Category Archives: PDA

PDA in Renewable Energy Systems

In broad terms the PDA in Renewable Energy Systems by open / distance learning has been designed to provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of current and future trends in energy production, sustainability and energy conservation issues and the role that Renewable Energy Systems technologies may play in meeting energy demands and in limiting global environmental damage.

The PDA will also allow candidates to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the physics and engineering of many Renewable Energy Systems technologies so that they can make accurate, valid comparisons between renewable technologies when solving energy related problems.

Candidates will also be able to specialise in more depth in at least two specialist areas of Renewable Energy Systems by studying from optional Units in Biomass, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectricity, Hydrogen, Microgeneration, Solar, Wave and Tidal Power or Wind Power.

Entry requirements:

The following qualifications are recommended for entry into the PDA:

• HNC or HND Engineering Systems
• HNC or HND Mechatronics
• A suitable multidisciplinary degree
• Other awards deemed equivalent to the above

If you have another HNC Engineering qualifications in an area such as Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering you may partially meet the requirements but you may have to undertake an additional bridging programme in order to fill in gaps in your technical education prior to starting the PDA (eg if you have an HNC in Mechanical Engineering you may find it beneficial to study electrical and electronic Units prior to taking the PDA).

The PDA in Renewable Energy Systems by distance learning consists of 4 mandatory credits and 2 optional credits. A total of 6 credits is required.

PDA in Renewable Energy Systems by open / distance learning (G8LP 48)

Mandatory Section (4 – credits)

Unit No:
Module
Title
Credit Value
F1YL 34
2
F1YN 35
2

Optional Section (2 – credits)

Unit No:
Module Title
Credit Value
F1YK 34
1
F1YR 35
1

There is only 6 credits required to obtain the PDA in Renewable Energy Systems by distance learning .  Furthermore, these credits can be used towards the HND in Engineering Systems.  Optional Modules which will be added shortly to the PDA for greater choice:

Unit No: Module Title Credit Value
F1YG 35 Biomass 1
F1YH 35 Geothermal energy 1
F1YJ 35 Hydroelectricity 1
F1YF 35 Hydrogen 1
F1YM 35 Solar 1
F1YP 35 Wave and Tidal 1

On completion of the PDA you can progress to a degree entitled BSc Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems. The exact point at which you are able to enter the B.Sc. will not only depend on successful achievement of the PDA but on what other qualifications you possess. Opportunities for candidates who successfully achieve the PDA to enter other degree programmes in the Renewable Energy Systems area may also be possible.

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PDA in Project Management

This PDA in Project Management by flexible open / distance learning is a new qualification designed to enhance and accredit the project management skills of new, inexperienced or aspiring project managers. It offers candidates the opportunity to develop project management skills and enables progression to other widely recognised project management qualifications.

The title of the award, Professional Development Award in Project Management, reflects the nature of the content, context and level of the award. As a PDA it is a vocational qualification contributing to the continuous professional development of participants.

Project Management plays an increasing part in a wide range of organisations and disciplines encompassing the knowledge and skills required for candidates to design and implement successful projects. Its defining features are its fixed time schedules, budgetary boundaries, team co-ordination, specific accountabilities, focus on particular outcomes and collaborative working between project partners. Breakdowns in these aspects are the most frequent sources of problems in projects.

This PDA targets these skills. In addition, it allows for recognition of skills acquired by individuals through training and practical application.  It is estimated that around 75% of professional time is spent on project work much of which is not identified as such (ref: www. projectexperts.com).  Nevertheless, many people have acquired project management skills that have not hitherto been formally recognised.

There are many project management qualifications available in the UK but the most common of these are available only through commercially oriented accredited training organisations and/or professional associations.  The PDA in Project Management, while its content adopts the same basic principles as the other qualifications, is designed to fit a gap in the market for those organisations or candidates who want a project management qualification without being bound by the requirements of a particular association or methodology and the associated costs.

Entry requirements:

The following qualifications are recommended for entry into the PDA:

• HNC or HND in a approprate recognised subject area
• Must hold the position of Project Manager/Engineer

PDA in Project Management by distance learning (G873 16)

Mandatory Section (4 – credits)

Unit No:
Module Title
Credit Value
DV5H 35
2
DV5J 35
2

There is only 4 credits required to obtain the PDA in Project management by flexible open / distance learning.  Furthermore, 2 of these credits (DV5J 35) can be used towards the HND in Engineering Systems.

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