MSc Quality Management (International)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Through a unique international collaboration with the University of Angers in France, students gain a global perspective and enhance their employability in the quality management field. The program's industry-focused curriculum and practical learning opportunities prepare graduates for successful careers in various sectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MSc Quality Management (International)
Overview:
This program offers practical experience and expands your horizons by giving your studies a global outlook while enhancing your understanding of modern developments within quality. The program features close links with commerce and industry, ensuring it reflects the latest in quality thinking and techniques. The laboratories are equipped with industry-standard equipment.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in quality management roles in various organizations.
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of modern quality management principles and practices.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address quality-related challenges.
- Foster a global perspective on quality management through international collaboration and study.
Program Description:
This dual award program is the same as the MSc Quality Management but with additional study at the University of Angers in France. Funding options are available for the period of study in France.
International Collaboration:
Students participate in a semester-long exchange program at the University of Angers in France, immersing themselves in a different cultural and academic environment. This experience broadens their perspectives and enhances their understanding of international quality management practices.
Dual Award:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive two Master's degrees:
- MSc Quality Management (International) from UWS
- Master's Ingénierie des Systèmes et Management de Project from University of Angers
Language of Instruction:
Classes in France are taught in French, but students can choose to take exams and complete assignments in English.
Graduate Outcomes:
- 100% of graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation (HESA performance indicator 2015/16)
- Graduates commonly find employment as quality or continuous improvement managers in various sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, engineering, public sector, and service organizations.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics in quality management, including:
- Risk Management
- Managing Quality
- Statistical Quality Control
- Operations & Project Management
- Interpersonal Skills & Change Management
- Postgraduate Research Methods
- Strategic Management & Sustainability
- Formation Générale
- Management de projet
- Qualité Logiciel
Program Structure:
The program consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
- Students complete core modules focusing on fundamental quality management principles and practices.
- They also select optional modules to personalize their learning experience.
- Students study three core modules at the University of Angers in France, gaining international exposure and expertise.
Stage 3: MSc Dissertation
- Students conduct a research-based dissertation on a quality management topic of their choice. The dissertation can be carried out within industry in Scotland or France.
Course Schedule:
The program is offered on a full-time basis, with the PgDip stage typically taking 12 months to complete and the MSc ISMP stage taking an additional 6 months. The dissertation stage usually takes 6 months to complete.
Individual Modules:
- Risk Management: This module explores the principles of risk management and their application in quality management systems.
- Managing Quality: This module examines the fundamental principles of quality management, including quality systems, standards, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Statistical Quality Control (SQC): This module introduces statistical methods for quality control and improvement, including process capability analysis, control charts, and statistical sampling.
- Operations & Project Management: This module covers the principles of operations and project management, with a focus on quality management integration.
- Interpersonal Skills & Change Management: This module explores the importance of interpersonal skills and change management in implementing quality initiatives.
- Postgraduate Research Methods: This module equips students with the research skills and knowledge necessary for conducting their dissertation.
- Strategic Management & Sustainability: This module examines the role of quality management in strategic planning and sustainability initiatives.
- Formation Générale: This module provides a foundation in French language and culture.
- Management de projet: This module focuses on project management methodologies and tools.
- Qualité Logiciel: This module explores the principles and practices of software quality management.
- MSc Quality Management Dissertation: This module allows students to conduct in-depth research on a quality management topic of their choice.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Written exams
- Challenging and stimulating coursework
- Laboratory exercises (available online) They typically focus on assessing students' knowledge, understanding, application, and critical thinking skills related to the module content.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences, including:
- Formal and online teaching sessions
- Industrial seminars
- Tutor-led tutorials
- Online tutorials
- Group participation sessions
- Self-directed learning
- Problem-based learning
- Case studies
- Seminars
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in quality management and related fields. They are actively involved in research and industry collaborations, ensuring that the program content is relevant and up-to-date.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- International collaboration: The program's partnership with the University of Angers provides students with an international learning experience.
- Industry-focused curriculum: The program's curriculum is developed in close collaboration with industry experts, ensuring its relevance to the needs of the quality management profession.
- Practical learning opportunities: The program offers opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings through projects and internships.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in quality management, including:
- Quality Manager
- Continuous Improvement Manager
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Quality Control Inspector
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- Quality Consultant
Career Opportunities:
Graduates can find employment in various sectors, including:
- Manufacturing
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Public Sector
- Service Organizations
Career Outcomes:
The program has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in quality management. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers due to their comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and international experience.
Other:
Practical Learning Opportunities:
- The program offers opportunities for students to conduct projects within industry or with European partner institutions.
- Strong industry links ensure employment and placement opportunities are available for all graduates.
- For those successfully completing the MSc Quality Management (International) and the Master's Ingénierie des Systèmes et Management de Project, there is an option to undertake a professional practice placement at the end of their studies. This extends the duration of the course by three months, but graduates will exit with the degree MSc Quality Management (International) (Professional Practice) and the Master's Ingénierie des Systèmes et Management de Project.
Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must normally possess an equivalent of a Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Management.
- If you have a degree, or an equivalent qualification or a lesser appropriate qualification, plus equivalent experience gained in industry, you are encouraged to apply for the MSc Quality Management and transfer to the International programme after the Postgraduate Certificate. This does not prolong the duration of studies.
- You must also have at least a Scottish Higher Grade, or equivalent, in French.
English Language Requirements:
- For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
- overall score 6.0
- no sub-test less than 5.5
- Scottish: £7,500
- All other UK & Republic of Ireland: £11,750
- Channel Island & Isle of Man: £11,750
- International (all other EU plus Non-EU): £15,500
Conclusion:
The MSc Quality Management (International) program at the University of the West of Scotland is a comprehensive and well-designed program that prepares students for successful careers in quality management. The program's strong industry focus, international collaboration, and practical learning opportunities make it an excellent choice for students seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in this field.
Scottish £7,500 Total cost of tuition All other UK & Republic of Ireland £11,750 Total cost of tuition Channel Island & Isle of Man £11,750 Total cost of tuition International (all other EU plus Non-EU) £15,500 Total cost of tuition
