Organisational Change and Development (Shrewsbury) MA (WBIS)

Entry requirements

Most applicants will have a minimum 2:2 honours Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience of working in the public, private or voluntary sector, and responsibility for decision-making and supervising/managing colleagues. Applicants operating at a strategic level who do not possess a 2:2 honours Bachelor’s degree may be assessed on their suitability for entry to the course. Applicants may be interviewed.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This part-time, work-based course is for anyone working in the voluntary, statutory or private sector wanting to enhance their practice in organisational change and development.

Course overview

The course is for those who want to learn in and through their workplace, whether in the voluntary, public or private sector. This course provides an opportunity for those who hold a lower or middle management position with aspirations for career progression, and for those who already hold a senior managerial or leadership position looking to further develop their organisation. It will support students to develop an academic approach to personal learning, as well as develop skills of work-based research and enquiry to support the strategic development of their organisation.

Why study this course with us?

This course will enable you to learn alongside your work and family commitments. Using the workplace as your starting point provides opportunities for learning ‘on-the-job’. Assessment tasks always have a work-related element to them, and for some, you can negotiate the focus in light of your own interests and responsibilities. Learning alongside others in similar and different organisations helps you to develop support networks and wider perspectives. Experienced tutors provide support throughout your personal learning journey.

Attendance is usually required on approximately six or seven Friday evenings and Saturdays per year. In addition, individual and small group support sessions are available with tutors either online or face-to-face. Online and physical resources and guidance are integral to the course, including access to library sources and academic study skills support.

Whilst the course is designed to be completed in two years, there is some flexibility that allows for a shorter or longer time to be taken. Some students, particularly those with considerable experience, may be able to submit evidence for ‘Accreditation for Prior Learning’ (APL).

What will you be learning?

Students combine specific Organisational Change and Development modules with negotiated modules where students choose topics pertinent to their working context, concerns and interests.

Teaching methods

The course combines taught sessions at UCS with individual and group tutorials, online and remote support. Taught sessions are usually on Friday evenings and Saturdays across the year (approx. 6-7 times per year). Tutorial times are negotiated with individual tutors, and students are required to allocate regular study time.

Assessment

All assessment is through coursework. Examples include portfolios, reports, literature and reflective reviews and professional dialogues.

Work based learning

Students will usually be working whilst studying.

Fees and funding