Personal & Professional Development (QQI Level 6)

Course details

The purpose of this newly validated Personal & Professional Development award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to utilise a range of advanced personal and interpersonal skills in a variety of personal, civic and specific vocational contexts, operating autonomously and/or in a supervisory capacity.

The module presents you with key theory in relation to the specific topics. In addition, there are various activities for you to complete as you proceed through your study.

On successful completion of this module, the learner will be able to:

• Evaluate the principles and practice of personal development.
• Identify the personal qualities and skills needed for effective participation in a chosen job or organisation, to include opportunities for further personal development and associated action plans.
• Assess the role and practice of time management to include aids and strategies for good time management, the impact of poor time management and personal time management behaviour.
• Research the processes of problem-solving and decision making, to include different approaches, strategies to handle difficult problems, contingency plans, and methods of implementing and evaluating a solution.
• Analyse the uses of goals or objectives, to include their characteristics, the role of planning and prioritisation, a range of tools and strategies to assist with achieving personal, civic or vocational goals or objectives, and the role of review and evaluation.
• Evaluate how organisations manage change, to include information, communication and analysis of the forces behind change, motivating staff and other partners, and handling reactions to change.
• Determine strategies to resolve personal or interpersonal conflict, to include an understanding of different personalities and how they react to conflict, common causes of conflict and the role of assertiveness and co-operation in conflict resolution.
• Link goals or objectives to available budgets and financial plans, to include periodic review and adaptation of resources to plans.
• Delegate tasks to others, to include appropriate planning, identification of skills and strengths in others, review and management of any issues arising.
• Respond appropriately to feedback and constructive criticism on personal performance.
• Use strategies to recognise and cope with stress, setback and workplace pressure.
• Reflect on own personal and professional development to include goal or objective-setting, action planning, implementation, ongoing review, personal initiative.

This distance learning, QQI accredited course means that Students can study flexibly at home, or at any convenient place and time, and can gain an Internationally Recognised Qualification.

Students receive a comprehensive Course Manual, Assignments, Efficient Studyguide, and unlimited one-to-one Tutor Support for the course duration. The course documentation for this FETAC/QQI certified course is detailed and easy to read. If students require extra time to complete the course they can apply for an extension.

The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 4 units.

• Unit 1: The Principles and Practice of Personal and Professional Development
• Unit 2: Key Skills for Effective Work Participation
• Unit 3: The Process of Change
• Unit 4: Personal Reflection and CPD.

Programme Entry Requirements:

• Level 5 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.
• Learners are expected to be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information for a Level 5 award and more complex information for Level 6 award.
• As part of the assessment for this module, the learner is required to complete a skills demonstration. This skills demonstration can be carried out in the work placement for the Work Experience module or other appropriate professional work placement – you should not need to complete a separate work placement if you are either employed, or have to undertake a work placement for another module.
• This skills demonstration must be observed by a Supervisor or Line manager.
• As this programme is delivered through distance learning or eLearning, students must be capable of studying on their own initiative.
• If you take this course by eLearning you will need basic IT skills and have access to broadband.