

K9. A strong understanding of how your knowledge and skills may be employed efficiently within an
organisational setting.

Programme Outcomes – Skills and other Attributes (including Employability Skills)

The programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate the following:

After 60 credits of study (PGCert) you will be able to demonstrate:

S1. self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

After 120 credits of study (PGDip) you will be able to demonstrate an ability to:

S2. make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations

S3. act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

After 180 credits of study (MBA) you will be able to demonstrate an ability to:
S4. critically reflect on personal knowledge, practice and skills, continually develop self-appraisal and
insight into development plans and outcomes, and deal with complex issues both systematically and
creatively

S5. communicate your conclusions effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

External and Internal Reference Points

The following Subject Benchmark Statements and other external and internal reference points
have been used to inform the Programme Outcomes:

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master's Degrees in Business and Management (June 2015)

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies employed to enable the Programme

Outcomes to be Achieved and Demonstrated

Central to the philosophy of the programme is the development of independent learners, thinkers, and
researchers. Furthermore, due to the nature of an MBA, students will bring extensive personal
experience of their own. This is captured so that learning, teaching, and assessment strategies
employed in the programme are highly student-centred and make full use of the student group as a

6
resource. Thus the ability to work as a team is assessed through group oral presentations at the
residential where formative peer assessment is used.
The varied learning experience includes
 RKC’s tailor-made, state-of-the-art software for online course delivery (OnlineCampus), a highly
evolved all-encompassing, interactive and easy-to-use software designed to make studying
online a satisfying experience;
 Seminar activities and online work in learning sets which require students to discuss their
own/organizational practices;
 Webinars, live interactive online sessions and guest lectures to inform teaching;
 Use of in-house developed platforms and models to enhance the learning experience, such as a
simulation platform for online trading;
 Research activities both independent and tutor-led requiring students to prepare a research
proposal/plan prior in order to conduct primary research;
 Self-directed study with peer groups, plus individual reflection and small-group work;
 Residential meetings which include lectures, seminars and experiential activities.
Intellectual and cognitive skills are assessed by means of written assignments, including extended
essays and reports. Quantitative skills, including the use of ICT, are assessed via worked problems,
particularly in finance-based modules.

Assessment is focussed on providing opportunities for both formative and summative assessment. For
the online modules, formative assessment is in an interim assessment and also continuously and on-
going via the medium of the online forums whereby tutors comment on ideas expressed, give feedback
on the direction of the discussion, and recommend courses of action/lines of thought that might be
taken.

Summative assessment is based on analysis and critical evaluation of case-study material to facilitate
the real-world application of knowledge and integration of the often considerable expected experience
of the students as well as theoretical material.

The residential experience allows not only continual, on-going face-to-face formative feedback as
students work through the activities assigned, but also assessment of skills in real, rather than virtual,
conditions. As such there is an opportunity to have the students prepare materials in groups and make
peer assessments of performance. Once you leave the residential, further summative assessment
takes place in the form of reflective analysis and critical evaluation.

Student Support

You will study the greater part of your award online with Robert Kennedy College (RKC). Most of your
support will be provided directly by RKC however you will have access to the University of Cumbria
learning support network called ‘LiSS’.

Initial and ongoing induction

Students receive a comprehensive induction both to RKC’s VLE (OnlineCampus) and the various
University of Cumbria regulations (e.g. these specified in the joint student page at
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/AboutUs/Services/ExternalRelations/AcademicPartnership/RobertKennedyCo
llege.aspx ) through the online module “Induction”. This non-credit module covers various introductory
issues such as: Motivation, Understanding the Programme Handbook, Registering and Withdrawing
from a module, Academic Writing, Academic Malpractice, and Grading Policy. The module is composed
of these six main units and each unit includes a video and audio tutorial. Students are also introduced
to the concept of online asynchronous communications via the OnlineCampus forums. Continuous
monitoring of the module by RKC faculty members ensures a prompt resolution of any questions well
before the start of the first credit-bearing module. The induction module is ongoing: there is no end-

7
date and students can always refer to it or post questions in the relevant forum at any stage of the
programme.
In parallel with the Induction module, students are invited to attend either one of the two monthly live
video conferences in which the Academic Counselling Team, including a senior member of the faculty,
facilitates discussions around best practices for online learning and ways to take advantage of the
various support options available to students. An extensive ‘questions and answers’ session is also
included and is generally very popular. Students interact with each other and the staff via video
conferencing.

StudentCare Assistance

RKC operates an online student support system ‘StudentCare’. The StudentCare assistance facility
features an online Live Support function via instant messaging where students are able to get instant
answers to general questions. This is in addition to an online forum and a problem-solving ticketing
system, Live Support has at least two StudentCare representatives ready to provide assistance. This
means that the most common issues students may experience can usually be solved in a few minutes.

During the residential, at least one representative from the administration side will be present, in
addition to the teaching staff, to help students with any matters that might arise.

Data Protection

In any online community data protection is paramount. Personal data is kept completely confidential
by RKC. However, it is important that you engage with the wider student community within your
cohort. Students are usually known to each other by a name of their choice, which in some cases is
their actual first name or surname, but in others can choose a nickname. Students can provide a
profile of themselves if desired, covering aspects such as location, background, interests, family
situation, and photographs. This is encouraged by the students themselves, to give them a better idea
of their colleagues but it is important to emphasise to you that uploading of any personal information is
completely voluntary, to ensure that the privacy of individual students is maintained at all times.

Students with Disabilities

Provided that students can operate a keyboard, or otherwise communicate via a computer, there are
no restrictions due to disability in taking part in the course. Indeed, the asynchronous nature of the
classroom means that students who need a long time to formulate a response are not disadvantaged in
any way. Students will have access to University of Cumbria disability advisors via email.

Students with disabilities attending residential modules at University of Cumbria campuses will have
access to the support needed.

8
Programme Curriculum Map

Academic Module Module Programme Outcomes

Module Title Credits
Level Code Status* Achieved

7 CRKC7001 Organisational Behaviour 20 Core K1, K2, S1

7 CRKC7002 Marketing Management 20 Compulsory K2, K3, K4, S1

7 CRKC7003 Financial Management 20 Optional K2, K3, S1, S2

7 CRKC7004 Information Management 20 Optional K2, K3, S2

7 CRKC7005 Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness 20 Optional K2, K3, K6, S2

7 CRKC7010 Energy and Sustainability 20 Compulsory K4, K5, K8, K9

7 CRKC7020 Strategic Management 20 Compulsory K5, K6, K8, S3

Tackling Global-Local Challenges in Ethics,

7 CRKC7025 20 Core K3, K4, K6, K8, S5
Responsibility and Sustainability

7 CRKC7030 Dissertation 60 Compulsory K7, K8, K9, S3, S4, S5

Notes

This programme operates in accordance with the University’s Academic Regulations and Academic Procedures and Processes.

Optional modules may be subject to availability and viability.

Organisational Behaviour is the entry module, and Strategic Management is the recommended last taught module before the dissertation, but other
modules can be taken as desired by the student.

Most modules are offered three times a year, while Organisational Behaviour and Financial Management run every two months. Six to eight residencies
are held yearly, and others will be made available if justified by student numbers. Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness is currently offered only
once annually.

Students exiting with 60 credits are awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, with 120 credits a Postgraduate Diploma in Business
9
Administration, and with 180 credits a Master in Business Administration Energy and Sustainability.

* Key to Module Statuses

Core Modules Must be taken and must be successfully passed

Compulsory Modules Must be taken although it may possible to carry as a marginal fail (if the award permits)

Are a set of modules from which you will be required to choose a set number to study. Once chosen, unless indicated
Optional Modules otherwise in the table above, an optional module carries the same rules as a compulsory module as per the Academic
Regulations

10
Programme Delivery Structure: Part Time/ Full time (by taking modules in parallel)

Delivery Pattern Approximate

Module
Module Title Method(s) of Assessment Assessment
Code
Deadline

Mandatory entry module Formative assessment at six weeks, final Twelve weeks
CRKC7001 Organisational Behaviour
(offered every two months) summative assessment at 12 weeks after module start

Compulsory module offered Formative assessment at six weeks, final Twelve weeks
CRKC7002 Marketing Management
three times a year summative assessment at 12 weeks after module start

Optional module offered every Formative assessment at six weeks, final Twelve weeks
CRKC7003 Financial Management
two months summative assessment at 12 weeks after module start

Optional module offered three Formative assessment at six weeks, final Twelve weeks
CRKC7004 Information Management
times a year summative assessment at 12 weeks after module start

Formative assessment at end of

Corporate Strategy and Optional residential module Eight weeks after
CRKC7005 residency, final summative group project
Competitiveness offered once a year module start
six weeks after residency

Compulsory module offered Formative assessment at six weeks, final Twelve weeks
CRKC7010 Energy and Sustainability
three times a year summative assessment at 12 weeks after module start

Compulsory module offered Formative assessment at six weeks, final Twelve weeks
CRKC7020 Strategic Management
three times a year summative assessment at 12 weeks after module start

Summative group project assessment at

Tackling Global-Local Challenges in Core residential module offered Eight weeks after
CRKC7025 end of residency, final summative
Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability six times a year module start
assessment four weeks after residency

CRKC7030 Dissertation Compulsory Ongoing formative liaison with

Six to twelve
supervisor, final summative assessment

11
 on submission of final paper months

12
Methods for Evaluating and Improving the Quality and Standards of Learning

 Module Evaluation
Mechanisms used for the  Programme validation and revalidation
Review and Evaluation of  Annual Evaluatory Reports
the Curriculum and
 Programme Review of Teaching
Learning, Teaching and
Assessment Methods  External Examiner Reports

 Input from post-module student surveys.

Mechanisms used for

 Input from post-module student surveys, encompassing quality
gaining and responding to
of teaching, e-learning tools, learning outcome, assessments and
feedback on the quality of
feedback
teaching and the learning
experience – gained from:  Programme Review of Modules
Students, graduates,  Module/Programme/Personal tutorials
employers, WBL venues,  External Examiner Reports.
other stakeholders, etc.

Date of Programme
April 2017
Specification Production:

Date Programme
Specification was last
updated:

For further information about this programme, refer to the programme page on the
University website

13
 Outline Study Plan

Below are two examples of study plans, one for full time and one for part time. Since the
programme offers flexibility in terms of the choice of modules, these are indicative.

Full-time Study Plan

(1 year example)

Term 1 Organisational
Behaviour

Term 2 Marketing Corporate Strategy &

Management Competitiveness

Term 3 Energy and

Residency
Sustainability
Dissertation
Term 4 Strategic
Management

Part-time Study Plan

11/2 years’ example

Term 1 Organisational
Behaviour

Term 2 Marketing
Management

Term 3 Corporate Strategy &

Competitiveness

Term 4
Residency

Term 5 Energy and Dissertation

Sustainability

Term 6 Strategic
Management

14
 Mapping of Programme to QAA Standards

Residency - Tackling Global-Local

Information Management

Energy and Sustainability

Organisational Behaviour

Marketing Management

Corporate Strategy and

Strategic Management
Financial Management

Competitiveness
Module

Dissertation
Challenges
QAA Standard

Section 5.1: Master's degrees in the business and management field are awarded to students who have demonstrated during
their programme
i. a systematic understanding of relevant
knowledge about organisations, their external
context and how they are managed
ii. application of relevant knowledge to a range
of complex situations taking account of its
relationship and interaction with other areas of
the business or organisation
iii. a critical awareness of current issues in
business and management which is informed
by leading edge research and practice in the
field
iv. an understanding of appropriate techniques
sufficient to allow detailed investigation into
relevant business and management issues

15
v. creativity in the application of knowledge,
together with a practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry
are used to develop and interpret knowledge in
business and management
vi. ability to acquire and analyse data and
information, to evaluate their relevance and
validity, and to synthesise a range of
information in the context of new situations
vii. conceptual understanding that enables the
student to:
a. evaluate the rigour and validity of published
research and assess its relevance to new
situations, and b. use existing research and
scholarship to identify new or revised
approaches to practice
viii. ability to conduct research into business
and management issues that requires
familiarity with a range of business data,
research sources and appropriate
methodologies, and for such to inform the
overall learning process
ix. ability to communicate effectively using a
range of media (for example, orally, in writing,
and through digital media)
x. ability to operate effectively in a variety of
team roles and take leadership roles, where
appropriate
xi. ability to take an international perspective
including understanding the impact of
globalisation on businesses, societies and the
environment and the ethical implications
Section 5.2: Once they are in professional practice, master's graduates should be able to:

i. apply consistently their knowledge and

subject-specific and wider intellectual skills

16
ii. deal with complex issues both
systematically and creatively, make sound
judgments in the absence of complete data,
and communicate their conclusions clearly to a
range of audiences
iii. be proactive in recognising the need for
change and have the ability to manage change
iv. be adaptable, and show originality, insight,
and critical and reflective abilities which can all
be brought to bear upon problem situations
v. make decisions in complex and unpredictable
situations
vi. behave ethically and with integrity and
manage with a strong sense of social
responsibility
vii. evaluate and integrate theory and practice
in a wide range of situations
viii. be self-directed and able to act
autonomously in planning and implementing
projects at professional levels
ix. take responsibility for continuing to develop
their own knowledge and skills.

17
 International Marketing and Business

Public Health Management Policy

Leadership and Sustainability

Media, Business and Society

Energy and Sustainability

International Healthcare
Money Management

Sustainable Finance
Module

Environment
QAA Standard

Section 5.1: Master's degrees in the business and management field are awarded to students who have demonstrated during their
programme
i. a systematic understanding of relevant
knowledge about organisations, their external
context and how they are managed
ii. application of relevant knowledge to a range
of complex situations taking account of its
relationship and interaction with other areas of
the business or organisation
iii. a critical awareness of current issues in
business and management which is informed
by leading edge research and practice in the
field

18
iv. an understanding of appropriate techniques
sufficient to allow detailed investigation into
relevant business and management issues
v. creativity in the application of knowledge,
together with a practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry
are used to develop and interpret knowledge in
business and management
vi. ability to acquire and analyse data and
information, to evaluate their relevance and
validity, and to synthesise a range of
information in the context of new situations
vii. conceptual understanding that enables the
student to:
a. evaluate the rigour and validity of published
research and assess its relevance to new
situations, and b. use existing research and
scholarship to identify new or revised
approaches to practice
viii. ability to conduct research into business
and management issues that requires
familiarity with a range of business data,
research sources and appropriate
methodologies, and for such to inform the
overall learning process
ix. ability to communicate effectively using a
range of media (for example, orally, in writing,
and through digital media)
x. ability to operate effectively in a variety of
team roles and take leadership roles, where
appropriate
xi. ability to take an international perspective
including understanding the impact of
globalisation on businesses, societies and the
environment and the ethical implications
Section 5.2: Once they are in professional practice, master's graduates should be able to:

i. apply consistently their knowledge and

subject-specific and wider intellectual skills

19
ii. deal with complex issues both
systematically and creatively, make sound
judgments in the absence of complete data,
and communicate their conclusions clearly to a
range of audiences
iii. be proactive in recognising the need for
change and have the ability to manage change
iv. be adaptable, and show originality, insight,
and critical and reflective abilities which can all
be brought to bear upon problem situations
v. make decisions in complex and unpredictable
situations
vi. behave ethically and with integrity and
manage with a strong sense of social
responsibility
vii. evaluate and integrate theory and practice
in a wide range of situations
viii. be self-directed and able to act
autonomously in planning and implementing
projects at professional levels
ix. take responsibility for continuing to develop
their own knowledge and skills.

20