Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone will study the courses at their own rate of learning but is anticipated you will need to commit an average of:

Qualification Courses

UMASS Certificate Around 4 hours per week (for each 12 week module)
St Andrews Undergraduate Certificate Around 4 hours per week (for 10 months).
St Andrews Postgraduate Modules Between 4 – 8 hours per week depended upon speed of learning (for 3 months).
St Andrews Postgraduate Certificate Around 4 – 6 hours per week (for 12 months).
Postgraduate Diploma/Masters/MSc 4 – 6 hours per week (for 18/24 months)

Specialist Training

The longer training Modules take between 4 – 8 hours per week depending upon speed of learning.

Please see the descriptions for the short training courses as these all vary from approximately 1 – 6 hours.
All studying can be done at times that suit you.

Qualification Courses (Introductory/Advanced)

UMASS Certificate comprises 3 modules each taking 12- 14 weeks (4 hours per week).
St Andrews Undergraduate Certificate takes 10 months of part-time study (4 hours per week).
St Andrews Postgraduate Modules take 6 – 12 weeks of part-time study (4 – 8 hours per week).
St Andrews Postgraduate Certificate takes 12 months of part-time study (4 – 6 hours per week).
Postgraduate Diploma requires 18 months of part-time study (4 – 6 hours per week).
Masters/MSc requires completion of the PG Diploma (18 months) plus an additional 6 months for a dissertation.

Specialist Training

The longer training Modules take between 6 – 12 weeks (4 – 8 hours per week) depending upon the speed of learning.

Please see the descriptions for the short training courses as these all vary from approximately 1 – 6 hours.

All studying can be done at times that suit you.

Qualification Courses

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.

Specialist Training

The longer training Modules are all tutor-led.

The short training courses have a support tutor should you need to ask any questions.

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 an extension with your tutor before the appropriate work deadline, where applicable.

Classes are taught through a combination of weekly lectures and tutorials and are assessed through a combination of written examinations and coursework.

The courses are taught using a variety of on-line tools and downloadable material. Each topic will have a set of key learning objectives which will be taught via an interactive flash based presentation. In addition, you will be required to do some reading and research from listed materials.

You do not need a powerful computer to complete the courses. Any computer less than 10 years old should be suitable.

The learning is conducted through a web browser on a PC/Laptop/Tablet.  There is also a mobile App – called Moodle, available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

You do, however, need a good internet connection.

Your screen should have a minimum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. However a screen resolution of minimum 1024 pixels wide is recommended as this will enable you to view the web site without scrolling. Modern screens (< 8 years old) are likely to meet or exceed this requirement.

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

Yes – The courses are web-based and can be completed on any computer/tablet platform that is capable of viewing a web site.

Whilst it is not necessary, it is strongly advisable that you have a reliable internet connection speed of 1.0 Mb or more (the faster the better). Much of the learning material requires the downloading of files up to 2 Mb in size, and the interactive presentations are sizeable, thus a slow connection will require patience (and/or forward planning).

A PC, laptop or Tablet will be sufficient for the learning elements of the course.