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PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Medway
The UK’s European university
Part-timeGraduate study
2
INTRODUCTION
Taught by expert staff in Kent’s Centre forProfessional Practice(CPP), the postgraduateprogramme inProfessional Practicebuilds on your existingwork experience andqualifications to furtheryour professionaldevelopment.
About the programmeDesigned for participants fromprivate, public and third sectorsettings, this flexible, part-timeprogramme allows you to broadenyour expertise while gaining arecognised qualification to helpprogress your career.
You may choose to follow one of our specific accredited pathways or select modules of personal andprofessional interest from across the University.
Teaching is structured around a series of taught weekends,consisting of formal lectures,seminars and workshops. Duringthe sessions, you explore yourexisting work practice, with modulesdesigned to help you review and analyse current debates and challenges relevant to theprofessional context in which you work.
The programme gives you theopportunity to attain academicrecognition for the skills, knowledgeand experience you have developedin the workplace. In particular, you
focus on strategic and criticalanalytical skills as well asknowledge relating to inter-professional working and research-based practice. By the end of theprogramme, you will have gainednew perspectives on yourprofessional role and developednew approaches to your day-to-daypractice.
Academic excellenceKent is ranked among the top 20universities in the UK (The GuardianUniversity Guide 2015). All ouracademic schools produce world-class research, and Kent is rated as internationally excellent, leadingthe way in many fields of study.
CPP is a transdisciplinary academicdepartment focused on flexiblework-related learning within highereducation and has established itselfas a leading centre for education,training, and research anddevelopment.
We work with a wide range ofexternal partners and employers to create distinct and original work-based and work-relateddevelopmental and educationalprogrammes, which respond to the unique workforce challengesexperienced by employees andorganisations across the region and beyond.
Our programmes are designed toenhance career progression andfoster intellectual and professionaldevelopment and practice.
Inspirational teachingKent is renowned for its teachingstyle; our academics have theoutstanding ability to pass on theirpassion for study and debate. Staffare approachable and accessible;through direct contact with them,you are intellectually challenged and encouraged to broaden yourhorizons.
Professional Practice
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graduates are now working fororganisations in the UK such asGreat Ormond Street Hospital,Health Education England, Kent Fireand Rescue Service, Kent ProbationService, Rochester GrammarSchool, Brompton Academyand the University of Kent.
Flexible studyAt CPP, we recognise the individualneeds and working circumstancesof professional people, the diversenature of the workplace and theobstacles professionals may facein taking up learning opportunities.
Our programmes provide inclusiveand coherent educational and work-related opportunities. We specialisein flexible, part-time programmesthat acknowledge the competingpriorities experienced byprofessionals who wish toremain in employment.
We also offer a flexible approachto learning, enabling you to takesingle modules or work towardsa postgraduate certificate, diplomaor Master’s degree.
A global outlookOur students benefit greatlyfrom the diversity of theUniversity community. Around41% of our academic staff arefrom overseas and there are 149nationalities represented at Kent,reinforcing our internationalreputation and creating a studentbody of which 27% are internationalstudents.
Accreditation of PriorExperiential and/orCertificated Learning(APECL)The Professional Practiceprogramme may allow you toconvert prior learning achievementsinto University of Kent academiccredit via Accreditation of PriorExperiential and/or CertificatedLearning. To be eligible foraccreditation prior learning mustbe at the appropriate level andrelevant to the Professional Practiceprogramme’s learning outcomes.For details about claimingaccreditation, please [email protected]
Professional linksOur strong links with localemployers and nationalorganisations mean we keep up-to-date with important changes anddevelopments in the workplace andunderstand the needs of employersand individual staff in relation tolearning and development.
Staff within CPP have a rangeof expertise and many haveexperience of working in business,industry and the health sectors,and therefore provide a valuablecontribution to our programmes.
In addition, CPP has a wealthof experience in deliveringprogrammes with a work-relatedelement, enabling us to supportyou to realise your potential in yourworking life.
Our postgraduate programmesattract successful professionalswho come to Kent to develop theirexpertise. They progress to applytheir knowledge in their chosenprofession and develop theirorganisational strategy.
Career developmentA postgraduate degree inProfessional Practice is a particularlyvaluable and flexible qualificationthat can open the door to excitingcareers in many professions.Graduates have progressed theircareers and are now working ashead teachers, deputy directors inhuman resources and organisationaldevelopment, and college anduniversity administration managers.Our most recent students and
www.kent.ac.uk/cpp
Key facts
• Work-related, transdisciplinaryprogramme.
• Suitable for professionalsworking in the public, privateand third sector, includinghealth and social care,education, local governmentand public services.
• Awards include postgraduatecertificate, postgraduatediploma, MA and MSc.
• Part-time study over threeyears to achieve MA/MSc.
• Accreditation of PriorLearning (APECL) maybe available.
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5www.kent.ac.uk/cpp
has improved my confidence indelivering my thoughts and hasencouraged me to question things.From a career perspective, this canonly be a positive outcome.
What are you planning to donext?The programme has definitely givenme a thirst for knowledge. Whoknows, I may engage in furthereducation and perhaps undertakea PhD.
Can you offer any advice forthose thinking about taking thiscourse?Do be prepared to make sacrifices.If you are a full-time employee, havea family or have other commitments,you will need to be prepared foradditional pressure in these areas.Plan the time to study in advance.When it gets tough, talk to yourpeers, line manager and especiallythe staff at the University – they willunderstand. Most of all, enjoy it.This is a fabulous course whichallows non-traditional studentsto study at a challenging level.
Roxanna Costin isstudying for an MSc inProfessional Practice. Sheis currently Dental OfficeManager at HealthEducation England.
What attracted you to studyingProfessional Practice at Kent?The fact that the Centre forProfessional Practice was open toconsider applicants who did nothold a traditional qualificationmeant that I was able to enrol on thiscourse based on the professionalexperience I had gained, especiallywithin management. The area ofstudy fits well with my day job, whichis vital for this qualification becauseeverything that we learn links backto it.
What have you particularlyenjoyed?I like the fact that my fellow studentscome from an array of workingenvironments, enabling sharedpractice and unique learning. Thedebates in class are always useful.
In particular, I have enjoyed theEvidence-Based Practice module.This was a real challenge becauseeverything you write about has tobe so factual. Finding relevant data,or in fact discovering the lack ofrelevant data, opens your eyes tohow information is communicatedto us through various mediums –you end up questioning everything!
What about the teaching?Our tutors are a fount of knowledge– they facilitate our learning andopen our minds to question,explore and reach our ownconclusions. The team at CPPgenuinely enthuse about whatthey do and this is apparent intheir delivery.
How would you describe yourfellow students?There’s an interesting mix of people,bringing a variety of strengths tothe programme. Some have, likeme, enrolled on the programmewithout the standard academicbackground, but bring a hugeamount of knowledge andexperience with them. Others aretrue academics, who support thoseof us who are not.
What’s the level of support like?Excellent – it’s there if you need it.Our librarian responds quickly toqueries and offers sound advice.The tutors always offer a one-to-oneif you need to speak to them andthe CPP support team is veryresponsive.
How do you think your studiesat Kent will help you in yourcareer development?My studies have opened my mind todifferent approaches to the ways inwhich I undertake my role. I have avast amount of experience with littleto no formal training to support howI manage tasks. The programme
STUDENT PROFILE
A TOP 20 UKUNIVERSITYKent is a leading universityand is ranked among the top 20 in the UK according to The Guardian UniversityGuide 2015.
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Learning from colleagues andlistening to their stories andprofessional challenges havealso helped.
This degree allows for greaterinsight, personal reflection andthe time to really challenge yourselfto complete a unique degreeprogramme. It lends itself to eachstudent focusing on their ownpractice, and actually improvingit, by taking the time to reflect onexisting practice based on reality,as well as theory and literature.
What are you planning to donext?I would like to consider furtheracademic study as I really enjoyedthis programme – and it wouldalmost certainly be at Kent.
Can you offer any advice forthose thinking about taking thiscourse?Just do it! Take time to speak withthe tutors as they are clear andhonest about the programme andyour commitment to it – but if youare looking for an enjoyable degreeprogramme, then you have found it.
James Devine graduatedfrom Kent in 2013 withanMSc in ProfessionalPractice. He is currentlyDeputy Director ofHuman Resourcesand OrganisationalDevelopment at GreatOrmond Street Hospitalfor Children NHSFoundation Trust.
What attracted you to studyingProfessional Practice at Kent?This type of Master’s qualification is unique in that it allows you tofocus your studies on wider aspectsof human resource managementrather than the traditional, expectedelements. I had worked with someof the tutors before, so I was awareof their calibre. The programme wasstructured around work, being on aFriday, Saturday and Sunday everysix to eight weeks, meaning that mytime away from work was kept to aminimum. This was a great sellingpoint.
What did you particularly enjoy?The tutors and my colleagues on the programme made it enjoyable,yet challenging enough that youknew you were benefiting from yourstudies.
What about the teaching?Without exception, it was excellent!All the tutors were very different,yet they offered something to everystudent. Nothing was ever too muchtrouble, and they often shared their
own time to ensure that you didn’tleave until you were clear aboutwhat was expected of you withregard to the assignments.
How would you describe yourfellow students?We all came from such varyingbackgrounds that when we saweach other, we were able to sharenew strategies and get advice onhow to deal with situations. Wealways talked about theassignments and how we couldshare resources. It was nevercompetitive, it was about supportingeach other so that we all reachedthe finish line together.
Did you feel well supported inyour studies?Yes, the support was very good,particularly from the tutors. I thinkany other place of study would behard pushed to compete with thetutors within the ProfessionalPractice programme at Kent.
What about the facilities?The facilities on campus were greatfor part-time students, with thelibrary being open until 11pmduring term time.
How do you think your studiesat Kent have affected youremployment prospects?I think they have improved vastly. Notjust having a degree on my record,but the new skill sets, confidenceand improved competence are allbenefits to studying this programme.
GRADUATE PROFILE
WORLD-LEADINGRESEARCHIn the 2008 ResearchAssessment Exercise (RAE),Kent’s staff were found to beengaged in research of world-class standing.
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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The Professional Practiceprogramme is designed tobe completed over threeyears of part-time study,consisting of compulsorymodules, plus a choice ofoptional modules offeredby the Centre and/or fromthe wider Universitymodule catalogue. A finaldissertation allows you tocarry out an independentresearch project to explorea particular area ofinterest.
You can choose one of the followingpathways: • Professional Practice PCert, PDip,MA/MSc
• Professional Practice (Teachingand Learning) PDip, MSc.
Students following the PCert or PDiproutes are only required to attendthe study modules; they do not needto complete a dissertation. PCertstudents must successfullycomplete 60 credits worth of taughtmodules while PDip students mustsuccessfully complete 120 creditsworth of taught modules.
Teaching methodsTeaching sessions are structuredaround the programme’s taughtweekend sessions, which typicallyrun from Friday to Sunday. Thesesessions include lectures, seminars,workshops and one-to-onesupervisions.
Professional PracticePCert, PDip, MA/MScThis flexible programme has beendesigned to encourage you to thinkmore deeply about the challengesassociated with your professionalpractice while enabling you to tailoryour degree to your particularinterests and career aspirations.
Course contentStage 1• Learning and Development inOrganisations (30 credits)
• Evidence-Based Practice (15 credits)
• Inter-professional Working(15 credits)
Stage 2Compulsory module• Research Skills (15 credits)
Optional modulesYou select from the followingoptional modules from within CPP(up to 45 credits), subject toavailability; or a choice of modulesfrom across the University (up to 45credits); or a combination of both(subject to availability) up to 45credits:• Power Dynamics withinProfessional Practice (30 credits)
• Qualitative Research MethodsApplied to Professional Practice(15 credits)
• Quantitative Research MethodsApplied to Professional Practice(15 credits)
• Special Area of Study (30 credits).
Stage 3• Dissertation (60 credits)
Professional Practice(Teaching and Learning)PDip, MScThis is a specialist work-relatedpathway designed for qualifiedteachers.
Course contentStage 1• Learning and Development in Organisations (30 credits)
• Evidence-Based Practice (15 credits)
• Inter-professional Working (15 credits)
Stage 2• Research Skills (15 credits)• A Thinking School: TransformingLearning (30 credits)
• Addressing Barriers to Learning(15 credits)
Stage 3• Dissertation (60 credits)
AssessmentAssessment includes writtenassignments, work-based projects,oral presentations, portfolioassessment, seminar contributionsand reflective learning submissions.In the final stage of the programme,you complete a dissertation of10-12,000 words.
www.kent.ac.uk/cpp
Professional Practice
Research SkillsAs an evidence-based approach to professional working increasesthroughout organisations, there is a need for professionals to analysecritically within their own practice.This module prepares you to takepart in research related to your own workplace and supports you to develop the skills to enable thisprocess. You critically analyseresearch methodology andappraise the ever-increasing bodyof literature to enable an evidence-based approach to enhanceprofessional effectiveness. There is the opportunity to develop aresearch proposal relevant to theworkplace and use this project todevelop skills in accessing literaturedatabases and the internet, as wellas critically assessing the limitationsand appropriateness of researchfindings and methodologies.
evidence available from systematicresearch and how this can beapplied to improve outcomes withinyour area of professional practice.
Inter-professional WorkingThis module raises awarenessabout collaborative working asan increasingly important part ofworkplace culture. You focus oncollaborative working through ajourney of examination, discussionand reflection on emergingcollaborative practices. The roleof research in, and its impact on,interdisciplinary and collaborativeworking is also explored. The overalltheme of the module stressesthe importance of buildingon experiential learning whenworking together with others, whiledeveloping critical perspectives onproject management and leadershipin an inter-professional context.
Below is an overview ofthe Professional Practiceprogramme modules.
Compulsory modulesLearning and Development inOrganisationsIn this module, you explore, developand demonstrate competency inpersonal and professional learningand development planning. Drawing on a range of reflective models and frameworks, you explore waysof achieving high-quality ethical and professional learning anddevelopment planning within theworkplace. You gain knowledge,skills and the necessarycompetencies to contribute to thelearning and development needs of a given organisation. Actionlearning sets provide you with theopportunity to demonstrate the skillsrequired for developing learning anddevelopment strategies related toprofessional and organisationaldevelopment.
Evidence-Based PracticeHere, you focus on promoting theskills of the professional practitionerto become an effective user ofresearch findings with a view to the enhancement of quality serviceoutcomes. Sessions concentrate on the analysis of literature in orderto inform evidence-based practice.You become familiar with criticalappraisal tools and statisticsprinciples used to analyse data. The module culminates in a forumdesigned to promote dialogueregarding the extent of external
PROGRAMME MODULES
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www.kent.ac.uk/cpp
DissertationThe dissertation provides you withthe opportunity to undertake aresearch project carried out in theworkplace, which is relevant to yourprofessional practice. You criticallyexamine, in depth, a researchquestion relevant to your practice.This should be supported by acritical review of the literature,a statement of the methods,an analysis of the data and anextended discussion of the findings.
Optional modulesBelow is a list of the optionalmodules offered by CPP, subjectto availability, and open to thosestudents who are able to chooseoptional modules in Stage 2 oftheir programme. You can selectmodules of personal or professionalinterest from those offered by CPP,the wider University or acombination of both.
Power Dynamics withinProfessional PracticeYou gain theoretical and appliedknowledge and the opportunity toreflect critically and evaluate thetheory and practice of power in thecontext of your own practice. Thisenables you to develop and applystrategies and techniques whichare contextually relevant to yourown workplace. Key topics include:ideological power and the languageof power; power – a multifactorial
Quantitative Research MethodsApplied to Professional PracticeIn this module, you focus on thetheory and practice of quantitativeresearch. You explore the variousaspects of quantitative datacollection techniques and methodsof statistics analysis appropriateto an area of work-related enquiryrelated to your own professionalpractice. Topics include: quantitativedata collection methods; surveydesign; statistical analysistechniques and tools; andinterpretation of statistical data.
Special Area of StudyYou create, design and implementa specialist project. By exploringa number of themes and concepts,for example, reflection on past orcurrent practice or a piece of actionresearch for the development offuture practice, you are given theflexibility to design your own special
concept; principles of powerin relation to interpersonalrelationships; critique power theory;dimensions and impact of power;application of concepts of powerto your working practice.
Qualitative Research MethodsApplied to Professional PracticeHere, you examine the theoryand practice of qualitative research.You explore the various aspectsof qualitative data collectiontechniques and methods of analysisas appropriate to an area of work-based enquiry related to your ownprofessional practice. Topicscovered include: the interviewand interviewing techniques; focusgroups; phenomenological methodsof enquiry; ethnographic theory andmethod; case study methods; actionresearch; documentary research;discourse analysis; content analysis;and narrative analysis.
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share a common commitment togiving regular careful thought toeverything that takes place’, theconcept is now embraced within the UK educational sector as amodel for evolving the educationalstructure within primary andsecondary education. Here, youcritically consider the concepts andprinciples of a thinking school inorder to develop educationprofessional practice. In particular,you gain a critical understanding of theoretical meta-cognitiveprocesses and tools that underpinthe language of a thinking school;analyse leadership approachesrequired to develop a thinkingschool which can be applied withinthe workplace; critically appraisevision statements to gain clarity onvision creation within current work-based practice; and create astrategic plan to model withincurrent work-based practice.
Addressing Barriers to LearningOvercoming the barriers to learningis the perpetual challenge within allteaching environments, one whichhas a significant impact on bothlearners and teachers alike. This module develops yourunderstanding of the theoreticalissues and practical challengessurrounding identified barriers tolearning. Through an examinationof current educational debates andreflection on experiential practice,you develop an awareness ofpotential strategies to addressthe barriers.
Professional Practice
PROGRAMME MODULES (CONT)
area of study that can be related toinnovation on a policy or practicematter. Through this module, youenhance the development of yourproject management capability tohelp you meet your own professionalgrowth plans.
Teaching and Learningpathway modulesThese modules are available to qualified teachers taking thespecialist Teaching and Learningpathway. Students following thispathway do not participate inoptional modules at Stage 2.
A Thinking School:Transforming LearningThis module takes a critical look atthe ‘thinking school’, an approachadopted both nationally andinternationally. Defined by ProfessorBob Burden as ‘an educationalcommunity in which all members
“I joined this programme toconsolidate my experience, takea view of my own practice andemployment sector through atheoretical/academic lens andalso to obtain a higher degree;something I had wanted todo for many years. TheProfessional Practice MScis an excellent opportunity tomeet all of these requirements.”
Jane Howard MSc Professional Practice
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HOW TO APPLY
Who should applyThis programme is suitable forprofessionals in a variety of settingsincluding the private, public andthird sectors, for example, healthand social care, education, localgovernment and public services.However, we welcome applicationsfrom all sectors.
Entry requirementsApplicants should hold aprofessional qualification or appropriate degree-levelqualification and/or equivalent workexperience at the appropriate level.Students entering the programmewill be expected to demonstrateprofessional experience in a rolethat involves responsibility, whichthey have held for at least two years.
Applicants without traditionalqualifications will be considered on an individual basis and will berequired to demonstrate potential to study at postgraduate level.
English languageThe University requires all non-native speakers of English toproduce evidence of proficiencyin written and spoken English.
Making an applicationYou can apply online atwww.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply
Application deadlineWe strongly recommend that youapply as soon as possible. Forfurther information, please contactCPP (see right).
Tuition feesFor the most up-to-date informationon tuition fees, visit www.kent.ac.uk/finance-student/fees
Centre enquiriesIf you would like an informaldiscussion about joining theProfessional Practice programme,you may contact the ProgrammeDirector via CPP (see right).
Admissions enquiriesT: +44 (0)1227 827272
Come and visit usWe hold postgraduate eventsthroughout the year. For details,see www.kent.ac.uk/opendays
www.kent.ac.uk/cpp
LocationMedway
FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences
CentreCentre for Professional Practice
ContactCentre for Professional PracticeT: +44 (0)1634 888929E: [email protected]/cpp
ApplicationsOnline at www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply
Terms and conditions: the Universityreserves the right to make variations to thecontent and delivery of courses and otherservices, or to discontinue courses andother services, if such action is reasonablyconsidered to be necessary. If theUniversity discontinues any course, it willendeavour to provide a suitable alternative.To register for a programme of study, allstudents must agree to abide by theUniversity Regulations (available online at:www.kent.ac.uk/regulations).
Data protection: for administrative,academic and health and safety reasons,the University needs to process informationabout its students. Full registration as astudent of the University is subject to yourconsent to process such information.
COME ANDVISIT US
University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ T: +44 (0)1227 764000 www.kent.ac.uk/pg
To find out more about visiting the University, see our website:
www.kent.ac.uk/visit
DPC 117131 09/14PUB562
