Foundation Degree in Service Management (Public Sector)

Course information:
Foundation Degree in Service Management (Public Sector)

Course summary:
The Foundation Degree is part time (normally 2 days per month over two years).
If you're ambitious and interested in developing your career, the Foundation Degree in Service Management is perfect. It is a nationally recognised, business focussed, higher level qualification.

The course is designed specifically for managers and aspiring managers working in a service industry, in either the private or public sector. It will help you to:

• Gain recognition for your existing skills.
• Develop new skills and a greater understanding of the role of the manager in the service sector.
• Enhance your career prospectus through a well respected business qualification.
• Better understand your job role, organisation, environment and yourself.
• Gain a wider perspective on your job role which will allow you to consider, develop and create new service offerings.
• Assessments will enable you to work on real life business solutions/research for your organisation.

Course content:
The course is split into two levels:

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  Level 1 - will introduce you to the concepts of human resource management and covers the basic elements of management and leadership. In addition, you will be introduced to marketing and service operations, including problem solving and decision making.
  
  
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  Level 2 - will build on the knowledge gained at Level 1 and will cover some of the more technical aspects of service management - such as finance, business planning, project planning, quality and data analysis.

Both levels are underpinned by a large element of personal development planning where you'll have an opportunity to use a structured framework to explore and document your personal and professional learning experience.

Assessment procedure:
Teaching is by experienced lecturers who will give you a solid grounding in management principles and practice. What you learn in the classroom will be complemented by work-based assessment; so there's plenty of opportunity for you to study your own organisation and work role.
The course is divided into two levels and taught at South Tyneside College. If you successfully complete both levels you will graduate with a Foundation Degree in Service Management from the University of Sunderland.

Entry requirements:
You should normally have achieved:

• Three passes at GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent).
• The majority of programmes will accept a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology as equivalent to GCSEs

Plus one of the following:

• A minimum of one 6-unit award or 1 A-level equivalent.
• A recognised Foundation or Access Programme
• The full International or European Baccalaureate.
• Other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the university.

The Foundation Degree at South Tyneside College is validated by the University of Sunderland, which is an advocate of lifelong learning and recognises the value of both academic and vocational qualifications.
Similarly, at South Tyneside College, we aim to provide study opportunities for all applicants who have the potential to benefit from them. Factors such as work experience or vocational training can be taken into account when considering an application; and admissions tutors have considerable discretionary powers to assess each case on individual merit.

If you don't have the entry qualifications listed, but do have relevant experience, please contact us as you may still be eligible to apply.
All applicants should be at least 18 years of age on 31 December in the proposed year of entry.

Progression opportunities:
You may wish to continue your studies for a third year and 'top-up' your qualification to a full BA (Hons) Degree. You can take advantage of South Tyneside College's recognised progression route with the University of Sunderland and progress to the third year of a BA (Hons) Degree; or you may decide to study further afield for you final year - the choice is yours.

Free study and financial support:
For more information about student loans and grants visit Student Finance England or download our Money Matters for Higher Education 2009/10 booklet.