Programme content
What does it involve?
Section 1: Induction
Section 2: Underpinning Skills
Section 3: PSG Core Skills
Section 4: PSG Professional Skills
Accreditation of prior learning
What does it involve?
The Foundation Degree in Government is a modular, work-based qualification. Each module has specified learning outcomes and students must demonstrate that they've achieved them by designing and completing assignments. The assignments must include appropriate work-based or work-related experience, evidence of reading around the subject and must show that they've applied relevant theory to their experience and drawn realistic conclusions.
The programme is designed to support students in their professional development and so it includes modules that develop their skills in managing their own career in the Civil Service. In the final module, they will review their learning from the programme and consider how they'll apply it as part of their continuing professional development.
Students are advised to work through the programme in four sections, each of four modules, to help them manage their progress. Each section takes up to six months to complete. The later sections include greater flexibility - usually through discussion with their line manager - to focus on the particular needs of their job or career development.
Top^Section 1: Induction
Introduction to Work-Based Learning
Work on this starts as soon as students are accepted on the programme. It includes the first of two compulsory workshops which, apart from giving an overview of the programme, includes feedback and an introduction to the key elements they'll need to master.Understanding Government
This module gives students a view of the broader context in which they work. It includes the second compulsory workshop, which also helps them develop their study skills.Customers and Stakeholders; Working with People
These two modules help students explore their more immediate work environment. Throughout the induction section, they'll be supported by their tutor as they develop their experience of work-based learning and the skills needed to produce good-quality assignments. This includes accessing appropriate guidance and study materials through the Virtual Learning Environment (the online learning support system), libraries and departmental sources. They're also expected to join in discussions with fellow students, face to face and online, as this can be a tremendous help in making progress through the modules.
Student support comes from both the university and the employer. The tutor will agree assignments and give a formative assessment (i.e. feedback) on the assignment before the final assessment. Apart from the regular contact with the tutor for each module, students need to identify a workplace 'helper/facilitator' with whom they can discuss their progress and who can help and advise them when identifying and arranging suitable opportunities for learning.
Top^Section 2: Underpinning Skills
These four modules complete the study for the basic competencies that departments require of their people at this level:
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Section 3: PSG Core Skills
These four modules require students to identify the PSG core skills they need to develop, including negotiating modules that are appropriate to their area of work:
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Section 4: PSG Professional Skills
These four modules allow students most flexibility to build up a profile for their professional career in the Civil Service:
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Accreditation of prior learning
As part of the first module, students will be asked to consider how their existing experience and qualifications may be relevant to the Foundation Degree in Government. If they have prior learning that can be accredited, it will speed their progress through the programme.
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