Programme specification

This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.

SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD

Programme: Refugee Care
Awarding body: University of Essex
Teaching institution: University of Essex
Department: Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Final award: MA
NQF Level of Qualification:
Full / Part Time
QAA Benchmark Group:
JACS code: C898
Publication date: 14/02/2013
Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions.

SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS

This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.

Programme: MA Refugee Care

Programme aims:

The uniqueness of this course is on equipping students to introduce a therapeutic dimension and a psychosocial perspective to their work with refugees (this term is used here to include asylum seekers).

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

expand paragraph   A: Knowledge and Understanding

A1 : The psychological meanings of home and the implications of loss of home
A2 : The systemic and dynamic complexities of the refugee condition, of the refugee needs and of the response to them.
A3 : The therapeutic dimension of refugee care.
A4 : The theory and scope of the psycho-social approach to refugee care.
A5 : The psychodynaqmic and systemic approaches to refugee care.
A6 : Theories of trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, resilience and Post-traumatic Growth.
A7 : The wider parameters within which the refugee condition is located and constructed.
A8 : Conceptualising research in this field.

expand paragraph   B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills

B1 : An ability to critically appraise explicit and implicit conceptualisations of the refugee condition within the wider societal contexts.
B2 : An ability to critically appraise explicit and implicit conceptualisations which inform the range of responses (i.e.) opinion, policies, and services) to the refugee condition.
B3 : An ability to critically appraise explicit and implicit conceptualisations which inform the professional therapeutic response to the refugee condition.
B4 : An ability to critically appraise the impact of race, culture and gender issues on formulations of the refugee condition and of service delivery to refugees.
B5 : An ability to critically appraise the meanings and impact of trauma and resilience theories on formulations of the refugee condition and of service delivery to refugees.
B6 : An ability to critically appraise the meanings and impact of trauma theories on formulations of the refugee condition and of service delivery to refugees.
B7 : An ability to present coherent arguments.
B8 : An ability to identify in material, either clinical or non-clinical, opportunities for further research, whether conceptual or empirical.

expand paragraph   C: Practical Skills

C1 : Ability to apply analytical psychological theory to a chosen cultural or social issue, remaining aware of the methodological problems involved.
C2 : Ability to document and provide evidence for arguments, both orally and in writing.
C3 : Ability to write structured and focused essays, with proper citations and references.

expand paragraph   D: Key Skills

Communication:  D1 : Ability to write clearly, coherently, and concisely.
IT Skills:  D2 : Knowledge of the range of available research approaches and an understanding of how this knowledge relates to their chosen area of research
Numeracy:  D3 : Knowledge of the range of available research approaches and an understanding of how this knowledge relates to their chosen area of research
Problem Solving:  D4 : Ability to formulate a research project and implement the research skills necessary to carry it out.
Working with Others:  D5 : Knowledge of the range of available research approaches and an understanding of how this knowledge relates to their chosen area of research
Self Learning:  D6 : Autonomously work to deadlines and make use of coursework feedback to refine their thinking on a topic.

Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:

expand paragraph   A: Knowledge and Understanding

Learning Methods

Knowledge and understanding of these learning outcomes is acquired through the seminars, discussion in the two predominantly theoretical modules ('Therapeutic Care for Refugees' and 'Contexts of the Refugee Experience'), as well as the two predominantly practical and experiential modules ('Observation' and 'Placement'). In addition, through the supervision, assignments and dissertation.

Assessment Methods

5 written assignments (i.e. 4 essays and one Placement Diary)
Dissertation


expand paragraph   B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills

Learning Methods

Knowledge and understanding of these learning outcomes is acquired through the seminars, discussion in the two predominantly theoretical modules ('Therapeutic Care for Refugees' and 'Contexts of the Refugee Experience'), as well as the two predominantly practical and experiential modules ('Observation' and 'Placement'). In addition, through the supervision, assignments and dissertation.

Assessment Methods

5 written assignments (i.e. 4 essays and one Placement Diary)
Dissertation


expand paragraph   C: Practical Skills

Learning Methods

All teaching/learning is done in seminars focused on clearly specified topics, supported by texts. Although participation is not formally assessed, it is actively sought, and our teaching style emphasizes drawing students out, inviting coherent argument. Essay preparation is supported by individual tutorials. Dissertation preparation is supported by individual supervision.

Assessment Methods

5 written assignments (i.e. 4 essays and one Placement Diary)
Dissertation


expand paragraph   D: Key Skills

Learning Methods

D1. Teaching/learning is by seminar, in which students are encouraged to express complex ideas clearly. They must also prepare and verbally present their placement experiences in the Placement Group.
D2. Training sessions on IT resources in psychoanalysis are provided by the University Library. Students learn to use IT search and cataloguing methods.
D3. Guidance by special arrangement. If needed for a particular project (for example, statistics) supervision by appropriate staff in the University is available.
D4. Support by tutorials, supervision and research Forum.
D5. Students teach and learn from each other in the seminar setting.
D6. Teachers provide feedback on essays; supervisors support the refinement of research proposals and their implementation.


Assessment Methods

D1, D4: formal assessment is only by essay and dissertation.
D6 (deadlines) is in effect assessed by penalties applied to late submissions.


SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE

Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary, and view module details in the module directory.

expand paragraph   Components

Component No.Module CodeModule TitleStatus in AwardStatus in PG DiplomaStatus in PG Certificate
01PA982-7-FYDissertation - MA Refugee CareCoreOptional
02TV900-7-FYTherapeutic Care for RefugeesCoreCoreCore
03TV901-7-FYPlacementCompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory
04PA931-7-FYContext of the Refugee ExperienceCompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory
05PA927-7-AUPsychoanalysis of Groups and OrganisationsCompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory
06PA932-7-SPPsychosocial Perspectives on Human RightsCompulsoryCompulsoryCompulsory


SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT

Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/pgt/pgtrulesmenu.htm

See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Online Resource Bank.

External Examiner Information

  • Name: Dr Giorgia Dona
  • Institution: The University of East London
  • Academic Role: Reader

NOTE

The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)