Enhancing Learning:

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Enhancing Learning The Aberdeen Approach The
Final Report of the Curriculum Commission Bryan
MacGregor
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1. Introduction

• Reviewing the curriculum is a responsibility of
  any group of scholars.
• In an increasingly competitive national and
  international environment, need to review, to
  maintain strengths and strive for excellence.
• The primary objectives of Curriculum Reform are
• to make our approach distinctive within the UK
  and aligned with developments in some of the
  worlds leading universities
• to enhance the Aberdeen learning experience
• to enhance disciplinary study and
• to produce better informed, more rounded and more
  intellectually flexible graduates.
• In doing so, our programmes will be
• more attractive to students
• more relevant to employers and
• more relevant to wider societal needs.

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2. Meetings and reports

• First meeting of the Commission November 2007
• Commission has met 29 times Steering Group 27
  times
• First Report - February 2008
• Second Report - July 2008
• Draft Final Report - September 2008
• Final Report October 2008

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3. Evidence base

• The evidence base for the proposals was
• A desk study of the strategic context
• External consultations with a wide range of
  interest groups
• Internal consultations and feedback on the
  reports
• Market research on the views of applicants,
  parents and employers
• A survey of guidance teachers
• Two surveys of students opinions, undertaken by
  the Students Association
• Discussions with the Business Committee of the
  General Council and
• Reports from three sub-groups of the Commission.

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4. Graduate Attributes
Academically excellent In-depth discipline
knowledge Breadth of knowledge Contextual
Understanding Critical thinkers and effective
communicators Synthesis and analysis Informed
argument and reasoning Diverse set of
transferable and generic skills Open to learning
and personal development Openness to, and
interest in, lifelong learning Self
reflection Active citizens Appreciation of
ethical and moral issues Appreciation of social
and cultural diversity Appreciation of
enterprise and leadership

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5. Framework

• A five year framework which incorporates
• A traditional four year Scottish honours degree
• An advanced entry, three year honours degree for
  applicants with appropriate subjects and grades
  in Advanced Highers, A-levels or a new University
  advanced entry examination
• A three year degree, which would be an
  enhancement of the old ordinary
• A one year taught postgraduate masters level
  programme, which would develop core discipline
  material
• A five year integrated undergraduate programme
  where required for professional accreditation,
  such as the MEng and MChem
• Two further exit qualifications a certificate
  after one year and a diploma after two years
  in recognition of successful study and
• Flexible entry to and exit from any year of the
  five, depending on prior qualifications, in order
  to accommodate breaks in study.

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6. Enhanced Study

• An understanding and appreciation of other areas
  of intellectual endeavour that contrast with and
  complement the primary discipline.
• Better informed, more rounded and more
  intellectually flexible graduates.
• Three components from which a student would
  choose enhanced study
• A series of University-wide Sixth Century Courses
  (6CCs), designed to consider and contrast
  different approaches to knowledge and different
  methods of enquiry
• A small number of Sustained Study Programmes
  (SSPs) similar to the with component of some
  existing degrees and
• A selection of Disciplinary Breadth Courses
  (DBCs), proposed from the Catalogue of Courses by
  each Degree Programme Team to ensure that the
  objectives of Enhanced Study are fulfilled.
• A minimum requirement for Enhanced Study of 1 out
  of 4 courses each semester at levels 1 and 2, and
  one each year at levels 3 and 4.
• A University-wide move to four 15 credit courses
  per semester.

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7. Supporting the curriculum

• Scholarships, in part to improve accessibility
• Enhanced engagement with secondary schools and
  colleges, enhanced induction and an enhanced
  system for student support
• A statement of Rights and Responsibilities
• Flexible learning and teaching facilities
• Student skills assessment support for writing
  and numeracy skills
• Assessment and Information Technology (IT)
  strategies
• Communication of best practice
• A review of the timetable to consider consecutive
  teaching periods and more accessible provision
• Promotion of a co-curriculum enhanced engagement
  with employers
• University-wide lectures and
• Enhanced Graduate Transcript.

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8. Implementation

• An Implementation Board to oversee, monitor and
  review implementation.
• Resources Group to identify resources
  requirements.
• Changes to administrative structures and capital
  investments from September 2009.
• Changes to curriculum content and regulations -
  from September 2010.
• Full implementation would last for six years.
• Importance of communication and marketing.

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Enhancing Learning The Aberdeen Approach The
Final Report of the Curriculum Commission Bryan
MacGregor