How the CIDBT courses in association with Middlesex University work

Distance Learning Information here

A brief description

The following are guidance notes to cover some aspects of the process at Middlesex University on accrediting programmes in Work Based Learning and their subsequent operation.  The notes are not detailed, but simply intended as a guide that may help clarify some of the key elements of the process for you as the student or interested party.

The Accreditation Process

The CFBA modules are accredited by the National Centre for Work Based Learning partnerships based at Middlesex University.  Since 2005 it has been recognised as one of 74 Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in English Universities in England by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.  

Credit Points and Module Levels

There can be confusion when credit points and module levels are discussed particularly as some low level courses (GCSE and sub A Level) define themselves in terms of credit points and levels.  In most colleges a Level 3 module is at the most equivalent to ‘A’ level. In a University environment the assumption is that the student is already qualified to ‘A’ Level and hence Level One is post ‘A’ Level.  In practice University and hence our Levels are:

• Level 1 – First year degree studies

• Level 2 – Second year degree studies

• Level 3 – Third or final year degree studies

• Level 4 – Postgraduate studies

Universities operate a credit transfer system and hence credits gained at one university can be used as credits on relevant courses at another university.

Credit Points

The general rule at Middlesex is that 10 hours of student activity is equivalent to 1 credit point.  The minimum number of credit points for a module is 5 but normally the number is 10.  Five credit point modules are usually difficult to deliver a meaningful academic experience.  The CFBA modules will be 10, 20, 25 or 30 Credit Points, i.e. a range of 100 to 300 hours of student activity on any module. 

Module Level

The NCWBLP model works that an overall programme will have the following outcomes

A1. Identification and appropriate use of sources of knowledge and evidence
A2. Selection and justification of approaches to task
A3. Ethical understanding

B1. Analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information and ideas
B2. Self appraisal/reflection on practice
B3. Action planning leading to effective and appropriate action

C1. Application of learning
C2. Effective use of resources
C3. Effective communication
C4. Working and learning autonomously and with others

The level of any module is therefore defined by considering the outcomes under the 10 headings above

Level 1 modules

In Level 1 studies knowledge and straightforward comprehension predominate.  There will be little application and syntheses hence the outcomes under the ten headings will normally be:

A1  Identification and appropriate use of sources of knowledge and evidence will be within a very familiar context
A2  The selection and justification of approaches to tasks will usually show little or no consideration of alternative approaches
A3  Any ethical understanding will be context specific and probably limited to the knowledge and application of a prescribed code

B1  Any analysis will usually be partial, and the synthesis and evaluation of information and ideas will be limited
B2  Self appraisal and reflection on practice will be evident but not fully developed
B3  Action planning leading to effective and appropriate action will tend to be in a prescribed context and probably not impact greatly upon others

C1  The application of learning is highly context specific
C2  Effective use of resources will be limited to a familiar context
C3  Communication will be effective but limited in context
C4  Working and learning autonomously and with others will be in a familiar context and will not challenge or develop beliefs and practices of others

Level 2 modules

At level 2 the application of knowledge and comprehension predominate.

A1  The identification and appropriate use of sources of knowledge and evidence may be within a familiar context but will be largely self directed
A2  The selection and justification of approaches to tasks/problems will often be self directed and will involve the recognition of a range of options from which a justified selection is made
A3  The ethical understanding is likely to be context specific and where applicable prescribed codes will be understood and routinely applied

B1  The analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information and ideas is likely to be partial, but will be sufficient to indicate further areas for development
B2  Self appraisal and reflection on practice will lead to significant insights although these may not be fully developed
B3  Any action planning that will lead to effective and appropriate action will tend to be in a prescribed context but may be wide ranging and may involve the work of others

C1  The application of learning will be beyond a specific context
C2  The effective use of resources will normally be limited to familiar context but will be largely self-directed
C3  Effective written and oral communication
C4  Working and learning autonomously and with others will often be in familiar context and may challenge or develop practices of others 

Level 3 modules

At level 3 there will be predominately a high level of analysis and synthesis

A1  The identification and appropriate use of sources of knowledge and evidence     will be wide ranging and critical
A2  The selection and justification of approaches to tasks and problems will be self-directed and involve the recognition, articulation and critical evaluation of a range of options from which a justified selection is made
A3  The ethical understanding will span a range of contexts and where applicable prescribed codes and their rationale will be fully understood and sensitively applied

B1  The analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information and ideas will be sufficient to make judgements and derive principles to guide further action
B2  self appraisal and reflection on practice will lead to significant insights impacting upon personal and professional development
B3  Action planning leading to effective and appropriate action is likely to be complex and impact upon the work of others

C1  The application of learning in a number of contexts
C2  Wide ranging and effective use of resources
C3 Clear, concise and persuasive communication both written and oral
C4  working and learning autonomously and with others may span a range of      contexts and is likely to challenge or develop the practices of others

Post accreditation

After the modules have been accredited the students have a choice. They can follow them just for interest or they can register with the CFBA to follow the module and gain university certification.   Middlesex has quality control and monitoring activities to those on other WBL programmes.  The definitive measure is that based on the assessment and the number of students who complete the programmes successfully

As the majority of the students will probably be in full time employment, we find it essential to ensure that they do not fall behind. In a significant number of the modules they have to pass Phase 1 before they progress to Phase 2.  Phase 2 requires the student to enrol on an intensive workshop and therefore requires pre planning. If a student is booked into a workshop and does not pass Phase 1 then he or she should not attend.

At the end of each module, or set of modules, the CFBA will hold its own internal Assessment Board so that the students know how they are getting on.

It is intended to hold just one Assessment Board a Year.  NCWBLP will attend this.  After the Board has met, the students will be able to get an official certificate from Middlesex for each module passed.  There is a flat fee of £25 to the student.   The student can have all the modules passed in a particular period on that certificate e.g. it could be £25 for 4 modules.  If each module is certificated separately then the cost would be £100. The CFBA (Canine & Feline Behaviour Association) will have its own one off registration fee for all students covering its administration

If you require any further information please view the Middlesex University website.