You are in: Home > Courses & Study > Courses > Advice Studies (Distance Learning)
Advice Studies (Distance Learning)
BA(Hons), University Certificate, University Diploma
UCAS code: M991
Key Features
Downloadable course guide
Read Advice studies (Distance learning) course information (PDF, file size: 306.17KB)
What our students say
"The Award has helped to complement my experience but giving me a recognised qualification".
"The Award has helped me to gain confidence and to obtain promotion within my organisation".
What is it about
The degree in Advice Studies is an exciting course developed for people who work or wish to work in the ‘advice giving industry’. It has been developed in consultation with the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and the City of Birmingham Money Advice and Welfare Rights teams who are leaders in the advice industry. It is therefore very practice-orientated and offers you an opportunity to realise your academic potential whilst improving your skills as an advice worker. With this award you can make an important contribution to the welfare of the citizens in our communities.
For more information please see the advice studies portal
What you do
The award has three stages certificate, diploma and degree.
Level 1 - Certificate in Advice Studies. There are introductory modules in Benefits Advice, Housing Advice, Debt Advice, Employment Advice and Consumer Advice; An Introduction to Law; The Advisor in the Agency and Interviewing Skills.
Level 2 - Diploma in Advice Studies. There are four core modules: Social Welfare Law and Practice; The Law Relating to Discrimination: Equal Opportunities and Human Rights: Negotiation and Advocacy Skills and Social Policy and Social Problems. Additionally four options must be chosen from: Personal and Family Advice; Asylum Seekers, Refugess and Immigration Advice and more advanced modules in Debt Advice, Housing Advice, Consumer Advice, Employment Advice and Benefits Advice.
Level 3 - Degree in Advice Studies. Students will take modules in The Management of Advice; Research Methods a more advanced module in Social Policy and Social Problems. The final compulsory modules comprise a dissertation (on a topic chosen by the student) and a portfolio of specialist work plus two further option modules.
How long will my studies take? It will take three years of full-time study to secure the degree or longer for those who wish to study part-time. It is also possible to take only the Certificate in Advice Studies (equivalent to one year of full-time study) or the Diploma in Advice Studies (which will take two years of full-time study). Both the certificate and diploma can also be studied part-time. Many students may be able to secure credits because of work already completed or qualifications they already have. There is a formal process for applying for credits. You can take one individual module if you wish either as a 'taster' or as a stand alone module.
Programme Specification here (PDF, file size: 117.71KB)
Where Next?
This award provides a thorough grounding for those who wish to work in all parts of the advice giving industry including Citizens Advice Bureau, independent advice agencies, including very specialist services for asylum seekers, homeless people, older people, people with mental health problems and many other marginalised groups. In addition many local authorities also provide key advice functions for many of their statutory responsibilities. Employment may also be had in community law centres, university welfare offices and trade unions.
Have you also considered?
Fact File
| Qualification: | BA(Hons), University Certificate, University Diploma |
| Faculty/School: | Faculty of Health |
| Location: | Distance Learning |
| Course Start: | Two intakes each year: September and February |
| Course Length: | Three years full-time or up to eight years part time. Attendance is by distance learning except for induction which will take place at the University (typically one day) at the beginning of each level. |
| Attendance: | Online |
| Entry Requirements: | We welcome applications from people with a wide variety of qualifications, skills and experience. Applicants are individually assessed, however; a typical 3 A level offer will be 200 points. Those with 2 A levels or other qualifications please refer to the Entry Requirements page link under Study Information. For mature students evidence of appropriate assessed study is required and for experienced advice workers credit may be awarded through accreditation of prior learning and experiential learning including CitAd's RL4 |
| Application: | Part time application form |
| UCAS Code: | M991 |
| Fees and Bursaries: | Individual modules (15 credit): £300
|
Contact
For more information about Advice Studies (Distance Learning) (M991) please contact:
Social Work and Advice StudiesFaculty of Health
Admissions Centre
Staffordshire University
Leek Road
Stoke on Trent
ST4 2DF
t: +44 (0)1782 295720
f: +44 (0)1782 294868
e: sw.admissions@staffs.ac.uk
