Places added to course for professionals looking to turn CPD credits into degree
EXTRA places have been added on a programme for working practitioners looking to turn their continuing professional development credits into full master degrees.
The University of Chichester courses are aimed at qualified and experienced workers or managers in professions that work with people – including healthcare, social work, early years, and public sector organisations.
Known as advanced professional practice programme, it is offered as both an MA (Master of Arts) and an MSc (Master of Science). Students achieve either qualification at their own pace, and study can be combined with work and personal commitments.
Programme lead Suzanna McGregor, from the University of Chichester, said: “The MA APP builds on our established tradition of delivering professional programmes. Our framework enables you to achieve masters level qualifications as part of CPD. Experienced practitioners and managers have access to the latest high-quality research methodologies and research-informed teaching.”
The MA programme offers three pathways
- Postgraduate Certificate Advanced Professional Practice (classification = pass or fail)
- Postgraduate Diploma Advanced Professional Practice (classification = pass or fail)
- MA Advanced Professional Practice (classification = distinction, merit, pass or fail)
Completion of the 60-credit dissertation will enable students to achieve the cumulative 180 credits required for the MA award. Both the MA and MSc programmes offer the opportunity to exit with certificated awards other than the masters.
Professional Holly Hart, who supports apprentices working in south coast businesses, graduated from the course in 2021. She said she was initially nervous about undertaking an MA but that its modular, credit-building approach was manageable and she put the learning to use in her role.
She added: “I wasn’t sure that the course would suit me as I don’t work in health and social care but the support and encouragement of the lecturers has been exceptional, finding ways to integrate my role into the wider discussions and placing just as much emphasis on the importance of it.”
Flexibility for professionals can split learning into three credits
- The MA programme is split into three 60 credit components at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters levels. It is possible to exit the programme at any of these assessment points and return to the programme at a later date, allowing students to synchronise progress towards a masters-level qualification with other demands in life.
- It is sequenced in three stages, each linked to a specific interim, or exit, award. Each stage is offered at academic level 7, which allows students to select from a menu of modules to create bespoke pathways at PG Certificate (PG Cert) and PG Diploma (PG Dip) stages.
Find out more
To apply go to the postgraduate courses at www.chi.ac.uk/childhood-education-and-social-work. Alternatively email the University of Chichester team at chsw@chi.ac.uk.
