PGC in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace

Delivered by experienced industry experts via blended learning with online webinars, this level 9 Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace offers you the opportunity to explore and understand the goals of the sustainability agenda in the workplace. This PGC provides you with up to date sustainability toolkits, techniques and information that will enhance your competencies and ability to design and deliver an innovative plan for sustainability in the workplace.
Overview
Sustainability in the workplace is becoming a core business obligation with facilities and workplace managers at the forefront to innovate and deliver practices at an operational, tactical and strategic management level. There is continuous demand, that organisations develop and implement sustainability policy, that is responsive to the agenda of local, national and global development agendas.

Stay abreast of the sustainability agenda

Staying abreast of the changes and trends occurring  to the sustainability agenda is challenging. Facilities and workplace managers need to enhance their professional competencies to deal with sustainability management and operational issues, innovating to develop good practice and leading change within organisations.

Flexible study with extensive learning resources

This Post Graduate Certificate is designed to offer a level 9 qualification for those coming from a broad spectrum of degree programmes, such as facilities management, engineering, science, business, etc. The delivery mode is a flexible study option for those seeking to fit learning around work and family. There is access to extensive learning resources and support materials through our virtual learning environment that enables students to choose the time and place most suited for them to study. Assignments are practical and work-based and highly relevant to your organisation’s sustainability strategy.

Learn from Industry Experts

Cultivating strategic and innovative thinking is a core theme and the programme is taught from this perspective. Tutors are experienced industry leaders, ensuring the relevance of the content to Innovating for Sustainability in the Workplace. Graduates can immediately implement their learning and make a positive impact to the success of their working environment. This PGC programme will benefit your personal development as well as your professional career putting you in a strong position for career progression in this sector.

Why should I study this course?

This course has been specifically designed for delivery by online learning with live interactive webinar sessions. It is very suited to you if you have a busy work and home life and want to fit study around this. The integrated  programme webinars are designed to give you the connection between theory and practice in innovating and implementing a sustainability strategy for your organisation. You will have the opportunity to attend online interactive webinars as they happen or to catch up later via the recorded session.

There is one to one expert tutor support available to you during your learning journey. You can upload your assessments and your expert support tutor will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track. Online learning allows you to study at your time with support available when you need it.

Who will recognise my qualification?

Post Graduate Certificate in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace awarded by London Metropolitan University (LMU). This is recognised as a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Students are registered as postgraduate students of London Metropolitan University and will receive a student card confirming their student status.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

This PGC programme in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace is designed to encourage interaction and contribution from students, expert tutors and senior leaders. This methodology will enhance your skillset to include an understanding of the proactive approach and the strategic context needed to meet the growing emphasis of sustainability in the workplace.

You will further develop skills such as critically analysing and problem solving in the context of innovation and strategic decision making. Practical industry insights and presentations ensure that you will relate theory to real-life work scenarios. Upon completion of this programme, you will have developed toolkits and techniques to innovate, design and implement a practical sustainable solution for your organisation.
Delivery Mode
This course is delivered through  blended learning. Online with Webinar Learning is a form learning which re-structures the content, introducing online learning together with interactive webinars and one to one tutor support.  This mode of delivery includes contact tuition (by webinar) and web-based e-learning sessions. The e-learning platform is interactive including recorded sessions, webinars with weekly content and assigned tasks to themes and topics.

There are webinars held at regular intervals including the commencement of each module. Attendance is not mandatory but is encouraged for optimal learning. The webinars are designed to support students understand the requirements of the learning outcomes, the expectations of the assessment and meet their tutor for the module.

The Difference between Blended and Online with Webinars Delivery Modes

There are two blended learning delivery mode options to study  courses in Portobello Institute.

Blended learning offers you the opportunity to study with lectures delivered on-site at the weekends.

Online with Webinars – you will not be required to attend on-site lectures if you are enrolled on a course with this delivery mode. All lectures are delivered online and are recorded so you can catch-up later.

What is a webinar?

A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed e-learning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question of the lecturer at any stage during the class.

Interactive break-out rooms

The software is designed with “break-out rooms” where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you.

Secure online learning environment

The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the “classroom”. Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.

Course Structure

This is an online with webinars course delivered over 4 months with supported webinars held during scheduled Saturdays – schedule TBC. This level 9 PGC programme consists of three modules.

Interactive webinars

Each module has 2 * 1 day webinars designed to support the student complete the module, assessments and engage in live case studies with our experienced industry professional tutors. Webinars are held on a Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Attendance at webinars is not mandatory but is encouraged for optimal learning outcomes.

Induction webinar

There is an induction webinar held at the start of the course. This is usually held on an evening before the first module. The Induction webinar is delivered with the purpose of introducing the module tutor, setting out the learning outcomes, content, the assessment strategy and expectations for skills/knowledge development for the programme.

E-learning portal

All of the course material is held on an e-learning portal which is an easy to use online platform specifically designed for online learning programmes. During the induction, students will be introduced to the platform with practical demonstration of how to use the portal and access lessons quickly and easily. To complete this course, students must have a basic knowledge of using a computer and searching the internet for research purposes.

Expert tutor support

The tutorial webinars held at the start and throughout each module introduce you to your tutor who will guide and support you throughout the module. These seminars lay out the module for you and support you to learn and acquire the skills you will need. The assessment and expectations for successful completion are covered in detail.

One to one support

Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion.  You can email your tutor at any stage during the module to ask a simple query or submit a draft of your assessment. Our programme management team are always available to offer you telephone and email support and if you need to, you can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance.

This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing this mode of study. Portobello Institute has invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced in the field of Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace as well as qualified and knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you at every stage of this programme.

Broaden your professional network

Many graduates tell us they learn as much from each other as they do from tutors. Attending the webinars is key to meeting fellow students, engaging in discussion and exchanging ideas.  Meeting fellow students gives you the opportunity to create your study network for the duration of your learning journey. This network can prove extremely useful afterwards during your professional career.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments for this post graduate certificate are broadly assignment based. Assessments vary from practice based assignments to operational plans and reflective essays, all seeking to combine up to date and relevant theory with scenario-based learning and practical implementation.
Career prospects
This is a uniquely designed programme, focusing on the innovation, design and implementation of a sustainability plan in the workplace. The skills acquired from this programme are designed to compliment those working in facilities management, engineering, building management, real estate/property asset management and/or related areas. This programme facilitates graduates to advance their career to make a real and measurable difference in improving the businesses and workplace environments they are involved in.

Leading Innovation in Sustainability in the Workplace

As a leader advancing in your profession, the relevant knowledge, information and skills for dealing with the demand, challenges and opportunities of delivering sustainability in business environments are critical. Staying abreast of the changes at local, national and global levels are increasingly important to ensure leaders of workplace environments meet their responsibilities. This programme provides you with the skillset to progress the change needed for a sustainable environment that consequently will progress your career.
How do I apply?
Entry is by direct application to Portobello Institute.

There are entry criteria available to students with differing qualifications/experience levels and these are detailed below.

This programme is intended for applicants with a primary degree preferably but not limited to science, engineering, facilities, and workplace management – or a related discipline. A lower second-class honours degree or international equivalent is required. Applicants with substantial relevant work experience will also be considered – see below.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Entry using Experiential Learning

Students may apply for entry to the PGC Innovation in Sustainability for the Workplace using experience gained in the workplace in place of prior educational qualifications if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis with practical knowledge a key criterion for entry via this route.

Our experienced course adviser team are available to support you with your programme choice. If you are unsure if this programme is right for you, please email your cv to [email protected] for further advice or call him on 01-892-0035. We will support you to map your experience to date and any previous educational experience you may have to our programmes so that you can select the course best suited to your career ambition and educational experience.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria, maybe eligible for entry into the IWFM Level 5 Award in Sustainability Practice. This programme is available through Portobello Institute.

Students will be registered as an postgraduate degree student with London Metropolitan University.

Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received. Early Application is advised.