1) How, where and when do the assessments take place?

The course is studied over the 15 weeks of each semester (two semesters in an academic year, starting September and February). The course assessment is made up of a combination of coursework and open book assessments. Coursework can be set for hand-in at any time over the semester. The open book assessment is released in week 10 of the semester and needs to be submitted in week 15.

An assessment schedule will be sent to you at the start of each semester.

2) What are the tuition fees and the mode of payment?

For tuition fee details, please go to the following link and use the Tuition Fee Look-up Facility:
www.port.ac.uk/feelookup.

Further details about how you can make a payment can be found at www.port.ac.uk/tuitionfees.

These fees do not include any retrieval of failed units. Additional costs will apply and this would be based on whether you wish to repeat units or repeat year.

Course materials will be available online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). However, you will be required to obtain your own books - each unit tends to have one set book that you will be required to have access to.

3) How long is the course?

The course is designed to be completed in one year (two academic semesters), undertaking two units.

4) Is this course accredited by any professional body?

It is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

5) Will I have to attend the University?

The course is undertaken by blended learning, so there are no compulsory classes to attend. It is an essential requirement of the programme that you have access to a computer and internet facilities, as the programme also has online facilities supporting your units of study and administrative information. You will also be required to use a University of Portsmouth email account for communications throughout the semester. You will receive details of how to access your online facilities at the start of the semester.

At the beginning of each semester we do hold an optional Induction Day for new students. It is not a requirement that students attend Induction, however we normally find that it helps to kick-start the studies of those who do attend.

6) Will the certificate say 'distance learning'?

The certificate will not say 'distance learning'.

7) What is the application deadline for this course?

There are two intakes per year in September and January.

The next intake for the PgCert is in September 2012. The deadline for applications for the next intakes depends on the type of entry – your qualifications and experience. Please refer to the type of entry page for further information about what category your application will fall in.

Type 1 offers – applications must be submitted by 3 August 2012 (for September 2012 start) or 30 November 2012 (for January 2013 start).

Type 2 offers – applications and portfolios must be submitted by 3 August 2012 (for September 2012 start) or 30 November 2012 (for January 2013 start).

All applications and supporting documents must be received by the course admissions team by the application deadline listed above. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee that any applications received after this date will be processed in time.