1st in Scotland for research in Education in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
This programme offers participants the opportunity to explore and develop the skills to support the personal and professional growth of colleagues at all levels of experience. It aims to extend understanding and knowledge of practitioner learning and the means by which it can be facilitated, taking account of contexts for professional practice. The modules will highlight the relevance of the mentoring process. It will also enable participants to develop their own skills in supporting the professional growth of colleagues through reflecting critically on their actions as facilitator.
Programme Objectives
The Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Enquiry: Supporting Professional Growth aims to develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the processes of professional development. It will provide you with the means to develop informed professional judgements in relation to supporting the professional growth of colleagues. The programme will enable you to develop tools and techniques to support professional growth including those skills associated with mentoring. It will support you to develop and broaden your own practice through analysis, reflection and debate, focused on your workplace, in order that you might become a more competent and reflective practitioner who offers support for professional growth in your own community of practice.
Entrance Requirements
You should have a first degree from a university or institution recognised by the University of Stirling and either an appropriate professional qualification or at least two years relevant experience.
Non-graduates with appropriate professional qualifications and experience may be admitted exceptionally. You must also have access to an appropriate work environment.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.
Modes of Study
Part-time: one year
Programme Start Date
Normally September, or by negotiation between the School and local authorities.
Structure and Content
The programme consists of two modules. You will take Supporting Professional Growth in the first semester followed by Developing Processes to Support Professional Growth in your second semester:
- Supporting Professional Growth: This module sets the foundation for the rest of the programme and enables you to explore the meaning of work-based and problem-focused learning within continuing professional development. It established the purpose and techniques of mentoring and collaborative enquiry, including the examination of personal and professional values and commitments. You will practise and develop the skills pertinent to mentoring, evaluate your own practice and identify an area for enquiry in your own workplace.
- Developing Processes to Support Professional Growth: The second module involves undertaking a work-based professional enquiry project to support the professional growth of colleagues. During the module you will be supported to negotiate and deliver a development enquiry for colleague(s) to support their professional development.
Timetable
Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.
Career Opportunities
The Postgraduate Certificate provides continuing professional education for teachers and others in, or aspiring to, posts with responsibility for staff development.
Applicants who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate may progress to the MSc Professional Enquiry, or with the support of your local authority, the MSc Professional Enquiry: School Leadership and Management (with Scottish Qualification for Headship). Alternatively, those currently holding the Scottish Qualification for Headship, may apply to complete the MSc Professional Enquiry: School Leadership and Management.
