Outline Guide to gaining a University Certificate in Driver Education
towards full Academic Recognition for ADI’s

Introduction

The DIA has been working with Middlesex University since 1991 in the development and operation of a University Certificate level, Driver Education qualification. This is being offered by the University, using their existing ‘Work Based Learning’ framework. The programme combines accreditation of experimental learning with an existing validated level 1 module. The learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been accepted at DipDI Level. ADI’s with a DipDI are automatically awarded 60 credit points at level 0 towards a University Certificate (120 credit points). The additional 60 points, can be awarded by participants producing a reflective essay of 2000-2500 words based on:

“A Personal Reflection upon the Application of my Learning from the DIA Diploma Programme to my own Professional Practice”.

Naturally, work which is done in these areas will be accepted by the DSA as Continuing Professional Development (CPD), in an ADI’s own individual Personal Development Programme (PDP).

The aim of this course is to support DIA Diploma level graduates in taking forward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), through developing a range of knowledge and skills at HE level One and above. The focus will be on the application of the knowledge base gained from DIA Diploma to their own professional practice. The University Certificate aims to enhance the ability of participants to evidence, reflect upon and plan to improve, their own practice after taking the DIA Diploma.

The programme will focus upon the application of learning, from the DIA Diploma to the professional practice of the student. In order to progress from the DipDI to a University Certificate, candidates will need to enrol as Middlesex University students. All participants will be registered students of Middlesex University and will be allocated (by the DIA) a University “Programme Adviser” and an accredited “CPD Tutor/Adviser”. Students will work initially with their DIA CPD Adviser to produce a written report/project, which should be submitted to their assigned Programme Adviser. Although students will be encouraged to attend a DIA Workshop on ‘Reflective Practice’ this is not compulsory. The DIA workshop will be held at one of the DIA’s National Conferences.

Assessment of the additional essays, will be conducted by Middlesex University staff in co-operation with the DIAs Education Committee. Successful students will be invited to attend the University Graduation Ceremony in July of the relevant academic year.

Costs:  The fee due to Middlesex University from the student for 2008 will be £510.00. University Staff Development costs, however, will be met by the University as part of the “Centre for Excellence in Work Based Learning” project.

Degree Courses

Naturally, ADI’s additional certificate work, will be accredited towards any future University degree courses taken by Certified candidates. A University Certificate (120 points) is accepted as a foundation year course towards a full honours degree (360 points). These degrees are part of the Work Based Learning Partnership at Middlesex University.

Candidates for Degree Courses should apply directly to Middlesex University.

BA and BSc (Honours degrees) in Driver Education

Work Based Learning is an innovative and efficient way to study work-related topics – and a valuable approach for developing the full potential of students learning within their own working environment.

Middlesex University has received a substantial award to create a national Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for Work Based Learning. The CETL initiative has two main aims: to reward excellent teaching practice and to further invest in teaching so that the funding delivers substantial benefits to students, teachers and institutions.

Students on University courses have the opportunity to make use of learning whilst working within a programme of study negotiated with Middlesex University, any employers and with The Driving Instructors Association. Benefits include:

• Student’s being given the freedom to design their own individual programmes and carry out their own pace of study.

• Opportunity to complete a programme of study, entirely matched to the individuals’ business interest.

• Opportunity to draw upon learning within a work based role, enabling the student to undertake extended project work.

• Opportunity to combine Work Based Learning Studies with other subject areas as part of a multi-disciplinary degree programme.

Programme Structure

• Students begin their programme with the Recognition and Accreditation of  Learning (RAL)

• In the second semester they normally take modules for planning their Work Based Learning Programmes and for project planning and development.

• Students are then equipped to undertake projects in their own workplace that would form the main part of their subsequent programme.

Career Opportunities

Work Based Learning Studies (WBS) provides a cost effective route to gain an academic qualification and is directly related to a students’ own area of work within driver education. The WBS modules allow professional development without students needing to leave the workplace. If students wish to develop their existing career and gain a further qualification, they are likely to find that knowledge of Work Based Learning is a significant advantage.

Entry Requirements – University Certificates & Diplomas

The normal pathway for gaining the University Certificate is only via previously gaining the DIA DipDI, as the Certificates secondary essay is dependent upon it.

BA/BSc Work Based Learning Studies

Although the recognised path of entry is by passing the DIA Diploma in Driving Instruction (DipDI), students can also build up their degree programmes without having this valuable addition to their RAL.

Anyone considering modules must consult with the Curriculum Leader before registering, in order to ensure proper support for their programme.

For more information, applicants should contact the:

National Centre for Work Based Learning Partnerships,
Middlesex University,
Trent Park,
Bramley Road,
London
N14 4YZ

Telephone: 020 8411 6118

Email: ncwblp@mdx.ac.uk

(1) Minimum Standard to Apply: Work Based Learning Degrees do not require any academic qualifications. The entry is through compiling a portfolio of your work and experience, which is Recognition of Accredited Learning (RAL).

(2) Course Duration: Maximum 7 years. Once your programme is planned, you have to adhere to your timetable. You are allowed to defer your timetable once on any one module. You can also alter your project to a different one, if your job changes and your project no longer fits in with it. 

(3) Course Content: RAL, Programme Planning, Research Methods, Modules studied or Projects undertaken.

The first three parts of the course are compulsory and the number of projects or modules carried out, is dependant on what you have earned in your RAL portfolio, or what is left to be earned. (The fact sheet will explain in more detail)

(4)            Costs:                     £  600     RAL
                                                £  150     Programme Planning
                                                £  300     Research Methods
                                                £  300     per 20 credit points – approx. £900

        Total Cost approx.    £ 1,950

These are staged payments, only payable as each section starts; however, all payments must
be completed before graduation can take place.

(5) Start Dates:  Are at the beginning of either of the two semesters: at the end of January or September. There is the option of a residential ‘Summer School’, which is attended at the Trent Park Campus for those who are interested in studying for the RAL. This is a voluntary extra, and attracts additional cost but can be extremely beneficial. 

Programme Tutor in charge:  Dr. P. Armsby

National Centre for Work Based learning Partnerships,
Middlesex University,
Trent Park,
Bramley Road,
London
N14 4YZ

Telephone:  020 8411 611

Recognition of Accredited Learning (RAL)

Credit points are awarded as explained below:

• 240 points are required for a foundation degree.
• 300 points are required for an ordinary degree.
• 360 points are required for an honours degree.

• Students should prepare a CV of everything they have done in the world of Driving Training:

This should include any individual qualifications gained since leaving secondary school, and any details of relevant employment. (Qualifications gained at school are not normally relevant as they are past history and rarely attract credit points.)

• Interests and activities that may be relevant. Things to include in this are membership of trade associations and any special roles undertaken, such as ‘local or regional’ officer.

Areas of Learning

• These attract credit points and are divided into two sections:

Credit Rated Learning: that is certificated qualifications – copies must be sent to the University.

Credit Rated Learning – attracts the points below:
The following examples of credit rated learning are already accepted.

The above areas of  learning do not have to be explained to the University, as their value is fully understood and attract a specific number of points.

Non-Certificated Learning: that is your work and interests outside your job but some of the qualities required may be relevant. Anything related to teaching, or driving should be included. For example, running corporate or advanced driving assessments for full licence holders, as these are possibly worth additional points.

Non-Certificated Learning – areas or past experience, which can attract points.
Full details of experience, such as the type of work carried out and any practical qualifications gained, will be required. These might include the following examples:

Dr Peter Russell
Industry Course Leader
University Certificate & Foundation Degree Courses in Driver Education and Training