Higher Education

Introduction
The University of Gloucestershire offers a variety of accessible Higher Education qualifications for people working in the playwork field. All are offered part time via distance learning. Qualifications include:

• Certificate of Higher Education in Playwork
• Diploma of Higher Education in Playwork
• BA Hons Degree in Playwork
• Graduate Diploma in Playwork
• Postgraduate Certificate in Play and Playwork

In addition the University offers playworkers the opportunity to study individual playwork modules as associate students. This may be of particular interest to playwork tutors, development officers and managers as part of ongoing professional development.

What qualifications do I need?
Applications are welcome from practising playworkers and other people who work in the playwork field who can make a commitment to undertaking further face-to-face work with children and young people aged 5 to 15.

You should have either a Playwork NVQ level 3 or equivalent, 2 A levels or equivalent or have completed an access to higher education course. As this is a distance learning programme, it is also desirable that you have access to a computer and are familiar with using a computer for word processing, e-mail and the Internet.

How will I study?
The majority of your study is through distance learning. Your study will be supported by workbooks, online group discussions and web-based resources.

At the start of each semester there is a short residential course where you receive initial guidance, support and materials. On-going contact with fellow students and tutors is through regular web-based discussions, e-mail and telephone.

What support will I have from the University?
Apart from regular contact with your tutor and fellow students, you receive initial training in the use of web-based resources. This enables you to access materials through the University web site and fully communicate with fellow students on-line. As a University student you are able to access reference materials from the library and the UK Library Plus service as well as on-line journals.

The University is committed to supporting disabled students and will endeavour to meet individual access requirements wherever possible.

Can I claim academic credit for previous learning or work experience?
It is possible that your qualifications and work experience can be used to give Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). This is especially true if you have existing qualifications. You are advised to discuss your potential APL with a member of staff prior to joining the course. Once you have done this, you should detail on your application form that you wish to gain APL. You will be required to provide evidence supporting your claim for APL.

How much does the course cost?
Course fees will vary depending on the level of study and the extent of APL awarded.

Fees can be spread across the total number of years you anticipate taking to complete the course and can be paid on a module by module basis. A full set of current fees are available on request.

Where can I find funding to support my studies?
You may qualify for a Student Loan, Hardship and Access Funds depending on your individual circumstances.  Please speak to a member of the Playwork Course Team or contact the Student Finance Officer prior to submitting your application to discuss your individual circumstances. Additionally, you could approach your local Children's Workforce Development Team or your employer for financial support.

What computer equipment will I need?
As a minimum it is recommended that you have access to a computer that is running one of the following operating systems and browsers:

Client Operating Systems:
Microsoft Windows 98 2nd Edition
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP
Mac OS 9
Mac OS X
Browsers:
AOL 7.0 (PC)
AOL 8.0 (PC)
AOL OSX (OSX)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 (PC)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 (OS9, OSX)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2 (OSX.2)
Netscape 6.2.x (PC and Mac)
Netscape 7.0 (PC & OSX)

What do the qualifications cover?

The qualifications cover a variety of topics at each level. Throughout each level there are 4 distinct strands: Play and Playwork, Learning and Personal Development, Management and Community Development. Within these strands students will explore the disciplines of Sociology, Psychology, Natural Sciences and Management. The table below gives an indication of the topics covered at each level.

Where will I work after the course?

Opportunities within the playwork field are ever increasing. Career opportunities open to you include:

• continued face-to-face playwork
• playwork co-ordinator posts for organisations running larger play settings
• playwork development posts within local authorities
• childcare development worker posts for Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships/Sure Start
• the fast-growing field of playwork training.

This course also gives you the opportunity to move towards working as a therapeutic playworker, play therapist or play specialist.

For further information

For an informal discussion about the course or careers in the playwork field please contact:

Playwork Field Chair
Faculty of Sport, Health & Social Care
University of Gloucestershire
Oxstalls Campus
Oxstalls Lane
Gloucester
GL2 9HW
Tel: 01242 71 5132
Fax: 01242 71 5222
E-mail: hsmith@glos.ac.uk