Bespoke MA for Business

Business people are being offered a bespoke qualification, which enhances their skills and bring benefits to their employer.

Lancaster University’s new MA in Developing Professional Practice is a flexible programme of work-based learning, tailor-made to suit each student’s professional needs.

During the MA, students carry out an intensive consultancy project within their own organisation. This consultancy is supported by a pool of business experts, affiliated to the University’s Centre for Training and Development (CETAD).

Designed for middle managers or professionals in a wide range of roles in private, public and voluntary organisations, the 2-year MA will enable students to bring about positive change in their own organisations. The course is delivered through a blend of on-line learning and face-to-face workshops enabling students to remain in full-time employment while they achieve their qualification.

Andrew Bernard, business development manager at CETAD, said the course was one of the first of its kind.

“As far as professionals and their employers are concerned this is a win-win scenario. The student improves their skills and gains a Masters degree from a top-rated university while their company will receive the equivalent of around £10,000 of consultancy for around 25 percent of the cost.

“The advantage of having someone from within an organisation carry out this consultancy is immeasurable as they already have a first-hand insight into the way in which the business operates. They are also supported and guided by one of our expert tutors who has been hand-picked to fit the nature of the organisation and project.”

Students who apply to the course, which begins in January 2005, will negotiate a learning contract , between themselves, their employer and CETAD at the University, to help ensure both the academic rigour of the consultancy project and its relevance to students’ work.

For further information log onto www.tailoredmasters.co.uk or www.cetad.lancs.ac.uk