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Check out this advance information explaining new degree opportunities for all ranks serving and retired. I have completed my degree course and it was well worth the effort. If you would like more information email the university of your choice at the end of this article.
UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM OFFER UNIQUE DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL RAF RANKS
A University consortium of the Universities of Chester, Derby, Staffordshire and the Open University, working with HQ PTC are offering a pioneering Work Based Learning (WBL) Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc) programme that is achieved through work based Learning (WBL) and available to all ranks of the RAF. This Foundation Degree can then be "topped up” through progression to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 6 for completion of an Honours Degree. Chester and Derby also offer WBL for Master’’s Degree programmes via WBL with the first RAF student having just graduated in March 2007.
This work based learning program, launched by ACAS earlier this year, is currently recruiting for students to begin studying now with the universities of Chester and Derby.
What are the benefits?
- the possibility of increased pay. - More detail to follow in AP 3392.
- enhanced career prospects
- easier and smoother resettlement opportunities
- more value from workplace experiences
- being able to use existing learning for a recognised qualification
- boosted confidence and motivation.
What is a Foundation Degree?
A Foundation degree is a degree in its own right and is achieved by completing NQF level 4 and level 5.
After completion of initial compulsory units that assess participants’ start levels and give an introduction to WBL, all further study in terms of content, time line and form of assessment, is negotiated between the student and the host university. Students can chose to study with either Chester or Derby and credits can be accumulated flexibly in a number of ways:
Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) at higher level (e.g. HNC, HND, etc) using previously gained Level 4 or above qualifications.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) (projects completed or work experiences that can be shown to have reached the required level by production of evidence and reflective practice reflecting on those experiences. This can include learning applied from in-house training courses.)
Work related taught modules which are (supported on-line and/or face-to-face with workshops.
Negotiated work based learning. (i.e. including new work based projects/tasks).
What degrees can I obtain?
FD students can typically negotiate a pathway in either Business or in Leadership and Management. The degree title and content at FD, Honours or Master’s Level is agreed between the student and the university.The content is agreed between the student and the university to cover the core themes using any of the four previously mentioned pathways. Students set their own timescales to match the demands of their busy lives. FD students can typically negotiate a pathway in either Business or in Leadership and Management.
Beyond FD level further specialisation is possible: for example a medical administrator may wish to negotiate an Honours degree in Practice Management, a HR advisor with a degree already may decide to complete a Master’s degree in HR Management, a Regiment NCO may wish to complete a degree in Crisis Incident Management. This program literally applies to anyone who can reach the appropriate level in their chosen discipline.
This degree programme is unrivalled in its flexibility and accessibility and is open to all who can show that they can work at the appropriate level. The programme's flexibility will fit with the needs of operational tours and varying schedules, etc.
FIRST RAF STUDENT GRADUATES WITH WBL MA DEGREE
Several RAF students have already graduated from the universities of Chester and Derby with degrees using Work Based Learning. We interviewed the first RAF graduate from a Masters programme.
What were the advantages to you of the doing a Work Based Learning degree programprogramme?
For me the biggest advantage was that I could negotiate my learning and carry almost the learning into my daily work. So it was like doing a full time degree with the benefit, compared to other part-time programmes, of not having to do a full day’s work and then spend all my spare time doing something different in the degree. I did need to supplement the degree with some study in the evenings and weekends but not an excessive amount. Accessibility was also very important to me. Having joined the RAF with almost no qualifications at the age of 16, this was a great opportunity for me to prepare for the future, building on my WBL BSc(Hons).
How long did it take for you to complete your MA degree?
Using my Individual Resettlement time as well as integrating my study into real projects in my working day I completed the full MA degree course in one year.
How much did it cost?
I elected to use my Enhanced Learning Credits, and also received a grant from my IPT. This meant that the actual cost to me was minimal. I had anticipated having to buy a lot of books and periodicals, however everything that I needed was available from my University of Chester on-line library account that was set up when I enrolled.* I was also able to join my local University Llibrary to collect 'hard copy' when required as it was closer*to my home Station than Chester.*
What was your experience of studying for the a WBL degree?
I really enjoyed the experience and as all the study was relevant to my day job it was very beneficial both to me and to my IPT. My course tutor was excellent and would always return any emails I sent her within 24 hours.* Also my Personal Learning Adviser (PLA) in the Stn Education Center*Centre*was able to point me in the right direction for who to contact, etc and helped me with the ELC and other paper work that I needed*to*complete before I accepted my place.
Now that you have left the RAF what benefit does the degree give you?
I have now set up my own consultancy and am in the happy position that I am turning a lot of work down. My RAF experience coupled with my new qualification has been very attractive to industry.
What would you say to potential RAF WBL Students?
This is an outstanding opportunity for personnel of all ranks to obtain a Foundation Degree or higher qualification and, if you intend to use Enhanced Learning Credits, there is no better time to apply. Places are likely to be limited so it is essential that you get in touch with the relevant contact at your preferred university ASAP*to register and to receive your information pack. Remember that you do not need any formal qualifications to begin the WBL Foundation Degree programme, just the aptitude and desire to learn. You should also speak with your PLA to get authorization of ELCs before paying for your course, as ELC cannot be paid retrospectively.
*
For the University of Chester contact: Tony Wall, Tel 01925 530000, t.wall@chester.ac.uk
For the University of Derby contact: Jane Smith-Bodden, Tel 01332 591585, j.smith-bodden@derby.ac.uk
UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM OFFER UNIQUE DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL RAF RANKS
A University consortium of the Universities of Chester, Derby, Staffordshire and the Open University, working with HQ PTC are offering a pioneering Work Based Learning (WBL) Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc) programme that is achieved through work based Learning (WBL) and available to all ranks of the RAF. This Foundation Degree can then be "topped up” through progression to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 6 for completion of an Honours Degree. Chester and Derby also offer WBL for Master’’s Degree programmes via WBL with the first RAF student having just graduated in March 2007.
This work based learning program, launched by ACAS earlier this year, is currently recruiting for students to begin studying now with the universities of Chester and Derby.
What are the benefits?
- the possibility of increased pay. - More detail to follow in AP 3392.
- enhanced career prospects
- easier and smoother resettlement opportunities
- more value from workplace experiences
- being able to use existing learning for a recognised qualification
- boosted confidence and motivation.
What is a Foundation Degree?
A Foundation degree is a degree in its own right and is achieved by completing NQF level 4 and level 5.
After completion of initial compulsory units that assess participants’ start levels and give an introduction to WBL, all further study in terms of content, time line and form of assessment, is negotiated between the student and the host university. Students can chose to study with either Chester or Derby and credits can be accumulated flexibly in a number of ways:
Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) at higher level (e.g. HNC, HND, etc) using previously gained Level 4 or above qualifications.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) (projects completed or work experiences that can be shown to have reached the required level by production of evidence and reflective practice reflecting on those experiences. This can include learning applied from in-house training courses.)
Work related taught modules which are (supported on-line and/or face-to-face with workshops.
Negotiated work based learning. (i.e. including new work based projects/tasks).
What degrees can I obtain?
FD students can typically negotiate a pathway in either Business or in Leadership and Management. The degree title and content at FD, Honours or Master’s Level is agreed between the student and the university.The content is agreed between the student and the university to cover the core themes using any of the four previously mentioned pathways. Students set their own timescales to match the demands of their busy lives. FD students can typically negotiate a pathway in either Business or in Leadership and Management.
Beyond FD level further specialisation is possible: for example a medical administrator may wish to negotiate an Honours degree in Practice Management, a HR advisor with a degree already may decide to complete a Master’s degree in HR Management, a Regiment NCO may wish to complete a degree in Crisis Incident Management. This program literally applies to anyone who can reach the appropriate level in their chosen discipline.
This degree programme is unrivalled in its flexibility and accessibility and is open to all who can show that they can work at the appropriate level. The programme's flexibility will fit with the needs of operational tours and varying schedules, etc.
FIRST RAF STUDENT GRADUATES WITH WBL MA DEGREE
Several RAF students have already graduated from the universities of Chester and Derby with degrees using Work Based Learning. We interviewed the first RAF graduate from a Masters programme.
What were the advantages to you of the doing a Work Based Learning degree programprogramme?
For me the biggest advantage was that I could negotiate my learning and carry almost the learning into my daily work. So it was like doing a full time degree with the benefit, compared to other part-time programmes, of not having to do a full day’s work and then spend all my spare time doing something different in the degree. I did need to supplement the degree with some study in the evenings and weekends but not an excessive amount. Accessibility was also very important to me. Having joined the RAF with almost no qualifications at the age of 16, this was a great opportunity for me to prepare for the future, building on my WBL BSc(Hons).
How long did it take for you to complete your MA degree?
Using my Individual Resettlement time as well as integrating my study into real projects in my working day I completed the full MA degree course in one year.
How much did it cost?
I elected to use my Enhanced Learning Credits, and also received a grant from my IPT. This meant that the actual cost to me was minimal. I had anticipated having to buy a lot of books and periodicals, however everything that I needed was available from my University of Chester on-line library account that was set up when I enrolled.* I was also able to join my local University Llibrary to collect 'hard copy' when required as it was closer*to my home Station than Chester.*
What was your experience of studying for the a WBL degree?
I really enjoyed the experience and as all the study was relevant to my day job it was very beneficial both to me and to my IPT. My course tutor was excellent and would always return any emails I sent her within 24 hours.* Also my Personal Learning Adviser (PLA) in the Stn Education Center*Centre*was able to point me in the right direction for who to contact, etc and helped me with the ELC and other paper work that I needed*to*complete before I accepted my place.
Now that you have left the RAF what benefit does the degree give you?
I have now set up my own consultancy and am in the happy position that I am turning a lot of work down. My RAF experience coupled with my new qualification has been very attractive to industry.
What would you say to potential RAF WBL Students?
This is an outstanding opportunity for personnel of all ranks to obtain a Foundation Degree or higher qualification and, if you intend to use Enhanced Learning Credits, there is no better time to apply. Places are likely to be limited so it is essential that you get in touch with the relevant contact at your preferred university ASAP*to register and to receive your information pack. Remember that you do not need any formal qualifications to begin the WBL Foundation Degree programme, just the aptitude and desire to learn. You should also speak with your PLA to get authorization of ELCs before paying for your course, as ELC cannot be paid retrospectively.
*
For the University of Chester contact: Tony Wall, Tel 01925 530000, t.wall@chester.ac.uk
For the University of Derby contact: Jane Smith-Bodden, Tel 01332 591585, j.smith-bodden@derby.ac.uk
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