MSc Fusion Energy Programme Specification 2024-25

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1	ACADEMIC QUALITY TEAM
2	Programme Specifications 2024-25
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5	Programme Title			MSc Fusion Energy
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7	This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:			2024			Award type			MSc
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9	What level is this qualification?			7			Length of programme			1 year - full time 2 years - part time
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11	Mode of study (Full / Part Time)			Full and part time
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13	Will the programme use standard University semester dates?			Yes			For York Online programmes, will standard dates for such programmes be used?			N/A
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15	Awarding institution			University of York			Board of Studies for the programme			School of Physics Engineering & Technology
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17	Lead department			School of Physics Engineering & Technology			Other contributing departments			None
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19	Language of study and assessment			English			Language(s) of assessment			English
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21	Is this a campus-based or online programme?			Campus
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23	Partner organisations
24	If there are any partner organisations involved in the delivery of the programme, please outline the nature of their involvement. You may wish to refer to the Policy on Collaborative Provision
25	The content for module Frontiers of Fusion and Fusion Technology (PHY00046M) is delivered by colleagues for various partner organisations including national laboratories, industry, UK and international universities. Some of the speakers change each year.
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28	Reference points
29	Please state relevant reference points consulted in the design of this programme (for example, relevant documentation setting out PSRB requirements; the University's Frameworks for Programme Design (UG or PGT); QAA Subject Benchmark Statements; QAA Qualifications and Credit Frameworks).
30	N/A
31	N/A
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33	Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
34	Will this programme involve any exemptions from the University Policy and Procedures on Credit Transfer and the Recognition of Prior Learning? If so, please specify and give a rationale
35	No
36	No
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38	Exceptions to Regulations
39	Please detail any exceptions to University Award Regulations and Frameworks that need to be approved (or are already approved) for this programme. This should include any that have been approved for related programmes and should be extended to this programme.
40	None
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43	Internal Transfers
44	Please use the boxes below to specify if transfers into / out of the programme from / to other programmes within the University are possible by indicating yes or no and listing any restrictions. These boxes can also be used to highlight any common transfer routes which it would be useful for students to know.
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46		Transfers in:	None				Transfers out:	None
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49	Statement of Purpose
50	Please briefly outline the overall aims of the programme. This should clarify to a prospective student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
51	Our 12-month Masters course provides a firm foundation in fusion and plasma physics. It is an ideal course to prepare students for a PhD in fusion energy or for employment in fusion laboratories and industries. You will develop your knowledge of fusion and will be introduced to the computational and experimental skills essential to fusion and plasma research and highly valued in today’s knowledge-based economy. You will enhance your employability by developing the skills to solve real world problems using advanced computational techniques and manipulate, synthesise and visualise complex experimental data sets. The MSc culminates in a major research project where, under the supervision of world leading physicists at the York Plasma Institute, you will conduct cutting edge research in fusion or plasma physics, making new discoveries by leading your own project. There are a number of opportunities to conduct these research projects at high profile research organisations such as Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory as well as industrial organisations, further enhancing your employability. The Fusion Frontiers and Fusion Technology workshop provides students an unrivalled opportunity to interact with world-class international fusion scientists, ensuring that the MSc in Fusion Energy is an excellent way to prepare for a career in this field. During your study you will also have the chance to explore the many exciting areas of modern plasma research, for example: cutting-edge medical therapies utilising plasma jets and beams of laser-generated ions; plasmas as compact particle accelerators and next generation plasma space propulsion systems.
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62	If there are additional awards associated with the programme upon which students can register, please specify the Statement of Purpose for that programme. This will be most relevant for PGT programmes with exit awards that are also available as entry points. Use additional rows to include more than one additional award. Do not include years in industry / abroad (for which there are separate boxes).
63	Exit Award Title			Is the exit award also available as an entry point?	Outcomes: what will the student be able to do on exit with this award?				Specify the module diet that the student will need to complete to obtain this exit award
64	Postgraduate Certificate			No	Taught modules across Semester 1 and 2 with 60 credits passed. The students will have completed some of the core taught material. The students will have gained a broad knowledge of the field of fusion. They will have completed progress towards most of PLOs with the exception of PLO4 which is unique to the project (which they do not start or complete)				From Semester 1 Computational Plasma Physics, Plasma Measurement and Data Analysis, Plasma Physics and Fusion. From Semester 2 Advanced Plasma Physics for Fusion and Applications, Frontiers of Fusion and Fusion technology
65	Postgraduate Diploma			No	Semester 1 and Semester 2 taught modules plus the Postgraduate Diploma project module (120 credits) The students will have completed all of the core taught material . The students will have gained a broad knowledge of the field of fusion. They will have completed progress towards all PLOs with the exception of the complete PLO4 which is unique to the project (which they do not complete). It should be noted however that a failed Masters ISM cannot be reassessed for the award of a Diploma				Computational Plasma Physics, Plasma Measurement and Data Analysis, Plasma Physics and Fusion, Advanced Plasma Physics for Fusion and Applications, Frontiers of Fusion and Fusion technology, and the Postgraduate Diploma Project
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67	Programme Learning Outcomes
68	What are the programme learning outcomes (PLOs) for the programme? (Normally a minimum of 6, maximum of 8). Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme and represent the outcomes that students progressively develop in the programme and achieve at graduation. PLOs should be worded to follow the stem 'Graduates will be able to...'
69	1	Demonstrate a deep knowledge and understanding of key topics at the forefront of plasma science and fusion energy; define how different mathematical, computational and experimental approaches are needed to address specific topics and apply this understanding in approaching new problems.
70	2	Critically evaluate research literature and data paying attention to the techniques used, and their limitations, to provide reliable or robust conclusions and recommendations and suggest alternative approaches.
71	3	Develop and present solutions to complex problems using computational techniques, and make measured judgements about what is the best digital approach for specific problems in plasma science and fusion energy.
72	4	Plan, develop and execute an open-ended independent scientific investigation in plasma science or fusion energy, applying the appropriate techniques to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.
73	5	Communicate complex ideas associated with fusion science and technology in clear, precise, and accessible terms to a variety of scientific audiences.
74	6	Articulate how current research in fusion energy and plasma science impacts on societal issues identifying innovative solutions.
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76	Diverse entry routes
77	Detail how you would support students from diverse entry routes to transition into the programme. For example, disciplinary knowledge and conventions of the discipline, language skills, academic and writing skills, lab skills, academic integrity.
78	Entrants to the programme have traditionally been diverse. The role of the Academic Supervisor is to recognise the needs of students when they arrive and signpost them to appropriate support services. We also bring in skills development early in the programme so that students can enhance their employable, transferable, mathematical, computational and professional skills. Appropriate laboratory skills are introduced and developed at the Masters level in the Semester 1 module Plasma Measurement and Data Analysis and additional support is available. We also recommend that students can receive additional support from the central provision of the Maths Skills Centre and the Writing Centre if needed. Our White Rose Industrial Physics Academy also helps students to consider their career direction early in this programme.
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84	Inclusion
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86	Please confirm by ticking the box on the right that the design, content and delivery of the programme will support students from all backgrounds to succeed. This refers to the University's duties under the Equality Act 2010. You may wish to refer to the optional Inclusive Learning self-assessment tools to support reflection on this issue.										TRUE
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88	Employability
89	Please give a brief overview - no more than 5 sentences - of how the programmes helps develop students' employability. Your Faculty Employability Manager can help reflection on this issue. This statement will be used by Marketing as the basis for external content with respect to employability.
90	You'll learn skills in computer and data analysis, mathematics and problem-solving that are relevant in a wide range of high-tech industries including, but not limited to, fusion technology startups and government led fusion laboratories. You'll be supported by the York-led White Rose Industrial Physics Academy; a dedicated resource that organises collaborations between students and employers. As part of our dedicated and careers support we organise physics-specific careers fairs. These activities support our diverse range of talented students to enter the graduate job market with a competitive edge.
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97	[For Undergraduate and Integrated Masters Programmes Only]
98	Are you offering any variations of this programme, such as additional years abroad or industry?
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100	Year abroad			FALSE		Will the year abroad programme be available directly via UCAS; for students to transfer in having entered the main programme; or both?				N/A