This module is the start point for professionals wishing to complete a postgraduate award in Professional Development. It prepares them to study at Level 7, it provides context and foundational knowledge for all other modules in the master's in professional development. This module supports professionals to design a course of study relevant to their own discipline and work area, whilst developing advanced skills in critical thinking, service improvement, and leading change. The module is delivered through online sessions, an online study programme and through tutorials. With the assistance of a named supervisor the professional will explore their professional development needs, develop a learning contract, and create a bibliography. With guidance, the professional can use this module to identify specific modules, learning activities and approaches to learning which will further their own professional development and achieve level 7 credits.
This module is part of the University’s Professional Development MA/MSc course - a flexible course that you help design to take your career to the next level.
Overview
This introductory module includes online sessions and resources that cover a wide range of topics. These are designed to support the development of a career / professional review and a Learning Contract (a plan of learning during the programme). In addition, the module prepares learners for later modules. As such the module includes:
- Academic writing skills, study skills and critical appraisal at level 7
- Understanding postgraduate learning
- Introduction to literature searching and critical analysis
- Planning and conducting research
- Understanding Ethical issues
- Learning styles and managing learning
- Approaches to Career Reviewing
- Professional Development planning
- Evaluating the impact of change
- Evaluating professional development
- Identifying areas for development and learning strategies
- Mapping learning outcomes
It is expected that all advertised modules will run, but there may be situations where there are insufficient students to make a particular module viable.
Career benefits
Reviewing your career and identifying your development needs as part of this module, should have a direct impact on your career as it allows you to design and implement learning activities that address the specific areas that you have identified as areas for development. In addition, the module should enable you to conduct projects and increase your knowledge of theoretical aspects of professional development.
Completing the assessments and tasks within this module provides an opportunity to outline your professional skills, knowledge and abilities in annual reviews, in seeking increments and promotions, or in job interviews.
Module delivery
- Taught online sessions
- Individual online Tutorials
- Access to online resources and formative tasks
Online sessions are delivered on Tuesday evenings (20:00-22:00 UK time) and Saturday mornings (10:00-12:00 UK time). Sessions are delivered at approximately 4 week intervals throughout the period of study.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this module requires registration to a postgraduate award in Professional Development.
This module is not generally available as a standalone module, however anyone wishing to take this module as a standalone module should contact the admissions team
As this is an introductory module, no prior study is required for this module.
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Postgraduate Professional Development Team
PG.ProfessionalDevelopment@worc.ac.ukAdmissions Office
admissions@worc.ac.uk01905 855111