Personal and Professional Development (QQI Level 6)

The purpose of this QQI Personal & Professional Development award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to utilise a range of advanced personal and interpersonal skills in a variety of personal, civic and specific vocational contexts, operating autonomously and/or in a supervisory capacity.

The module presents you with key theory in relation to the specific topics. In addition, there are various activities for you to complete as you proceed through your study.

On successful completion of this module, the learner will be able to:

1. Evaluate the principles and practice of personal development.
2. Identify the personal qualities and skills needed for effective participation in a chosen job or organisation, to include opportunities for further personal development and associated  action plans.
3. Assess the role and practice of time management to include aids and strategies for good time management, the impact of poor time management and personal time management behaviour.
4. Research the processes of problem-solving and decision making, to include different approaches, strategies to handle difficult problems, contingency plans, and methods of implementing and evaluating a solution.
5. Analyse the uses of goals or objectives, to include their characteristics, the role of planning and prioritisation, a range of tools and strategies to assist with achieving personal, civic or vocational goals or objectives, and the role of review and evaluation.
6. Evaluate how organisations manage change, to include information, communication and analysis of the forces behind  change, motivating staff and other partners, and handling reactions to  change.
7. Determine strategies to resolve personal or interpersonal conflict, to include an understanding of different personalities and how they react to conflict, common causes of conflict and the role of assertiveness and co-operation in conflict resolution.
8. Link goals or objectives to available budgets and financial plans, to include periodic review and adaptation of resources to plans.
9. Delegate tasks to others, to include appropriate planning, identification of skills and strengths in others, review and management of any issues arising.
10. Respond appropriately to feedback and constructive criticism on personal performance.
11. Use strategies to recognise and cope with stress, setback and workplace pressure.
12. Reflect on own personal and professional development to include goal or objective-setting, action planning, implementation, ongoing review, personal initiative.

The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 4 units.

• Unit 1: The Principles and Practice of Personal and Professional Development
• Unit 2: Key Skills for Effective Work Participation
• Unit 3: The Process of Change
• Unit 4: Personal Reflection and CPD.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites::

• Level 5 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area (Business, Healthcare, Childcare etc.) and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please ask about our requirements surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for entry.
• Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt from the above prerequisites.
• Students must have access to a professional environment to fulfill the Skills Demonstration assessment requirements of the course – which is 30 hours minimum (approx. 6 hours per week) over the duration of the programme. You do not need to complete a separate work placement if you are either employed, or have to undertake a work placement for another module.
• The skills demonstration part of the assessment must be observed by a Supervisor or Line manager.
• English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 6 are expected to be able to: fluently read, draft, prepare and understand complex information, including quantitative information, that is personally relevant and reflecting a broad knowledge base. For example, this might include text and other information relating to abstract theoretical ideas, concerns or procedures, such as local planning concerns in relation to broader spatial strategy, political issues in relation to particular agenda, budget plans/ specifications.
• Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.

Assessment:

This module is assessed by a Portfolio/Collection of Work and Skills Demonstration in which the learner will demonstrate their understanding and application of topics studied in the Personal and Professional Development module, and illustrate how these concepts can enhance and contribute to their own performance in the work place, to the management process of the organisation, and to the organisation in general.

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