Canterbury Christ Church University and Canterbury College are joining forces to launch a new Foundation Degree in Advice and Guidance.

The new programme will give practitioners working across the advice and guidance sector the opportunity to enhance their existing skills and gain a Higher Education qualification in the process. We expect the Foundation degree to appeal to those working as careers guidance practitioners in colleges and universities; guidance professionals working with adults in the funded or private sector; those within private company human resource departments who wish to develop their guidance role and careers guidance professionals working with young people.

This innovative programme will integrate learning with current practice. It aims to develop professional knowledge and understanding, and build upon the skills and qualities of guidance professionals in what is a developing sector. It will also provide a stepping stone for those who wish to embark upon further study in higher education.

The Foundation degree is planned to start in January 2009 and will run on a part time basis over two years, with the option of a third year programme to achieve a full Honours degree. Study is 'blended', including attendance in Canterbury together with e-learning and independent study modules and work - based tasks linked directly to the students own work.

It is aimed in the first instance at those already holding A levels or an equivalent qualification such as the NVQ level 3 in Advice and Guidance; although applications from people without formal educational qualifications are also welcomed. There may be some module exemptions available for those already holding the NVQ LDSS or Advice and Guidance qualifications at level 4, depending on the units achieved.

This flexible programme offers a range of 'core', 'standard' and 'bespoke' modules. This provides an opportunity for employers to negotiate a programme specific to their own needs, provided the group size requirements are met. In this case, delivery of the programme could be on an employer's own premises where suitable training facilities are available. As an alternative to the Foundation degree or full Honours degree, students and their employers could opt for discrete individual certificated modules, providing Higher Education credits or a one year Higher Education Certificate in Advice and Guidance.

If you are interested in applying and would like further information please contact the Programme Director, Barbara Shottin on ,tel 01892507774.