Widening Participation to University Through Flexible Delivery

Modular provision for professional education

University of Manchester

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Outline of the presentation

Summary of the programmeRationaleContextApproachEvaluationAny questions

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Summary of the programme: Diploma in Community and Youth Work Studies

• Mature, experienced students • Professional qualification • Part-time Undergraduate Diploma • On-going practice • Modular• Individual routes

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Rationale for flexible provision• To enable mature and experienced practitioners

to gain a useful professional and recognised academic qualification

• To implement an anti-oppressive approach in keeping with community and youth work values and principles

• To focus on the needs and interests of the individuals and groups who can not participate in traditional routes.

• To recognise and use the experiences and interests of the students

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Context

• Community work links• Centre for Continuing Education• Staffing and resources

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Modular structure

• Types of modules • Programming• Terms• Scheduling• Sequencing• Individual routes

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Assessment

• RPEL for selection and limited exemptions• Progression• Readiness for level two interview• Involvement of practitioners

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Support

• Work Practice Tutors• Registration Days• Lunchtime Workshops• WebCT• Group work and Group assessments• Study skills tutorials• Guidelines for submissions

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Pathways onto the programme

• Partnerships with community organisations

• Introductory courses• Associate participants

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Evaluation Methods

• On-going• Registration Days• Programme Committee• HESA

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Lessons learned

• Administration• Setting• Facilities for particular students

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Successes

• Clarity about underlying values • Quality of qualification• Representation and Completion• Student feedback

Any questions?

Kate SapinCommunity Work Unit

University of Manchesterkate.sapin@manchester.ac.uk