Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Training and Education

Course details

Recent developments in training and education (for example the 2010 Hunt Report commissioned by the Department of Education and Skills) advocate the requirement for professional practice standards amongst higher education experts and industry training specialists. This programme will provide a forum for developing the pedagogical approaches suggested in the Hunt report. Now, more than ever, educators and trainers are under increasing pressure to have a teaching qualification. They call on educators to design pedagogy to meet the needs of the different learning styles and multi-disciplinary areas. This, they continue, will require educators to 'stimulate active, not passive learning, to encourage students to be critical, creative thinkers'. The report describes a range of methodologies (including e-learning, self-directed learning, problem-based learning and collaborative projects) as examples. The postgraduate diploma in training and education will support and guide participants in developing their practice in line with current best practice both nationally and internationally.

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to: Competently design educational or training programmes including developing programme aims and learning outcomes appropriate for the relevant programme level.

• Apply current legislation, institutional policy, best practice and professional ethics in programme design.
• Appropriately select from the broad field of learning theories and concepts to optimise the learning experiences for learners.
• Demonstrate mastery in motivation and engagement, whilst also demonstrating an ability to evaluate the learning processes and learning profiles of your learners.
• Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of dynamic and engaging pedagogies. Justify the application of advanced learning and teaching techniques and resources, at the forefront of the field.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the cultural and social factors which impact on teaching, learning and assessment and their implications in practice, when developing an inclusive environment in training and education.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the theory of, and best practice in, learning technology in a range of educational and training contexts.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply advanced research skills, to constructively critique, draw conclusions and offer recommendations within the field of education and training.
• Display advanced capacity to participate in reflective practice and evidence of continuous pedagogical development.
• Confidently articulate and defend projects and/or academic research at an advanced and professional level.

Graduates will be able to progress to MA in Arts in Training and Education.