New Raf All Ranks Degree Opportunities

[educator]

UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM OFFER UNIQUE DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL RAF RANKS



A University consortium of the Universities of Chester, Derby, Staffordshire and the Open University, working with HQ PTC are offering a pioneering Work Based Learning (WBL) Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc) program programme that is available to all ranks of the RAF. This Foundation Degree can then be “topped up” through progression to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 6 for completion of an Honours Degree. Chester and Derby also offer WBL for Masters Degree programmes with the first RAF student having just graduated in March 2007.
This WBL programme, launched by ACAS earlier this year, is currently recruiting for students to begin studying now with the universities of Chester and Derby.

For the University of Chester contact: Tony Wall, Tel 01925 530000, [email protected]
For the University of Derby contact: Jane Smith-Bodden, Tel 01332 591585, [email protected]



What are the benefits?


- the possibility of increased pay.
- enhanced career prospects
- easier and smoother resettlement opportunities
- more value from workplace experiences
- being able to use existing learning for a recognised qualification
- boosted confidence and motivation.


What is a Foundation Degree?



A Foundation degree is a degree in its own right and is achieved by completing NQF level 4 and level 5. After completion of initial compulsory units that assess participants’ start levels and give an introduction to WBL, all further study in terms of content, time line and form of assessment, is negotiated between the student and the host university. Students can chose to study with either Chester or Derby and credits can be accumulated flexibly in a number of ways:




Accreditation of Prior Certified Llearning (APCL) at higher level (e.g. HNC, HND, etc) using previously gained Level 4 or above qualifications.


Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) (projects completed or work experiences that can be shown to have reached the required level by production of artifacts and providing evidence of reflective practice. This can include learning applied from in-house training courses.)
Work related taught modules which are (supported on-line and/or face-to-face with workshops.)
Negotiated work based learning. (i.e. including new work based projects/tasks).


What degrees can I obtain?



FD students can typically negotiate a pathway in either Business or in Leadership and Management. The degree title and content at FD, Honours or Master’s Level is agreed between the student and the university to cover the core themes using any of the four previously mentioned pathways. Students set their own timescales to match the demands of their busy lives. FD students can typically negotiate a pathway in either Business or in Leadership and Management.



Beyond FD level further specialisation is possible: for example a medical administrator may wish to negotiate an Honours degree in Practice Management, a HR advisor with a degree already may decide to complete a Master’s degree in HR Management, a Regiment NCO may wish to complete a degree in Crisis Incident Management. This program literally applies to anyone who can reach the appropriate level in their chosen discipline.
This degree programme is unrivalled in its flexibility and accessibility and is open to all who can show that they can work at the appropriate level. The programme's flexibility will fit with the needs of operational tours and varying schedules, etc.



For the University of Chester contact: Tony Wall, Tel 01925 530000, [email protected]
For the University of Derby contact: Jane Smith-Bodden, Tel 01332 591585, [email protected]

[Robert Cooper]

Is this an advert?

[Wholigan]

Yes! !

[Pontius Navigator]

Has be paid Danny I wonder?

World of difference providing this sort of detail on request.

Now if Educator's mate had first posted saying:

"I've heard a rumour that you can get a university degree on the cheap"

and Educator came back and said,

"Yes you can and your wife too."

"Is it cheap?"

Erducator, "Er, I'll have to find out."

"Does it offer as many study areas as the Open University?"

Erducator, "Er well it might."

"How is this different from the OU?"

Erducator, "Er . . . "

PN,

BA (Hons) Open, DipEurHum (Open), BSc (Hons) Open 2008

[Tiger_mate]

I would let it be, for I know that the Universitys mentioned are working very closely with RAF departments with a view to achieving some credit for service courses completed. ie Recognition of military achievements. The information in the opening post will be useful to people that have never come across the uni way before (myself included).

Although I have not an A level to my name, I have been involved in work along these lines, and it is very productive for the guys and girls in the training system, less so for their instructors. However it is still early days and progress to date has been very positive.

In summary; at face value you have every right to be cynical, but the information is relevent and genuine, so please let it go.

I have no connection in any way with the original poster.

[airborne_artist]

The RN have had the first three years of Warfare and Aircrew officers' training accredited for an ordinary degree for some time. On award of the ordinary degree the Service then gives the student a credit at the OU to buy the required modules to convert it to an Hons degree.

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/conWebDoc.1136/changeNav/3533

[green granite]

Is it just a coincidence that WBL could be pronounced "wibble"? :hmm:

[BattlerBritain]

Well it's a bit of progress then in 20 years, as when I was an Airman (with A-levels) 20 years ago PMC laughed in my face when I tried to get the Mob to put me forward for a Degree.

And I wasn't the only Airman they did that to.

I seem to remember the words "You're only an airmen. Don't you know only Officers have Degrees?"

Strange how all my mates who PVR'ed now have Degrees and are laughing all the way to the Bank.

Cheers,

Battler (former JT)

PS B.Eng(Hons) Electrical + Electronic Eng, MIEE.

[Pontius Navigator]

Battler, it was clearly not long after that then as I was on a course at Bristol University, one of the short courses, with an SAC Supplier. He had completed his BSc with the OU while suning himself in a foxhole in the Gulf at GW 1.

[BattlerBritain]

Well why wouldn't the bar-stewards let me go then? :confused:

[educator]

Yes above is unashamedly an advert that is in advance of an article that will be in RAF News and AP 3392. I left the RAF 3 months ago and now work on this RAF FD programme for Chester and Derby universities. I also graduated off the MA last month. This is a genuine opportunity for all ranks, but places will be limited so get the word out to sign up before all the places are full. It is also available for retired RAF personnel.

[ZH875]

Only Officers used to retire, Airmen were discharged, now according to the wonderful JPA, we are all simply TERMINATED.

[merlinxx]

Go for it you lot, I hired many ex RAF Airmen & CPLs who went on to teach and instruct their senior in-service officers. Don't hold back for it! How many of you, non aircrew, can get hired in the civilian aviation market and attain GBP40K plus?

[mojocvh]

...like the sound of the "retired" bit too......

How many of you, non aircrew, can get hired in the civilian aviation market and attain GBP40K plus?........loads but that's not the point :hmm:

MoJo

[Blacksheep]

It is heartening to know that educational opportunities and self improvement are now made available to all serving members of the Armed Forces. In fact such opportunities have always been there, but the armed forces have not been good at publicising them and assisting servicemen in enrolling for university education.

I was awarded an ONC in Electrical Engineering during my apprenticeship at Halton. I was informed that I could go on to complete an HNC and I should report to the Education Centre at my new unit. I discovered that there was a quota system such that only 10% of the technical personnel could be released at any one time. I was put on the waiting list. With postings every two and a half years, I always found myself back at the bottom of the list and never did get that HNC. I did take the trouble to take A level Maths, Economics and Law to qualify for entry to the University of London's external programme and subsequently gained an honours degree in Economics.

Since the 1860's the University of London was the world's first "Open University" - in its early days being the only university in Britain that awarded degrees to women. It has provided university education opportunities to working people since its origins in the London Mechanics Institute founded in 1823 by Sir George Birkbeck - later incorporated into the University of London as Birkbeck College.

Is this an advert for the U of L's external programme? Well yes, I suppose it is. But the U of L is not-for-profit and education opportunities aren't something to be hidden away. Today Google will easily take you to the website but it hasn't always been so easy to find out about the opportunities and available choices.

[mojocvh]

Yes blacksheep I had to struggle to have day release to complete my HND. At one point I was told (by a new flt cmdr)that as I was on a sqn I should "wait" until I was posted to second line to complete my studies, at this time I had just passed the 10 year point on the Sqn and was "not amused" :ugh: Still got a Merit in the end, they say the only good qualifications are the ones you have to work and that was correct. Course started out with 23 finished 3 years later with 4.

MoJo.

[ARINC]

An interesting subject given the almost extinct class values in todays Forces...

Watched a frank interview a Tonka Squadron Boss once gave to the media and when asked about the social/educational differences between "Officers" and "Men". He quite candidly admitted that some of the Sqn. "men" had better A
levels than he did !!

But then again he was a Nav.:ok:

And somewhat bizzarely having left as an Oik I went back to the Service for a degree. Returning to Shrivenham as a civvie.

[LFittNI]

I'll back anything to assist the benighted serviceman these days, but I have a jaundiced view of "Work Based Learning", "Prior Experiential Learning" and (dons tin hat) the "Universities" of Derby, Chester etc.


They are about as much use as a BA Media Studies, or, if I'm allowed to say it, BA (Calcutta) (failed).


Bite the bullet and do a pukka 3 year "proper" degree at a "proper" University--you won't regret it.


LFittNI

ex-liney, BSc (Durham), MBA (London)

[Cumbrian Fell]

I agree - a university degree is a a key element to get through the CV screening process - just ask personnel who have recently left the Service and attempted to get middle-management appointments.

LFittNI - I concur that the name of the university is important. A son of neighbour of mine recently attended a university college in Owestry for a degree in motor mechanics (no joke) and the administration, quality of lectureship etc was simply abysmal. He has wasted 2 years of his life there before deciding to leave and try elsewhere.

I was fortunate to attend, inter alaia, an Oxbridge college and the cachet and the networking that accompanies it is beyond value. Similarly, the red brick universities remain a solid investment; the former polys are still questionable, especially when linked to 'life experience' based degrees. University, especially full-time, is more about how you learn, rather than what you learn. A poor working environment, with second-rate staff, does no-one any good.

BSc, MSc (Hons), MPhil (Cantab) Dip Civ Eng

[Union Jack]

.... if I'm allowed to say it, BA (Calcutta) (failed)

Of course you are allowed to say it, but it should be remembered that the whole point of publicising that having " BA (Calcutta) (Failed)" - or perhaps more often "BA (Cantab) or (Oxon) (Failed)" - after one's name was intended to show that one had been able enough to get into what you call a "proper" university in the first place.

Jack

BA (Hons) (Failed) from the University of HK - as in Hard Knocks!

[Safeware]

You wouldn't believe the difficulty I had in getting some of my SNCOs on a Masters course. Gp Capt was happy with the 'business case' for doing the 'training' but didn't like the idea that at the end of the 'training' they would an MSc. Therefore he decreed that the 'MSc' issue be dropped from any further discussion!!!

Good to see that the programme of 'training' is continuing though.

sw

[educator]

The benefit of these degrees from the consortium of Derby, Chester, Stafforshire and the OU as agreed with ACAS is the opportunity they give for all RAF personnel, who did not have the opportunity or would not be able to afford the time or expence, on leaving the RAF to attend any full time university. Thus, they recognise the excellence of RAF traning and add to it the academic rigour that will enable RAF personnel to be recognised in the civilian world. This is especialy important now with fewer and fewer civilian managers having any idea what RAF personnel can do. Methods of education have moved on to give access to any who can prove themselves able to meet the standard.