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Programme summary for Postgraduate Associate Certificate: Research Planning and Preparation by Distance Learning

About the programme

We are offering two modules which have been devised to upgrade research skills, both of students undertaking or interested in undertaking a research degree and also those interested in conducting research as part of their professional role.

It is expected that most participants will undertake these modules as core research skills training for UEL research degrees. Therefore the majority of participants will either continue with their MPhil or PhD (by distance learning or on-campus), or will continue to register for a UEL MPhil or PhD.

You also have the option of undertaking the modules for professional development, to gain a Postgraduate Associate Certificate award. Please note that the second module, Understanding Research Processes and Contexts, can only be taken after the successful completion of the first module, Research Preparation and Planning.

Programme structure

Research Planning and Preparation is a core module for all students registered on research degrees at UEL and fulfils the requirement for research skills training.

Research Planning and Preparation is also offered as a stand-alone Level M module of 30 credits. It leads to the award of Postgraduate Associate Certificate, or contributes to the award of Postgraduate Certificate for students also studying other modules.

Career opportunities

If you are registered as an MPhil or PhD student with UEL this programme will provide you with the required research training. The programme will also provide you with relevant training if you wish to undertake research as part of your professional development.

Support

The modules have been written by external authors commissioned by the school of Distance and E-learning (Understanding Research Processes and Contexts) and by members of staff associated with the Graduate School (Research Planning and Preparation). Academic support is provided through the Graduate School, technical support is provided by IT Services, and all other support – including administrative and pastoral – is provided by the School of Distance and E-Learning.

Given that the programmes are exclusively delivered by distance mode, the learning material for each module is detailed and activity-based to encourage learners to engage with concepts and techniques. Additionally, the learning material provides links to electronic journals and websites where appropriate. UEL Plus, the platform used for the delivery of the programmes, enables online discussions between learners and UEL staff, and also facilitates the downloading of programme material.

On enrolment, you will be provided with introductory materials on the use of UEL Plus (UELPlus) and UEL Direct.

During your studies, you will be supported by our team of Distance Learning Student Advisors in the School of Distance and E-Learning. These advisors act as a first point of contact for you, addressing the majority of student queries and referring only those that relate to academic matters to the module tutor. The Student Advisors will also contact students who seem to be falling behind and will offer advice and encouragement to them.

Those who are in a position to visit the campus have full access to all books, journals, CD-ROMs, video tapes, etc. held in the Learning Resource Centre. Also, UK-based students may access other university libraries under the UK Libraries Plus scheme.

We also provide useful advice and information in our Student Handbook and online at http://www.uel.ac.uk/dl/index.htm

Admission

Entry to the Postgraduate Associate Certificate
We aim to make the programmes as accessible to students as possible while ensuring that students who enter are likely to succeed. In keeping with the University’s commitment to widening access, consideration will be given to students applying from non-traditional backgrounds and to mature students.

To enter the programmes, students should normally have an undergraduate degree. We would, however, consider people with equivalent relevant practical or professional experience.
All applications without formal qualifications will be considered individually by the Programme Leader. This may involve a telephone interview and provision of suitable references.

Technical requirements
To participate in the programme you need at least:
1. Access to a PC or Mac with CD drive.
2. 56K modem with Internet access. (A broadband connection is strongly recommended.)
3. A supported Internet browser - see UELPlus’s tune-up page at http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browser_tuneup_information
4. Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent, and graphics software capable of viewing j-peg files.

The PC should be capable of running the standard MS Office suite (or equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. You will be expected to spend approximately 5 hours online per week, participating in discussions and accessing additional resources. (You may find it beneficial to spend more time online to investigate more fully any areas that are of particular interest to you.)

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