Short Course CPD by Distance Learning

As well as celebrating 25 years of delivering high quality distance learning programmes, this year we are launching a select range of Short Courses for continuing professional development (CPD) by Distance Learning.

Specialist Short Course CPD on offer this year

Our Distance Learning Short Courses for CPD are:

  • flexible — you can plan your own study schedule to study at your own pace (within the Short Course running time), and choose whether or not to complete formal credit-bearing assessment for the Short Course.
  • quality controlled – the short course includes online & print materials (which you can keep) and is developed, edited and produced by a team of subject and distance learning experts, and quality assured by University and relevant professional body review procedures
  • supported – underpinning your Short Course studies with us is a strong study support team that includes your Short Course tutor, study skills advisors providing support through an online skills service, the University’s vast range of online resources, and  several online forums to meet & chat with Short Course and other Distance Learners of the Department.
  • work based — each Short Course is professionally relevant and designed to develop your knowledge and skills for specialist information workplaces. Completing the Short Course activities and exercises should enable you to reflect on your learning in relation to your workplace needs

How do the short courses work?

The Short Courses run from 1st October to 31st March each year.
Once registered on the Short Course, you will be introduced to your Short Course Tutor and be able to access dedicated online support areas on the Department’s VLE  for the Short Course and study skills, plus a vast range of University online resources*.

You will also be posted a specially designed package of learning materials for you to study and keep.

You choose your own study schedule to complete the course within the six month running time of 1st October to 31st March. This means that you can study a 10 credit module in a minimum time of 6 weeks (approx 16 hours a week study time); or a maximum time of 6 months (approx 3 hours a week study time).

You can also choose whether or not to complete the formal credit-bearing assessment for the course. All assessment is throughcoursework, therefore you will not have to take examinations. (You do not need to make a decision about completing assessment until you have had a chance to start your Short Course studies).

At the end of the course you may receive either a ‘course participation’ certificate or a credit-bearing ‘course completion’ certificate, depending on whether or not you successfully complete formal assessment for the Short Course.

(*Please note:  these Short Courses do not offer the full range of distance learning facilities that are available on a full distance learning Diploma/Degree programme, and they are not individually accredited by relevant professional agencies. Also, Short Course credits cannot be accumulated towards a full Diploma or Degree programme.)

Who can apply?

Anyone** working in archive, governance, information, library, records or related services, who also has:

  • a keen interest in the Short Course subject area
  • broadband internet access
  • time to study the learning materials and take part in online activities and discussions

(**Please note that a Short Course offer will be at the discretion of the Admissions Officers, who will also decide on the level of short course offered i.e. undergraduate or postgraduate level.)

How much does it cost?

For Short Courses running 1st October 2011 to 31st March 2012 the fees are:

  • 10 credit Short Course fee (undergraduate and postgraduate) -  £300 plus a non-refundable registration fee of £100 [total £400 pounds Sterling]
  • 20 credit Short Course fee (undergraduate and postgraduate)  -  £600 plus a non-refundable registration fee of £100 [total £700 pounds Sterling]

Fees are payable in full at the time of registration, before starting the Short Course.

How can I apply?

To apply please complete the Short Course Application Form

The deadline for applying for this year’s Short Courses is Friday 16th September 2011.

For further information, please contact the Department of Information Studies:
Tel: (+/0)1970 622188