University of Chester Partnership
In Professional Development are delighted to be an academic partner of the University of Chester. For the last 5 years we have been working closely with the University to design, develop and deliver highly interactive programmes that offer an optional postgraduate certificate qualification.
The partnership between In Professional Development and the university allows us to bring innovative, engaging and industry relevant programmes to the market. Our programmes carry the academic quality and rigour expected from high quality executive programmes but are uniquely designed and delivered around the demands, pressures and challenges that face busy working professionals. Our unique and flexible approach makes it easier than ever to access expert programmes and gain postgraduate qualifications that are validated by the University of Chester.
Click here to find out more about our partnership with the University of Chester.
The Qualification:
Following completion of the 5-day Executive Mini MBA Accelerator Programme, you can go on to further study by opting to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (WBIS) that we run in collaboration with the University of Chester.
This qualification is ideal for those who already hold leadership positions, and wish to support their continuing professional development with an academic programme of learning which has workplace application and critical reflection at its core.
This is a level 7 postgraduate qualification which sits between a degree and a masters and will provide you with the skills to:
- deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
- continue to advance your knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
The PG Cert is also an excellent route into a full masters, contributing 60 credits towards the 120 necessary for a masters. Students can pursue the full MBA with the University of Chester, following the PG Cert, should they so wish.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to study at Level 7 you will need to already hold a senior leadership position and be actively looking to further develop your management and leadership skills. You may also hold a middle management position with aspirations for progression to senior leadership.
The Assessment:
In order to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration students will be expected to complete the following modules:
- Leadership for Excellence in Projects and Processes
- Finance for Managers and Leaders
- Strategic Management for Marketing
Each module is assessed by a 5,000 word work-based critically reflective essay or report. This is a distance learning course and you will receive support from an academic supervisor as well as having access to university resources and dedicated support from In Professional Development’s Quality Assurance Team.
Click here to find out more information about the PG Cert in Business Administration.
Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Course Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the course.
The Qualification:
Following completion of the 5-day Directors Development Programme, you can go on to further study by opting to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership for Directors (WBIS) that we run in collaboration with the University of Chester.
This qualification is ideal for those who already hold leadership positions, including that of director, and wish to support their continuing professional development with an academic programme of learning which has workplace application and critical reflection at its core.
This is a level 7 postgraduate qualification which sits between a degree and a masters and will provide you with the skills to:
- deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
- continue to advance your knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
The PG Cert is also an excellent route into a full masters, contributing 60 credits towards the 120 necessary for a masters. Students can pursue the full MBA with the University of Chester, following the PG Cert, should they so wish.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to study at Level 7 you will need to already hold a senior leadership position and be actively looking to further develop your management and leadership skills. You may also hold a middle management position with aspirations for progression to senior leadership.
The Assessment:
In order to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership for Directors students will be expected to complete the following modules:
- The Director’s Role in Governance and Finance
- The Director’s Role in Leading and Managing an Organisation
- The Director’s Role in Strategic Leadership and Marketing
Each module is assessed by a 5,000 word work-based critically reflective essay or report. This is a distance learning course and you will receive support from an academic supervisor as well as having access to university resources and dedicated support from In Professional Development’s Quality Assurance Team.
Click here to find out more information about the PG Cert in Strategic Leadership for Directors.
Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Course Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the course.
The Qualification:
Following completion of the 5-day Train the Trainer Programme, you can go on to further study by opting to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Education (WBIS) that we run in collaboration with the University of Chester.
This qualification is ideal or professionals who wish to become proficient at teaching and training professional adult learners, either internally within their own organisation, or as professional tutors working with external cohorts of learners. The course facilitates an understanding of best practice, so supporting the continuing professional development of individuals who currently teach adult learners, and also those who wish to move into executive education and training roles. As with all WBIS courses, workplace application of learning, and critical reflection are at its core.
This is a level 7 postgraduate qualification which sits between a degree and a masters and will provide you with the skills to:
- deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level;
- continue to advance your knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
The PG Cert is also an excellent route into a full masters, contributing 60 credits towards the 120 necessary for a masters. Students can pursue the full MBA with the University of Chester, following the PG Cert, should they so wish.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to study at Level 7 you will need to already hold a senior leadership position and be actively looking to further develop your management and leadership skills. You may also hold a middle management position with aspirations for progression to senior leadership.
The Assessment:
In order to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Education students will be expected to complete the following modules:
- Principles and Theory of Education Practice
- Professional Education Practice with Executive Learners
- Innovation in Education Practice
Each module is assessed by a 5,000 word work-based critically reflective essay or report. This is a distance learning course and you will receive support from an academic supervisor as well as having access to university resources and dedicated support from In Professional Development’s Quality Assurance Team.
Click here to find out more information about the PG Cert in Executive Education.
Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Course Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the course.
Mini MBA – PGCert in Business Administration (WBIS)
You can undertake the Mini MBA on an accredited basis and on successful completion will see you receive a PGCert in Business Administration (WBIS) validated by University of Chester and delegates who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a University of Chester award.
To be eligible to study at Level 7 you will need to already hold a senior leadership position and be actively looking to further develop your management and leadership skills. You may also hold a middle management position with aspirations for progression to senior leadership.
The Executive Mini MBA Programme consists of three modules leading to the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (WBIS). This programme covers appropriate key aspects for a postgraduate certificate in line with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master’s Degrees in Business and Management (3rd Ed, 2015).
Assessment:
In order to complete the PGCert each student will be required to undertake three assignments of 4000-5000 words (weighting 100% coursework).
Illustrative examples include an essay, report, oral assessment, portfolio – or a combination – as negotiated between student and tutor.
Specifically:
A work-based critically reflective portfolio (notionally 5000 words each) which typically includes a critically reflective essay or report on the relevant module theme, covering the learning outcomes. Specific essay titles will be negotiated between student and tutor and in all cases will be applied to the student’s individual workplace practice.
Modules:
Module 1: Leadership for Excellence in Projects and Processes
Module 2: Finance for Managers and Leaders
Module 3: Strategic Management for Marketing
Directors Development Programme – PGCert Strategic Leadership for Directors (WBIS)
The Directors Development Programme – PG Cert Strategic Leadership for Directors (WBIS) validated by University of Chester and delegates who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a University of Chester award.
To be eligible to study at Level 7 you will need to hold a Director position and will be looking to further develop your leadership skills. Alternatively you will hold a middle management position with aspirations for progression to senior leadership or company directorship. The course will bring you the robustness of an academic approach to learning, plus the reward of an academic qualification. It facilitates the development of your strategic leadership skills and your understanding of the requirements placed upon company directors.
The Directors Development Programme consists of three modules leading to the Postgraduate Certificate Strategic Leadership for Directors (WBIS). The course covers appropriate key aspects for a postgraduate certificate in line with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master’s Degrees in Business and Management (3rd Ed, 2015).
Assessment:
In order to complete the PGCert each student will be required to undertake three assignments of notionally 4000-5000 words (weighting 100% coursework).
Illustrative examples include an essay, report, oral assessment, portfolio – or a combination – as negotiated between student and tutor.
Specifically:
A work-based critically reflective portfolio (notionally 5000 words each) which typically includes a critically reflective essay or report around the relevant module theme, covering the learning outcomes. Specific essay titles will be negotiated between student and tutor and in all cases will be applied to the student’s individual workplace practice.
Modules:
Module 1: The Directors Role in Governance and Finance
Module 2: The Directors Role in Leading and Managing an Organisation
Module 3: The Directors Role in Strategic Leadership and Marketing
Train the Trainer Programme
There are two levels of accreditation for this programme:
Certified Professional Practitioner
To become a Certified trainer, participants will need to:
Deliver a 15 minute micro-teach session to fellow participants on the programme, applying core teaching theory from the course: Set an Aim and Objectives
- Deliver an engaging session relating to own area of expertise
- Confirm Aim and Objectives have been met
Write a 250-400 word reflective statement, identifying and discussing how they will apply the key concepts, techniques and theories into their professional practice. The reflective statement needs to demonstrate a clear understanding of concepts taught and application of learning.
Successful participants will be awarded a badge of Professional Competence and Completion Certificate.
Qualified Professional Practitioner (PGCEE)
To become a Qualified Professional Practitioner participants will need to successfully complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Education validated by University of Chester and delegates who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a University of Chester award.
Assessment requirement:
You will be required to undertake 3 work based assignments of notionally 4000-5000 words (weighting 100% coursework). These 3 assignments will be work-based (applied to the delegates individual workplace practice) and submitted as part of a critically reflective portfolio. Illustrative examples include an essay, report, oral assessment, portfolio – or a combination – as individually negotiated between student and tutor.
The assessments will be submitted on the following themes, or on a more specific subject for yourself (to be agreed with your designated tutor):
Assignment 1:
Educational theory. Demonstrate an understanding of the educational theory that underpins professional education and training delivery.
Assignment 2:
Professional practice. Provide a portfolio of lesson plans and reflections on 20 hours of teaching.
Assignment 3:
Action research paper. Research, apply, and reflect on the application of a current innovation in adult education.
This will be discussed in more detail throughout the programme.
All learners aiming to become a Qualified Professional Practitioner will be provided with:
- One-to-one telephone tutorial opportunities (as many as the student requires; typically, this would involve 3 one-hour tutorials)
- Group tutorials through conference calls
- Monthly webinar events
We encourage learners to engage with as many tutorials and learning opportunities as possible. The blended learning method has been shown to provide flexible, student centred delivery and a high pass rate.
Our Testimonials
Very professional and relaxed which demonstrates mastery in their respective fields.
Olga Howard
UCB, Content and Advocacy Lead
CMI L5 Coaching and Mentoring
I really enjoyed my time on the Executive Mini MBA. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and learn some valuable skills and knowledge to take back to my role. Thank you for the 5 days learning and overall experience.
Claire Lee
Council Services, Business Development Director
Executive Mini MBA Programme