Leading and Developing Public and Community Services Graduate Certificate/ Postgraduate Certificate

Dates: October and January
Times: (On campus mode) Part time. The first two modules run for a half day each Tuesday 09.30 – 12.30 and 13.30 – 16.30 so you can attend a whole day and do both modules in one semester over 12 weeks or you can do just one module per semester for a half day which will take you 24 weeks to complete between October 2010 and April 2011. The third practice based module has an Autumn start but can be studied in any semester by prior arrangement as this is essentially a work based learning module supported by workshops and supervision. The whole programme can be completed in one year or over two years.
Lecturer: Trish Hafford-Letchfield, p.hafford-letchfield@mdx.ac.uk

Location:

Archwayand now offered by Distance Education

Course overview:

This is an innovative course specifically tailored and designed for those interested in developing leadership and service development skills within care and community services. It places particular emphasis on inter professional working and learning which recognises the need to work across different sectors such health and social care, education, community regeneration and social inclusion. There is also an emphasis on fostering participatory leadership styles and approaches which facilitate ‘co-production’ and which crosses the boundaries of traditional organisations towards co-ordinating services through a whole systems approach.

Please note that this course is also available in online (distance education) mode.

Course aims

Equip students with knowledge and skills for effective leadership within their chosen profession, stimulate and foster leadership within practice development
Develop students knowledge of the different structures, regulatory and commissioning practices for managing resources, partnerships, risks and outcomes as new models of service provision develops
Enable students to recognise, respond to and support co-productive approaches to community service development.

Course content

The course comprises three modules which can be taken over one to two years comprising two taught modules:

In addition, you will take a Practice Based learning project module where you undertake project work related to an aspect of leadership and practice/service development relevant to your work setting and role (30 credits).

Delivery

In addition to our traditional on-campus mode of study, we now offer this course online.

The course has been designed to utilise active learning techniques which encourage interaction between students and with the module leader. These include lectures, workshops, interactive media, debates, role-plays and case studies. The course particularly draws on user and community expertise and the students own experience. Course materials are available online and draw on the research and evidence base for practice.

What do you get in the end?

Depending on your previous qualifications and experiences you can achieve either an Advanced Diploma in Leading and Developing Public and Community Services or a Post-Graduate Certificate in Leading and Developing Public and Community Services
There are opportunities to progress to further academic post graduate awards via a Masters or right through to the Professional Doctorate course
Greater enhanced career development prospects
Improved confidence and competence in leading, developing and improving your service.

Who is it aimed at?

Those working in:

Mental Health
Social work
Social care
General nurses
Hospital healthcare
Primary care
Prisons
Voluntary sector
Social enterprise
Users and carers involved in leading services
Housing
Education
Youth work
Probation
Regeneration projects

Pre-requisites:

For the Graduate Certificate – Six months experience in a relevant public or community service setting and evidence of successful study at Level 5
Fort the Postgraduate Certificate - Six months experience in relevant public or community service and evidence of successful study at Level 6.
Please note that you will need to be in a supported service or practice environment to undertake the Practice Based Learning Project and to complete the awards.
APL or APeL will be considered and assessed on an individual basis.

Assessment:

There are varying methods of summative assessments where you are encouraged to diversify your knowledge and skills and build confidence. Regular feedback is given on your performance to help improve and shape your final assessments. Assessments include project work, written assignments and use of multimedia.

How to apply:

Download an application form by following the link from our CPD health webpage