206 Courses

Access to HE courses provide a good foundation in the knowledge and skills required for studying at university level, so that students are confident and well prepared when they go on to higher education.

There is no such thing as a typical Access to HE student. Our Access to HE Diplomas are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds. Courses are designed, in particular, for people who have been out of education for some time, especially those who left school with too few qualifications to be able to go straight to university.

Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events.  Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Special Executive Masters Programme (S.E.M.P) This programme is geared at enhancing professionals' careers. The SEMP is an encapsulated Senior Management Programmes are short certificate modules designed for anyone who would benefit from more in-depth business knowledge delivered in a short and intensive programme What makes us different? We are a world class business school located in the heart of London, Dubai, Islamabad and Lagos. We are one of the fastest growing British business schools with a stylish blended learning model that is both online and on campus. Learn more about the programme Special Executive Master's Programme in Personal Development Studies - Education Course Overview The MSBM Special Executive Masters Programmes (SEMP) allows you to update your skills, develop new skills, and explore and develop interests in a wide range of topics. These courses can be taken as personal or professional development and may enhance your employability. The SEMP Personal Development Studies - Education deals with approaches involved in the learning process, which are useful for tackling the process of organizing and taking in new information for development purposes. Online Students who enroll in this Programme will examine a section of development studies that focuses on personal development, soft skills improvement, and project management. In the modules, participants will also study research and development, business writing, and general communication skills. Study skills are skills that can be learned in a short time and can be applied to all fields or career path. The course provides a solid ground for enhancing your reading and writing skills demonstratable in a professional environment. Apart from inculcating team leadership and project management skills, the course will ensure the learner creates the best business presentations and write academic grade reports and essays. The course also provides a detailed explanation of key tools and concepts for researching and avoiding plagiarism. Course Details Mode of Study Using Web-based technology, this program provides self-paced, individualized instruction that can be taken anywhere and anytime an individual has access to a computer and the Internet. This Programme is suitable for successful professionals or specialists in the private, public, or voluntary sectors who have new management responsibilities and need to quickly expand their management knowledge. This Programme serves as a refresher course for those who have had their Masters a long time ago and need quick reminders and professional/ academic updates while it serves as a primer for those very experienced Professionals who never made time out for their masters yet they require the academic and practical relevance of this master’s experience. It is a short executive training that runs online for 3 months. Candidates will run 2 months of active lectures and series of assignments and 1 month for their dissertation. Upon successful completion of the Programme, candidates will be awarded a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate in the specific Programme they have completed. What is a CPD Course? Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the means by which professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills. The world is constantly moving at a very fast pace so undertaking CPD is essential to support a professional in his/her current role as well as helping them with career progression. CPD is all about upgrading knowledge, skills, and capabilities to remain effective and compliant. A CPD course is an investment that you make in yourself. It’s a way of planning your development that links learning directly to practice. CPD can help you keep your skills and knowledge up to date and prepare you for greater responsibilities. It can boost your confidence, strengthen your professional credibility, and help you become more creative in tackling new challenges. Is the SEMP Development Studies the right Programme for me? As a professional, manager, or consultant, if you want to develop your individual skills in the following areas, then SEMP Personal Development Studies - Education is the right option for you:  Communication Problem Solving Critical Thinking and Conceptual Skill Creativity Multidisciplinary Approach Research Self- Reflector Why SEMP Development Studies? This non-credit-bearing course examines the various skills needed for the development of professionals across the education field, and how these improved skills can be harnessed together to produce a leading professional. To study comparative development effectively, one must draw upon many disciplines and construct a balanced understanding of historical and contemporary processes. Thus, studying development as a means for social transformation requires a blend of knowledge and perspectives ranging from communication, creative thinking, time management, and self-reflection. Who should enrol in this online Certificate Program? The SEMP Personal development Studies - Education Programme is designed for entry-level managers, up to mid-level managers, senior managers or directors, consultants who are in a general management role or fast approaching such a position and want an opportunity to develop their personal skills. Here is a list of people who can enrol in the Programme. Non-Governmental OrganizationMembers(NGOs) International literacy Professionals Journalists Educators Archivist Consultants Economic Development Advisor Government Relations Advisor Intelligence Officer Policy Analyst Public Administrations Professionals Public Policy Advisor Accreditation The content of this course has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines. Entry Requirements There are no strict entry requirements for this course. Work experience will be added advantage to understanding the content of the course. Workshops This is a self-study programme with unlimited tutor support. You will never be more than a message or phone call away from our tutors. Visa Requirements There are no Visa Requirements for this Course as it's an Online Course.

"What does it mean to heal, properly speaking, in the context of an existential approach". With Dr. Michael Guy Thompson We aim to explore the lived experiences on irregular perceptions of reality with an open mind. Each Saturday includes: a live dialogue between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and an International Existential Therapist; a moment to share your thoughts and feelings with the teachers; and a final integration facilitated by Bárbara Godoy. This series of ten dialogues set out to explore the multifaceted dimentions and complexities associated with Existential Therapies. It attempts to engage with various interpretations of insanity through the lens of patients often painful, confounding, and deeply unsettling life experiences. Healing - between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Dr. Michael Guy Thompson “What does it mean to heal, properly speaking, in the context of an existential approach to psychotherapy and psychoanalysis? How can we take a term that we ordinarily associate with the object of medical treatment and apply it to conversations that are conducted between therapists and their patients with the aim to live a happier and healthy life? In this dialogue I want to explore the concept of healing by exploring the etymology of the word, “heal,” which is cognate with such terms as sane, sound, sanitary, cure, and whole, in order to offer a non-medicalized and diagnostically-laden notion of how an existential approach to psychotherapy may further a healthy way to live. To this end, I want to explore the relationship between health, healing, and sanity – all derived from the same etymological root – and how psychotherapy is not concerned with “treating illnesses,” but with furthering authenticity in our lives. I will argue that living a sane life assumes a life that is lived passionately, honestly, and authentically.” Dr. Michael Guy Thompson. Dr. Michael Guy Thompson, PhD, received his psychoanalytic training from R. D. Laing and associates at the Philadelphia Association in London, and served as the organization’s administrator from 1973–1980. He is Personal and Supervising Analyst and Faculty Member, Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California, San Francisco, and former Adjunct Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, and the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco. He is the author of over 100 journal articles, book chapters, and reviews, as well as numerous books, including The Death of Desire: A Study in Psychopathology (1985), The Truth About Freud’s Technique (1994), The Ethic of Honesty (2004), The Legacy of R. D. Laing: An Appraisal of His Contemporary Relevance (Ed., 2015), The Death of Desire: An Existential Study in Sanity and Madness (2017, 2nd edition), an extensively revised and expanded edition of the original, and most recently, Essays in Existential Psychoanalysis: On the Primacy of Authenticity (2024), also published by Routledge. Most recently, Dr. Thompson is founder and director of New School for Existential Psychoanalysis, a certificate-based virtual training program modeled on his work with R. D. Laing in London, based in San Francisco. He founded Free Association, Inc. in 1988 in San Francisco to further the legacy of R. D. Laing, and inaugurated the annual R. D. LAING IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY symposium at Esalen Institute in 2015, to further the legacy and relevance of Laing’s contribution to contemporary psychiatry and psychotherapy. He lives in Berkeley, California. www.mguythompson.com Prof. Ernesto Spinelli was Chair of the Society for Existential Analysis between 1993 and 1999 and is a Life Member of the Society. His writings, lectures and seminars focus on the application of existential phenomenology to the arenas of therapy, supervision, psychology, and executive coaching. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as well as an APECS accredited executive coach and coaching supervisor. In 2000, he was the Recipient of BPS Division of Counselling Psychology Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. And in 2019, Ernesto received the BPS Award for Distinguished Contribution to Practice. His most recent book, Practising Existential Therapy: The Relational World 2nd edition (Sage, 2015) has been widely praised as a major contribution to the advancement of existential theory and practice. Living up to the existential dictum that life is absurd, Ernesto is also the author of an on-going series of Private Eye novels. Date and Time: Saturday 22 February from 2 pm to 3 pm – (UK time) Individual Dialogue Fee: £70 Venue: Online Zoom FULL PROGRAMME 2025: 25 January “Knots” with Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Bárbara Godoy 22 February “Healing” with Dr. Michael Guy Thompson and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 22 March “Difference” with Prof. Tod DuBose and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 12 April “Polarisation” with Prof. Kirk Schneider and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 3 May “Character” with Prof. Robert Romanyshyn and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 21 June “Opening” with Dr. Yaqui Martinez and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 19 July “Meaning” with Dr. Jan Resnick and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 25 October “Invention” with Dr. Betty Cannon and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 15 November “Hallucination” with Prof. Simon du Plock and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 13 December “Hysteria” with Bárbara Godoy and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli Read the full programme here > Course Organised by:

The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF) formerly known as DTLLS, is suitable for those who are in a teaching or training role and wish to obtain a degree level qualification. It is also suitable for trainee teachers as well as those who have experience in a teaching role. The Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF) provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of delivering education and training, assessing learners, planning in education and training, using resources in the delivery in education and training, and understanding the roles and responsibilities within education and training. This qualification will also allow the individual to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. Learners will achieve 120 credits across 7 units: Teaching, learning and assessment in education and training Developing teaching, learning and assessment in education and training Theories, principles and models in education and training Wider professional practice and development in education and training Developing, using and organising resources in a specialist area* Inclusive practice* Teaching in a specialist area* *alternative units may be available upon request tailored to your specific area of teaching,

This course is aimed at those who would like to teach in the further education sector in a college or private training provider. Level 3 Award in Education & Training​ provides you with knowledge and understanding of the role of a teacher and how to meet individual learner needs.

If you work with adults and young people and wish to gain a knowledge of the principles and practice of assessment as well as the practical aspects of carrying out assessment, then Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is for you.

Embark on a literary adventure with the A-Level English Literature distance learning programme, crafted to nurture you as a discerning, self-reliant reader. Delve into an extensive assortment of literary works spanning various centuries, cultivating an ability to scrutinise closely and assess diverse critical perspectives. You'll acquire the knack of articulating well-informed, independent views based on robust evidence. Furthermore, you'll master weaving critical standpoints into your essays to bolster and cultivate your arguments. An A-Level in English Literature lays a solid foundation for any field demanding superior written communication, research, and analytical prowess. This qualification can pave your way into various careers including Journalism, Teaching, Law, Academia, Media, Advertising, Marketing, Politics, and the Performing Arts. A-Levels, the educational hallmark of the UK, are esteemed by universities and employers alike as an emblem of substantial accomplishment. Harness the power of the English Language to inspire, motivate, and challenge yourself in a myriad of ways. Possessing an A-Level symbolises an in-depth comprehension of a subject, enhancing your career prospects and presenting new opportunities. Designed in line with the latest specifications, this A-Level English Literature course is poised to provide you the best shot at success. With our comprehensive resources at your disposal, including a clear induction and well-structured assignments, you'll be adeptly prepared for the exam. Benefits you'll enjoy: An innovative course, devised according to the latest specification featuring captivating and interactive content Option for fast track available for this course (exams in 2022) A complimentary e-textbook to facilitate your learning Access to a network of partner exam centres (guaranteed exam venue) Unlimited tutor support – aiding in crafting a study plan and offering unwavering support throughout Exam pass assurance (In case of initial failure, we’ll support you until your subsequent exam) A-level English Literature will stimulate your reading habits, promoting a critical approach and fostering an understanding of analysing a variety of critical viewpoints. Awarding Body Details: Awarding body: AQA Our course code: X902 Qualification code: 7712A AQA qualifications, recognised and taught across 30 countries globally, are esteemed by employers and universities, enabling learners to progress to their subsequent life stage. AQA qualifications cater to a variety of abilities, encompassing GCSEs, IGCSEs, and A-levels. ⏰ Estimated Study Time Allocate between 200 and 300 hours for studying, plus extra time for assignment completion. 🌐 Learning Methodology Our innovative online learning platform delivers this course, offering an interactive and engaging experience. For those inclined, printable learning materials are available. Learning resources incorporate diverse media, including videos, quizzes, and interactive activities. 🗓️ Course Duration Commence your learning journey by enrolling today, and enjoy unlimited tutor support for up to 24 months from enrolment. 📝 Assessment Method All current enrolments are for Summer 2022 exams. Official Exams: Complete two standard written exams: 3-hour exam, 40% of marks 2-hour 30-minute exam, 40% of marks One coursework task, 20% of marks (See NEA below) We offer a guaranteed exam spot in one of our nationwide exam centres, eliminating the need for you to find one. Assignments: Throughout your course, you'll need to complete: - One introductory assignment - Ten assignments Though not contributing to your final grade, these provide an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback, helping gauge your progress. Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): - One coursework task, 20% of marks The A-Level assessment for the new specification includes a non-exam assessment (NEA). This coursework is completed during your learning and sent to your exam centre for marking. Further details provided upon enrolment. 🎓 Course Outcomes Upon successful completion, receive an A-Level in English Literature, issued by AQA. This syllabus (7712A) is specifically chosen for its suitability to distance learning. Your certificate is indistinguishable from those issued to students in any other academic setting. ℹ️ Additional Information Difficulty Level - 3 Entry Requirements - We strongly recommend prior study of English literature to GCSE or equivalent level. UCAS Points - 56 _________ Course Content 1. Love through the ages: Shakespeare's Othello 2. Love through the ages: Poetry - Anthology (Pre 1900) 3. Love through the ages: Prose - The Great Gatsby 4. Love through the ages: Unseen poems 5. Texts in shared contexts: Drama - A Streetcar Named Desire 6. Texts in shared contexts: Prose - The Handmaid's Tale 7. Texts in shared contexts: Poem - Skirrid Hill (Post-2000) 8. Texts in shared contexts: Unseen prose extract 9. Independent critical study The course covers various themes and literary works, exploring 'Love through the ages' with works like 'Othello' and 'The Great Gatsby', and 'Texts in shared contexts' like 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'The Handmaid's Tale'. The course also includes an 'Independent critical study' unit to develop research skills and analytical thinking. Course Content Methods of language analysisPhonetics, phonology and prosodicsGraphologyLexis and semanticsGrammar, including morphologyPragmaticsDiscourse Textual variations and representationsThe textual range (various subjects, writers, audiences)Functions of the textsIdentity and representationsHow audiences are addressed and positionedStructure and organisation of the texts Children’s language developmentPhonological, pragmatic, lexical, semantic and grammatical developmentThe development of written languageThe functions of children’s languageTheories and research about language development Diversity and changeLanguage in its wider social, geographical and temporal contextsProcesses of language changeSocial attitudes to language diversity and change Language discoursesStudying texts that convey attitudes to language diversity and changeMethods of conveying views and opinions about language issues: representations, identities and positioning.Connecting to discourses about languageThe directed writing task Language Investigation (NEA)Choosing an investigation focusCarrying out the investigation (including ethics, record keeping and referencing)Organising and analysing the data and interpretation of findingsConcluding your investigation Original writing (NEA)An overview of the assessment and marking criteria, including organising and referencing workChoosing your area of original writing (Power of persuasion, storytelling & power of information)Choosing and analysing style modelsProducing a reflective commentary Preparing for the A Level examinationsRevision TipsExam TechniquesPreparing for Paper 1Preparing for Paper 2

The Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (RQF) formerly known as CTLLS, is suitable for those who are in or just about to start a teaching or training role. Learners will build a portfolio of evidence that will include written work, a teaching log and teaching observations. The qualification can be completed remotely by distance learning. Learners will achieve 36 credits across 6 units: Understanding roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training Delivering education and training Using resources for education and training Assessing learners in education and training Planning to meet the needs of learners Inclusive practice