Postgraduate Professional Development
Throughout the year we offer a number of short courses.
Postgraduate Professional Development
At the University of Edinburgh, you can choose to study single or multiple courses via the Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme. PPD is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.
As a PPD student, you would be allowed to take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, upon successful completion of one or more PPD courses, you can choose to transfer your credits continue studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Any time spent studying PPD courses will be deducted from the amount of time you have remaining to complete a Master’s Degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
Format
All of our PPD courses offer a flexible way to study while maintaining work and personal commitments. Each week course content is released; you can then review, read, and engage with that material. Your tutor joins the class online for discussions about the topics raised and provides the focus for that week’s learning activities. You are encouraged to discuss with your class, ask questions and raise important points for feedback. This discussion is a key component of the learning process and the more you can engage with other learners and tutors, the more productive and enjoyable your learning will be.
Unlike Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) courses require you to successfully complete all of the assessed assignments for that individual course. Specific assignments may vary between courses as they are designed to meet the learning outcomes of each course, however, all will include a written element – usually in the form of an essay, case study or literature review. Each course will also include weekly assessed online activities which involve regular contribution.
PPD registration grants you student status for two years from the date of registration and allows you full access to the University library during that time.
Delivery
The PPD courses are delivered using a blend of online learning methods supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.
They are online learning courses, but you won’t feel isolated - you will have the opportunity to work closely with your fellow students and tutors in a well-supported, collaborative and vibrant online learning environment. With access to the internet, you will be able to study at the times and in the places which suit you best.