Intro
If you have reached that decisive stage in your career at which you feel tempted to become your own boss this graduate certificate may be for you. This programme has been designed with those who want to set up their own business in mind, or who want to use their work expertise for consultancy or advisory practice, but also want to up-skill their existing qualifications.
Key Features
- Practice focus in teaching and learning
- Development of skills and knowledge relevant for business start up and consultancy
- Combination of technology and business skills
- Blended and flexible study modes, combing face to face and online study
- Opportunity to up-skill and diversify existing qualifications and expertise
- Preparation for degree level study in business and management
Key Benefits
- Enhanced employability and mobility
- Confidence to set up your own business
- Wider career opportunities
- Accumulate credit towards a degree level qualification
- Opportunity to combine work, study and other commitments
What you study
What you will study
The programme runs over two semesters (September - May). In the first semester (September - December) you will be introduced to the knowledge, tools and skills required for the creation of a new enterprise. This also includes project management techniques which are vital to the survival of small business. In semester 2 (January - May) you will explore how to develop a web presence for your business and develop practical consultancy skills.
Modules studied
New Enterprise Creation (15 credits)
Project Management (15 credits)
Web Design and Presence (15 credits)
Consultancy Practice (15 credits)
60 SCQF credits at level 9
How you learn
The programme combines a blend of teaching/learning modes. Online study allows you to develop your knowledge and understanding of subjects studied in a structured way and in your own time. Class contact combines conventional lectures, small group discussion, case studies and practical activities. Classes are interactive and often learner driven, and aim to foster exchange of knowledge and ideas among participants. All subjects are supported by reading programmes and other types of learner support.
Assessment
This programme is formally assessed using essays and examinations, presentations, group work, coursework and case study analysis.
Time commitment
Each module carries a total of 150 hours study, including 12 hours of class contact and, for most modules, 12 hours of online lecture presentations.
In semester 1, you will be required to attend the University 2 hours per week and undertake additional self study. In advance of each class you will be expected to have studied the lecture material online, and to have undertaken some advance reading.
Classes are scheduled during the early evening from 5.30pm with two modules running consecutively. Each module is delivered over a 6 week block. In semester 2, there will be more intensive class contact including a weekend seminar for each module.
Costs and Funding
Each of the Graduate Certificates costs £642.50. A variety of funding opportunities are available including:
Abertay 15th Anniversary Bursaries
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Abertay University is pleased to offer, from its Centenary Scholarship Fund, 4 bursaries (£500 each) for Dundee-domiciled mature students retraining for employment in a new field, and who enrol for study on a Graduate Certificate course at the University in September 2009. The application deadline is 31 July 2009. Application forms can be obtained from Student Services, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee DD1 1HG. Tel: 01382 30 80 51.
Individual Learning Accounts (ILA)
With a £500 learner account from ILA you can get up to £500 towards your part-time course fees and you don't have to pay it back. The £500 is available to those who are aged 16 or over, earn £22,000 or less and who are studying a minimum of 40 SCQF credits.
Contact ILA Scotland on 0808 100 1090
Entry routes
More info
Career
You will be in a position to work in a consulting capacity in your field of professional or work expertise, or in a self-employed capacity, or in conjunction with a commissioning or employing organisation. You will gain confidence to set up your own business and become your own boss. You will also be able to access managerial roles in both the private and public sectors.
Degree access
The Graduate Certificate will allow you to access the University's undergraduate business and management degree programmes at level 9.
Graduate Certificates
