Postgraduate Certificate Lifelong Learning (Facilitating Learning and Development Pathway)

This postgraduate award currently offers development in the value of action-based learning as a method of supporting and encouraging adults operating as facilitators in the workplace. The programme currently recruits from the Health Sector where clinical practitioners and nurses work toward a common set of standards whilst supporting the development of their peers.

Facilitation standards have been devised by the Royal College of Nursing who support the course, offering professional accreditation for the University of Ulster graduates. The course has an intake every January and runs for 12 calendar months.

Students begin their journey as practising facilitators often developing practice within their work setting. Through problem based engagement and observation, this practical course encourages students to begin their professional facilitation career with the support of a learning set (both in the workplace and at the University).

The University supports the programme through their online campus using WebCT (a virtual learning environment). A multidisciplinary team from the School of Education and the School of Nursing provide online lecturers, advice and tutorial support.

Case studies support the development of communities of practice offering students real-life praxis through an online forum. Attendance is optional and often organised to provide additional support at one of the University campuses across the North of Ireland.

Students have often progressed to the Masters in Lifelong Learning (a fully online provision) at the University, carrying out projects in areas such as problem based learning, clinical facilitation and practice development.

This year the University will be offering an additional partnership programme with Monash University School of Nursing, whereby students may progress to an international Masters in Practice Development.

Students participating in the programme will have the opportunity to work with other facilitators from across the world. This inter-collaborative multidisciplinary approach aims to offer regional, national and international students a forum for development, sharing and collegial relations.

For further information contact the course tutors Professor Brendan McCormack (School of Nursing) or Mrs Celia O'Hagan, University of Ulster, School of Education, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT37 0QB, Telephone 028 9036 8190 or email c.ohagan@ulster.ac.uk

For applications see http://campusone.ulster.ac.uk where you can apply online or download appropriate application forms.