Short Course CPD by Distance Learning

With over 25 years of experience in delivering high quality distance learning programmes,  the Department of Information Studies will be offering a range of Short Courses for continuing professional development (CPD) by Distance Learning in 2013. These courses will include the following subject areas:

Specialist Short Course CPD on offer in 2013:

  • Rare Books Librarianship
  • Music Librarianship
  • Web Publishing
  • Records and Information Governance

 

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?

Once registered on the Short Course, you will be introduced to your 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 given a specially designed package of learning materials for you to study.

You choose your own study schedule to complete the course within the six months. For example, 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 through coursework, 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 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 your 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.
  • although some Short Course CPD credits may be transferred to a recognised qualification e.g. degree or Master’s programme, please note that a degree programme cannot be built entirely from CPD Short Course credits.)

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.)

Further information

For further information, please contact the Department’s CPD Short Course Secretary Nina Docking on  tel: (+/0)1970 622188; e-mail: dis-dept@aber.ac.uk