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| Distance Learning: PG Certificate, Diploma & Masters Programme | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adults with learning disabilities who have significant and complex needs.Postgraduate / Post Qualification distance-learning courses, to be studied part-time by people working in supervisory or professional positions in services for adults with learning disabilities. For further information on the course please contact Dr. Martin Campbell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Levels of Postgraduate courses and their relationships Each part of the postgraduate programme (Certificate, Diploma, Masters) is to be completed within one year, i.e. the Masters programme will take three years in total to complete, including completion of the Certificate and Diploma. Entry Qualifications
PG Certificate (one year)
PG Diploma (one year)
PG Masters (one year)
What is the programme?Internet based distance learning courses, at Certificate, Diploma and Masters level for people working in supervisory or professional positions in the care of adults with learning disabilities. The open learning format is written in an interactive style and materials are designed to encourage students to use their own workplace experiences as a basis for new learning and development of research skills. The programme is intended to be studied as a part time qualification, by staff providing services to people with learning disabilities.
What qualificiations are required for entry?For the Postgraduate Certificate, normally a degree, professional qualification or equivalent, or substantial relevant work experience in a cognate discipline, together with at least three years’ practical experience in the field. For the Postgraduate Diploma, successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate at University of St Andrews or a Postgraduate Certificate qualification in the area of learning disabilities from a recognised UK Higher Education Institution, acceptable to the University of St Andrews. For the postgraduate Masters, successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma at University of St Andrews or a Postgraduate Diploma qualification in the area of learning disabilities from a recognised UK Higher Education Institution, acceptable to the University of St Andrews.
What level is the certificate qualification?You will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters, depending on the level of study. These qualifications will be at Credit and Qualifications Framework level 11. For the Masters, you will need to attain 180 postgraduate credits, of which a minimum of 150 are at SCQF 11.
What is studied in the programme?At Postgraduate Certificate level there is a choice of four modules from six as follows; each module is rated at 15 postgraduate credits.
At Postgraduate Diploma level there are six compulsory modules, as follows; each module is rated at 10 postgraduate credits.
At postgraduate Masters level assessment is by student dissertation – 15,000 words. (60 postgraduate credits).
How long will it take to complete the programme?Each part of the postgraduate programme (Certificate, Diploma, Masters) is to be completed within one year, i.e. the Masters programme will take three years in total to complete, including completion of the Certificate and Diploma. The rate of progress through individual modules will depend on each student’s aptitude, and the amount of time available for study. As a rough guide, we estimate that each module in the postgraduate Certificate course will need around 150 hours of study time, including completion of assessments, while each module in the Diploma course will need 100 hours of study time.
Is it possible to take individual modules?It is possible to take individual modules, lasting 3 months, on the Postgraduate Certificate course only. Priority for places on the course will be given to people aiming to complete the whole Certificate programme, but it is possible to enrol for individual modules as stand-alone courses, or as a way of finding out whether the content and format of this distance learning programme is suitable for your purposes. It is not possible to take individual modules on the Postgraduate Diploma course.
What assessment methods will be used?For the Postgraduate Certificate all assessments are completed online, through the University of St Andrews WebCT. Assessments for each module takes a number of forms - multiple choice questions, short answer assignments, reference searches etc.. Assessments are related to the main module materials, also delivered online, and additional reference materials to which students will be given access. For the Postgraduate Diploma there will be continuous assessment for modules 1-5 and this will be done online. There will be no final exam on this programme. You will be asked to submit a longer piece of work (5000 words) on completion of Module 6.. These assessments will be related to a work-based study of an individual or the service setting. The Masters requires a dissertation (15000 words) on a practice related topic of choice, integrating one area of specialised study from Certificate level study with research methodology from Diploma level study.
What materials will be supplied, and what facilities will I need?You will be given password protected access to the main course materials, which are available online, through the University of St Andrews WebCT system. Access to electronic databases of references will also be supplied, and full library access to the University of St Andrews and other UK University Libraries will be available. You will need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection, and you will need an email address.
What Internet access will I have to resources?You will be supplied with a personalised password and given Internet access to the electronic resources via the library at University of St Andrews. These resources include electronic databases of published research journals, books, e-journals, exam papers and newspapers, national and international Library catalogues, search engines and subject resources.
When do the courses start?There are two intakes per year; one in March and another in October. The next intake of students on this Postgraduate programme is 5th March 2010. The final date for applications is 29th January 2010. Please note that all applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis, and early application is recommended.
How much will it cost?The cost for the whole Postgraduate Certificate programme, starting in March or October each year is £1920. Alternatively, each module may be paid for individually, i.e. £480 per module.
Summary comparison table
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