Some frequently asked questions
Are the face-to-face taught programmes available to individuals?
No, at this time we are not offering face-to-face training to single individual students (open courses); instead we provide such courses to groups of students from the same company (corporate training). Our clients find this approach very effective because the training can be focused on the company's specific type of operations, risk assessment practices and personnel development needs.
If you think there may be a number of personnel in your organisation who would be interested in our programme, then we would be very pleased to discuss further how we could assist.
Are the distance learning programmes available to individuals?
Yes, we have developed distance learning to specifically cater for individual students. The programmes are also available to groups of students from the same company.
Is the content of the face-to-face and distance learning modules the same?
Yes, they have the same learning outcomes and content. The distance learning aims to provide an equivalent learning experience to face-to-face delivery by providing students with different types of opportunities to engage with the subject, e.g. tutor led, independent, group and social.
Why should I obtain a postgraduate qualification in risk and safety management?
Risk and safety management is a growing profession as a result of more complex and punitive legislation, use of novel technology and high profile major accidents. There is a shortage of skilled risk and safety professionals and a postgraduate qualification can be a 'fast-track' way into the profession. Gaining a formal postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution helps improve your career prospects and could also increase your remuneration. It also demonstrates learning rather than just attending training and, more specifically, demonstrates an ability to think creatively to solve complex risk and safety problems.
Why should I get my postgraduate qualification from Risktec?
Risktec is respected as a leading risk and safety management consulting and education company, with some of the world's most impressive companies as clients. As far as we are aware, a postgraduate qualification from LJMU in partnership with Risktec is the only programme delivered by experienced and practising risk and safety consultants validated to teach to Masters level. As such, enrolling on a Risktec programme ensures your learning is relevant to industry and the situations you are likely to encounter in the real professional world.
Qualifications taught by academics can sometimes be too abstract or theoretical, too far removed from industry-specific day-to-day realities, or with a focus on emerging research rather than current good practice in industry. With our qualifications all case studies and coursework are directly related to industry. Also, our programmes are not constrained to the academic calendar.
What are the advantages of the distance learning programme?
You can study at a time that best suits you, working at your own pace and from home. Distance learning also avoids the costs of travel and accommodation associated with classroom learning. You will gain access to Risktec's experienced consultant-teachers, as well as the opportunity to network and interact with other students during group tasks and virtual classrooms.
Can I subscribe to individual modules, rather than to a full programme?
Where a face-to-face programme is being run for a group of students from the client organisation, then other single students from the client may also attend individual modules (subject to a maximum class size). The students may register on an attendance-only basis or with assessment to gain CPD credits. Similarly, individuals may participate in single modules of a distance learning programme.
Do you run programmes that don't involve completing an assessment?
Yes, as well as the programmes with formal assessment leading to postgraduate credits, client organisations may select face-to-face single modules or agree a bespoke programme with Risktec on an attendance-only basis or with informal assessment. All students receive a formal Certificate of Attendance, or Certificate of Assessment.
Where are the face-to-face modules run?
The modules can be delivered at Risktec's offices, LJMU premises in Liverpool, or at a location of your choice.
How are the distance learning modules delivered?
Distance learning is delivered via LJMU's online learning environment, 'Blackboard'. The module material comprises slides and explanatory notes, as well as references to further reading and useful websites. Students engage in online activities including tests, discussions, group tasks and virtual classrooms. This approach encourages participation and interaction amongst students. Support from the module teacher is available throughout the programme. You will need a broadband internet connection.
We are not constrained to academic terms. The clients of face-to-face programmes are free to select dates that suit the students. Our distance learning programmes start every 4 months.
The modules are delivered by Risktec's practising risk consultants, who have been validated by LJMU to teach to Masters level. Students receive the benefit of up-to-date content and practical, real-world learning.
Face-to-face modules typically comprise two days of teaching. If these modules are assessed, students typically engage in a further period of self-study (up to 80 hours), culminating in the submission of a written assessment.
All distance learning modules are assessed. Students are expected to complete the required reading and exercises, followed by the formal assessment over a period of 8 weeks.
How long does a postgraduate programme take?
A postgraduate programme consists of at least 6 modules (leading to a Postgraduate Certificate) and each module is equivalent to approximately 100 learning hours.
Face-to-face programmes are delivered only to client groups. The schedules are flexible and are agreed between Risktec and the client. The same applies to distance learning programmes designed for a client organisation. Programmes studied part-time typically take twice as long as those studied full-time.
The distance learning programmes accessible to individuals run according to a fixed schedule. They are studied part-time, where each module takes around 8 weeks to complete. A Postgraduate Certificate therefore takes approximately one year to complete.
A Postgraduate Diploma involves the study of 12 modules and therefore takes about 2 years to complete. A Master's degree comprises 12 modules plus a project dissertation and takes up to three years.
What are the entry requirements for a programme leading to a postgraduate qualification?
You will need a relevant bachelor degree or academic equivalent from a recognised institution, or have 5+ years relevant work experience. You need to be a native English speaker or hold a recognised English language qualification or a degree from an English speaking country. For distance learning, you will need access to a stable broadband connection (min 5mbps) between 08:00 and 18:00 GMT, Monday to Friday.
Am I entitled to attend a graduation ceremony?
Yes, all students who successfully complete a face-to-face or distance learning programme are invited to receive their postgraduate degree at the LJMU Graduation Ceremony held in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in July. The event is spectacular and has become renowned for its sense of occasion and style.
How can the programme fit in with our organisation's current training?
We provide organisations with a tailored training solution for their personnel based on current education, experience and job role. We can jointly decide the most suitable modules for client personnel and how they may be tailored to be most effective. For example, this might comprise delivering a validated programme of modules, together with some unassessed modules, and supplementing the modules with relevant industry visits and networking opportunities.
How much does a programme cost?
The distance learning fees are provided in the brochure for the programme currently open for applicants. The total fee for face-to-face learning varies depending on a number of factors such as the number of students on the programme, the number of selected modules, whether the programme leads to a qualification or is attendance only, the location, whether the modules need to be customised specifically for the organisation, and whether students will require additional coaching. Once we have discussed your requirements, we would be pleased to provide a fully priced proposal.
Who can I speak to for further information?
If you would like to discuss your training and education requirements, please email: training@risktec.co.uk or telephone +44 1925 611200.