Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to a number of frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered please feel free to email us your question and we will add it to the list.

Learning Related Questions

1. How much time will I need to commit each week?
2. How long is the course?
3. Does the course have to be completed in the allotted period?
4. Will I have a personal tutor?
5. If I get called away on business, can I catch up later?
6. How will the course be taught?

IT Related Questions

1. How good does my computer need to be?
2. What screen resolution do I need?
3. Do I need any special software?
4. Can I do the course on a MAC?
5. Do I need a broadband connection?
6. Will I need any special IT equipment?

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Course Related Questions

1. How much time will I need to commit each week?

Everyone will study the course at their own rate of learning but is anticipated you will need to commit an average of around 4 hours a week. This can be done at any times to suit yourself.

2. How long is the course?

A total of 40 weeks. The course is broken down into three, 12 week modules, with a 2 week break between modules. The first course dates are as follows:

• Module 1: Week 18 - Week 27 (27/04/09 - 03/07/09)
• Module 2: Week 30 - Week 42 (20/07/09 - 16/10/09)
• Module 3: Week 44 - Week 2 (26/10/09 - 08/01/10)

3. Does the course have to be completed in the allotted period?

No. One of the huge benefits of e-learning is the flexibility. You have a full 2 years within which to complete the course.

4. Will I have a personal tutor?

Yes - Each student will be appointed their own tutor who will act as your day to day contact for all issues related to the course.

5. If I get called away on business, can I catch up later?

Yes - If you find you are unable to commit time at certain periods of the course it is possible to catch up when you are able. Just arrange with your Tutor.

6. How will the course be taught?

The course will be taught using a variety of on-line tools and downloadable material. The course comprises 3 modules, each with approximately 12 topics. Each topic will be taught as 3 or 4, one hour long lessons. Each lesson will have a set of key learning objectives which will be taught via an interactive flash based presentation lasting around 20-30 minutes. In addition, you will be required you to do some reading and research from listed materials. At the end of each topic there will be a multiple choice test covering the material taught in that topic. Results from these tests will form part of the continuous assessment element. At the end of the course there will be a final examination conducted online.

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IT Related Questions

1. How good does my computer need to be?

You do not need a powerful computer to complete the course. Any computer less then 5 years old should be suitable.

2. What screen resolution do I need?

Your screen should have a minimum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels to ensure you can view the flash based learning modules. However a screen resolution of 1024 pixels wide is recommended as this will enable you to view the web site without scrolling. Modern screens (< 5 years old) are likely to meet or exceed this requirement.

3. Do I need any special software?

No - You will need a web browser (Internet Explorer 7 or above, Firefox, Chrome or Safari are recommended), Adobe Flash Reader, Adobe PDF reader and Microsoft Word Reader. These programs are all available as free downloads and are generally installed on most computers.

4. Can I do the course on a MAC?

Yes - The course is web based and can be completed on any computer platform that is capable of viewing a web site.

5. Do I need a broadband connection?

Whilst it is not necessary, it is advisable that you have an internet connection speed of 128k or more (dial-up is 56k). Much of the learning material requires the downloading of files up to 2 Mb in size, and the interactive presentations are delivered as Adobe flash files (one per slide), thus a slow connection will require patience (and/or forward planning).

6. Will I need any special IT equipment?

Not to take the learning elements of the course. However, the formal examinations will be conducted under monitored conditions and a web cam and electronic finger print reader will be required for security. These are low cost items and will only be needed during the exams.