Course Structure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diploma	4 semesters	18 to 24 months	24 modules	240 credits
Advanced Diploma	4 semesters	18 to 24 months	24 modules	240 credits
Professional Diploma	2 semesters	9 to 12 months	16 modules	160 credits

 

Single-Major Porgram

Student may enrol for a single-major program within the same school. He/she has to complete 8 general modules, 10 to 12 core modules, 4 to 6 specialization modules and 16 elective modules.

Double-Major Program

Student may enrol for a double-major program within the same school. He/she has to complete 8 general modules, 10 to 12 core modules, 8 to 12 specialization modules and 10 to 12 elective modules

Double-Diploma Program

Student may enrol for a double-diploma program offered by two schools. He/she has to complete 8 general modules, 16 modules for one degree and 16 modules for another degree.

Entry Requirements

- Completion of General Certificate of Education Advanced Level or equivalent
- Completion of High School Diploma or equivalent
- Completion of examinations conducted by Professional Bodies
- Mature students above 21 years of age with General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level or equivalent
 

Advanced Standing

All applications for advanced standing must be made using the prescribed forms. The Admission Board will determine the exemption of modules from the course of study. The credit granted shall not exceed two-thirds of the total number of modules in the program.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lecture	Theoretical concepts and practical applications are presented.	60 Hours
Tutorial	Further applications and case studies are discussed. Student participates role playing.	30 Hours
Seminar	Student completes 8 assignments on an individual basis. He/she presents his/her assignments on a weekly basis.	30 Hours
Workshop	Students, in groups of two, complete a research project. They present the progress of project on a weekly basis. They also participate in simulations and games.	30 Hours
Student Learning	This includes reading, information gathering and analysis, assignment preparation, research works and revision for examination.	200 Hours
Teaching and Learning during one semester (per module)		350 Hours

Lecture
Students attend 2 two-hour lectures per module each week. Theoretical concepts and practical applications are covered during the lectures. Students undertake specified reading assignments and research works to prepare for each lecture. They are expected to participate in class discussions and interact with other students in the class.

Tutorial
Tutors use cases to generate discussions during a tutorial class. Students participate through suggesting possible solutions to problem or process. They are made aware that conditions constantly change and contingent plans must be readily at hand.

Students participate in role-playing to better understand the nature and role of a profession and/or position in a company. Debates over selected topics are organized for the students. Tutors act as facilitators encouraging contrasting experiences and viewpoints from the audience.

Seminar
Student has to complete one assignment, on an individual basis, per module each week. The assignment normally requires student to propose solutions to a problem or process. He/she will present findings of the assignment to an audience each week, and accept queries from the floor. Student has to justify his/her solutions and convince the audience. Marks will be awarded to student who provides a viable solution to the problem.

Workshop
Students undertake a real-life project, in groups of two members, during each semester. The project takes the form of consultancy work to solve or improve situations in an existing company. Students will have the opportunity to work out the solution together with members of their study group. Each team will present their proposal in a seminar setting. Outside experts may be invited to join in the deliberation. The presentation may include tables, charts, diagrams, drawings, models, prototypes and videos. Marks will be awarded to students who offer feasible proposals.

Management games are played among students to reinforce concepts introduced in lectures. They are also exposed to simulated scenarios to test their ability to adapt to new and varied environments.

Objective Test
At the end of every lecture, a multiple choice objective test, consisting of 20 questions, will be conducted. Student volunteers to answer a question and is asked to choose a number. The selected question will be flashed on the screen and he/she is given 30 seconds to answer the question. The correct answer and explanation for the correct answer will then be flashed on the screen. Student, who gives the correct answer, will be awarded with 1 mark. The accumulated score of each student over the weeks will be shown in a spreadsheet. The objective of the test is to ensure that students understand the theories, concepts and applications discussed during the lecture. It also helps students to manage their own progress in the studies. Those, who lack behind others in the class, will have to attend support classes.

Examination
At the end of each semester, students may be required to sit for a written examination. Examination papers will be based on student's ability to solve problems or suggest improvements to existing practice. The details of a scenario is given to the students two weeks before the examination, to allow them to gather as much information as possible and prepare themselves for the examination. Actual questions will be given during the examination. Students are discouraged from memorizing texts, but to deliver original thinking and solutions. Emphasis is placed on student's ability to support his/her suggestions and arguments.

Assessment

Design Unit
Assignment	Student completes 8 design-based assignments. Reports of solutions to the design assignments shall be submitted every alternative week.
Seminar	Student conducts presentation for each of the 8 design assignments. He/she has to defend his/her arguments and answer queries from the floor.
Design Project	Student has to provide a reasoned approach to design solution, show a step-by-step process toward final design, descriptions of final design solution, sources of information, and detailed justification of design solution.
Workshop	Student conducts weekly oral presentation of his/her design project. He/she has to defend his/her arguments and answer queries from the floor. Student has to take an oral examination at the end of the semester.

Non-Design Units
Objective Test	Student sits for 10 20-minute objective tests, which consists of 20multiple-choice questions. It examines student’s understanding of theories, concepts and applications. Correct solutions are given after the test.
Written Examination	Student sits for a 2-hour written examination, which consists of an extensive case study, real-life problem or process-based question.
Assignment	Student completes 8 case-based, problem-based or process-based assignments. Reports of solutions to the assignments shall be submitted every alternative week.
Seminar	Student conducts presentation for each of the 8 assignments. He/she has to participate in discussions and debates with other students.
Research Project	Student conducts original research on work-based issues. He/she will analyze data, draw conclusions and make recommendations. A 2,000 words report will be assessed based on research methodology, critical analysis, application of theories, appropriateness of solution, etc.
Workshop	Student conducts weekly oral presentation of his/her research project. He/she has to defend his/her arguments and answer queries from the floor. At the end of the semester, student has to attend an oral defense of the research project.

To pass a module, student must obtain an overall mark of 50%.

Grading

The award of grade to students is based on competitive basis among all students in the same cohort. Grade awarded is based on the candidate's position in the class.

Reassessment of Module

Student, who does not pass a module, will be reassessed for the module. The actual mark obtained in the reassessment will be shown on the transcript.

Student, who does not pass the reassessment of a module, will have to take the module again. The actual mark obtained in the repeat of module will be shown on the transcript.

A module can be compensation if the student has successfully completed 10 modules at the same level, and score at least 40% for the last module.

Student Pastoral Care

Students are continually assessed on their academic ability on a weekly basis. This will allow them to manage their own progress throughout the semester. Student, whose progress is not satisfactory, will be required to attend additional support classes. If the student fails to show improvement in his/her progress, a meeting will be arranged for the student to discuss the problem with the student adviser, lecturer and tutor. Students may also approach the student adviser for non-academic problems.

Dean's List

At the end of each semester, the dean of each school recognizes excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the dean's list. To be eligible, students must successfully complete all modules in the semester and achieve good academic standing. The top 10%, based on semester GPA, of this group is elected for the dean's list. They receive personal letters of recognition from the dean, and a copy of this letter is placed in the student's file.

Academic Distinction

At the close of each semester, Portman publishes a list of all undergraduate students who have attained academic distinction. To be eligible, students must successfully complete all modules in the semester and achieve good academic standing, with a semester GPA of 3.2 and above.