4 Responses

1. Depends

   Hi Patricia

   It really does depend on what you want to get out of it. I think studying at Masters' level does have value as training is often unregulated but if the Masters' is very academic or theoretical, then it might not give you sufficient hands-on experience. On the other hand, perhaps you have a lot of experience already and want to consolidate this.

   I run a free membership site for trainers who deliver soft skills – also an unregulated industry. We have developed a new programme which is a 60 Masters' credit for delivering soft skills and experiential learning. It's validated by the University of Roehampton. What I found interesting about delivering this has been the breadth and range of participant – people from the experienced corporate trainer, who did indeed want to consolidate skills – to those who wanted to branch out further into personal development and delivering this in a robust and "best practice" way. The programme had a mix of both theory and hands-on practice, trying stuff out and relating it back to their own working situations. You can find out more here http://www.unimenta.com under professional development.

   Another thing to consider is length of Programme, commitment involved if fitting in with work and if any support is offered in terms of finding work.

   Hope this helpful. Happy to chat further if useful,

   best wishes,

   Emma Sue

    

2. Work-based studies

   I've used the University of Chester's Work-Based Integrative Studies. Allows customised modules to support the qualification, such as a project that can be used in work… http://www.chester.ac.uk/undergraduate/wbis

3. I believe so

   I think it helps tremendously, but then I guess I am biased! I have just validated a full 180 credit Masters in Learning and Talent Development at the University of Bradford, I am really passionate about it and very excited to be launching it in January. I was heavily involved in the MEd and then MSc training and development we ran for many years and saw the difference it made to trainers and developers  in their attitude towards their work and their understanding of the importance of the role of trainer and developers to organisations. Our course is designed for practioners in a training and development role, a consultancy role and those working in HRD. the addition of the talent development was to allow us to expand into the variety of of ways we can develop people in today's demanding environment. Our final dissertation is a 'real' project that allows a real problem or opportunity to be explored. If you want a chat by all means get in touch.

   Hope this was helpful

   Take Care

   Andrea

4. Who needs training qualifications

   Thank you very much to Emma Sue, Phil and Andrea for your prompt and helpful replied. I will take up your offers to get in touch and looking at the links you have provided. Thanks again

   Pat