Requirements for Advanced Professional Development Programs



	1. Overview \| Credential Evaluations \| Diploma Award Rules 1.1 Objective The programs are designed for students who wish to study in their field of interest the program most suitable to them. The course programs are suitable for students anywhere in the world and adaptable with coursework, fieldwork and practical-work assignments to be suitable for the country and the needs of the student. Where applicable, courses will be adapted for special needs on topics, courses and areas not included in the course listings. This is only possible if suitable textbooks are available and subjected to approval from the Society. These programs are suitable for distance education, educational or campus-learning centers approved by the Society. .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1.2 Entry Requirements - Acceptable qualification at a bachelor’s degree level or the equivalent, or - Mature students and professionals with professional certifications, registrations and professional qualifications. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.3 Exemptions A: Transfer credit – previously earned academic credit Students with completed courses; certificates, diplomas or degree courses will be considered for exemption. Partial exemption may be granted where applicable. Additional coursework will be prescribed to complete the courses in question to gain full credit for each course where applicable. B: Training and seminar certificates - verifying training and instruction directly related to the subject matter for specific course requirements. C: Awards, honors and recognition – In addition to achievement related to skills, students might also receive credit for the following: - Awards or citations of achievement. - Books, papers or manual, which have been written or edited by the student. - Occasions in which the student has been a lecturer, panelist, instructor or the like. - Professional affiliations or licenses – certain areas of training resulting in licenses or certification are accepted. - The maximum credit granted will depend on the background and nature of the field of interest. As an extensive researched based program, credit granted will be utilized to specify that coursework has been completed. It will not exempt students from the qualifying theses/project requirement for each module. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.4 Duration No time limit is set but, as a guide, the usual duration for Graduate Advanced Diploma Programs vary from one to two years. For Campus learning center students will receive specific instructions and time- tables for the submission of work and assignments. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.5 Learning Methods - Lectures/seminars (where applicable) - Textbook related coursework, notes and articles - Fieldwork, research, practical work and group involvement - Campus learning group involvement where applicable ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.6 Method of Assessment Assignments, Campus group projects, independent projects, examinations and independent theses/projects. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.7 Textbooks Textbooks are prescribed for each course. The Society will assist students with the arrangement and ordering of textbooks. An estimate will be given to students giving the cost for the textbooks related to his/her studies. Campus learning students will borrow textbooks from the center through which they are studying and will work independently or in-groups where applicable. Students are responsible for taking notes and the documentation of their work. ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. Credential Evaluations All Society credentials are evaluated by ECE International. Please follow this link for more information: http://eceinternational.com/fees_dtmsi.html ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3. Diploma Award Rules and Regulations PLEASE NOTE: The rules apply to both under and postgraduate awards. The Advanced Diploma is awarded upon the successful completion of the Society’s professional development programs. To qualify, candidates must complete their courses as follows: 1. Upon the partial completion of any undergraduate professional development program of at least 7 (seven) or more courses, the award of a certificate and transcript. 2. Upon the partial completion of any undergraduate professional development program of at least 14 courses or more but less than 20, a diploma and transcript. 3. Diplomas are suitably endorsed to indicate the field of study as well as transcripts issued according to normal standard practice. 4. All Society professional development courses are at university degree level standard, but does not necessarily conform to the syllabuses or conditions required by schools or colleges in a similar field of study. 5. Students may study single subjects or part of programs as required complimenting their present level of knowledge or skills. 6. For single subject courses, the Society issues a certificate and transcript as required. 7. For partial completed undergraduate diploma programs with more than 20 courses, students will receive an Advanced Diploma but the transcript will indicate it is a partial completed program and indicate the completed work in the usual format. 8. After the completion of any diploma program, the Society issues the diploma and transcript accordingly. IMPORTANT: The usual examination standards applicable to university related studies are also applicable to the Society's professional development programs.