All professionals are required to continuously engage in professional development with a feature of this being not only being able to identify and meet learning needs, but to apply the learning to practice. The professional development can be achieved either through work related courses or activities, attendance at conferences/masterclasses, courses outside the university, sessions within the university or self study. The aim of this unit is to provide a structure through which the learning gained can be acknowledged and the student can critically reflect on the impact of the learning on both themselves and their workplace. Thus, the unit aims:
• To develop critical understanding of professional knowledge / skills acquired through structured learning
• To develop skills in reflection and critical evaluation of practice
• To develop application of learning in professional and organisational contexts
In this unit students engage in learning from a variety of sources prior to completing the assessment. This learning may be of a formal or informal nature, but it is expected that it will be at least 12 hours duration. This can include self-study, attending conference/study day/masterclasses etc. The contact hours in University discusses the benefits of work based learning and prepares students in terms of study skills for the assignment.
The focus of the assignment is negotiated with unit leader in class and by tutorial support during the unit via e-mail, phone or personal tutorial. In addition Action learning group support will be available for students to meet, network and reflect upon the learning process.
This course requires 100% attendance.
Normally students may enter Level 6 (degree level) study if they have been awarded:
• An Advanced Diploma, HND, Dip HE or Foundation Degree (awarded by a UK HEI or Edexcel or SQA)
• An equivalent qualification (the learning outcome of which are demonstrably appropriate in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills) equivalent to 120 credits at Level 5.
If you do not meet this criteria you are still able to apply for this unit but we may ask you to complete a study skills handbook to familiarise yourself with academic writing at degree level. The study skills handbook will be sent to you when we have received your application form.
Fees and funding:
You will need to pay or indicate employer support of payment for unit or course fees to the university.
Applicants should contact their employing organisation for further details.
Pre-purchased places
The Faculty of Health & Social Sciences has contractual arrangements with NHS organisations, Local Authorities and the Pan-Dorset & Wiltshire Teaching Partnership for pre-paid places on specified modules. If you work within Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset or Hampshire and Isle of Wight you may be able to access the pre-paid places. These arrangements allow organisations to nominate the staff they wish to send on each unit or course.
The pre-arranged agreements allow individuals, such as yourself, a route to access appropriate professional development opportunities that are seen as strategically important to your organisation (in consultation with your Line Manager/Education Co-ordinator). All requests for pre-paid places must first be agreed by your organisation prior to completing an application.
£975.00