University Short Course Programme 11/12
The new 2011/12 University Short Courses information:
University Short Courses: Full Prospectus (updated 06 Jun 11)
University Short Courses: Flyer
University Short Courses: Poster (updated 29 Jul 11)
Application Form for University Short Courses
Application Form
Following the Army's move to Andover, the USCP Application form has been updated with the Army's new address, telephone and fax number.
General Information
Introduction
The Tri-Service University Short Course Programme (USCP) has been in existence since 1953 and is sponsored by the three Services. The USCP was established as part of the Services further education provision.
Defence Instruction Notice (DIN)
If you would like further information regarding the University Short Course Programme then please see the latest Defence Instruction Notice:
2011DIN-105
2011DIN-105 Annex A
2011DIN-105 Annex B
2011DIN-105 Annex C
Purpose
The USCP now forms part of the wider strategy of the Services to contribute to the improvement of the general education of Service personnel. Based upon the philosophy of Lifelong Learning, the USCP intends to help Service personnel make a more effective contribution to Service life by developing their knowledge and personal skills. This is achieved through personnel having the opportunity to address matters of current importance and research and development within an academic environment. The USCP is not intended for resettlement purposes or to supplement formal training.
Aim
The aim of the USCP is to meet the broad educational needs of Service personnel of all rank levels.
University Short Course Prospectus
The Prospectus contains information to help students select an appropriate course to meet their own personal development needs. There are approximately 580 USCP places available each academic year. Prospective students should consult this prospectus before applying for any listed course. Some courses require a high level of participation, pre-course reading and group syndicate work. It is therefore essential that prospective students are made aware of the academic level and expectation of courses before application. To gain support for their application at Unit level prospective students are strongly advised to copy the relevant page from this prospectus to their authorising officer (Officer Commanding/Line Manager). If necessary, prospective students should consult either their respective Line Manager or Education/Training Officer for further guidance.
Subject Areas
The USCP offers courses in the following categories:
- Command Leadership and Management
- Regional and Strategic Studies
- Languages
Courses are designed and delivered by university departments who have a recognised standing in the subject field. Qualifications are not awarded for courses but the content may contribute towards a portfolio of evidence or Personal Development Record. Certificates of attendance are issued for some courses. Other courses gain an award of Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points if students are prepared to undertake an additional assignment – this may attract an additional fee payable by the student. Part of this fee may be reclaimed through the Standard Learning Credit scheme.
Locations
Courses are provided currently by:
- Brighton
- Bradford
- Bristol
- Exeter
- Leeds
- Staffordshire
Accommodation
The courses are residential. Students will be required to live in accommodation provided by the university for the duration of the course. Tuition and accommodation costs are paid under a central contract arrangement by the parent Service.
Travel & Subsistence
Single Service regulations apply.
RN/Army/RAF
Travel costs are not included. Prospective students must check that their own Unit is able to meet their travel costs before applying for a course. Students who need to travel over a long distance should seek Unit authorisation prior to the course for any overnight subsistence allowance required either before or after the course. RN personnel should contact ABLO on Portsmouth (9380) ext 21133 in order to check details of travel arrangements to and from the university courses
Application and Selection Procedure
Students should apply on the tri-Service form FEd 1011 and submit their application through their respective Education Clerk/Officer/Co-ordinator to the appropriate HQ staffs as follows:
Royal Air Force & Army Applicants:
USCP Co-Ordinator, Accreditation
Trenchard Hall, Room 227
RAF Cranwell
Sleaford
Lincs
NG34 8HB
Civ: 01400 268179 or Mil: 95751 Ext 8179 Fax: 95751 Ext 8180
E-mail: 22TrgGp-TP-USCPCO@mod.uk
Naval Service Applicants:
NETS Co-ordinator
Education & Resettlement Centre (Waterfront)
Room G20
Lancelot Building
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
PO1 3NH
Tel: 023 92 727832 or Mil 9380 27832 Fax: 023 92 724498 or Mil 9380 24498
E-mail: FLEET-FOST-NETSCOORD@mod.uk
DII(F): FLEET-FOST-NETS Coord Selection
Courses are extremely popular and the number of places available is restricted. The aim is to provide an attendance group drawn from across the Services that is representative of the spectrum of ranks, background and experience. This is achieved by assessing all applications against agreed Tri-Service selection criteria.
Application
To ensure the best chance for selection all the details requested on the FEd 1011 must be provided. The reasons for applying for the course must be clearly explained in detail; applications should note that the USCP is designed neither for core training nor resettlement preparation. Failure to complete the FEd 1011 correctly could prejudice selection.
Cancellation and Reserve Lists
The relevant Service Desk should be informed without delay so that a replacement can be found. Only when, either the exigency of Service duty, or a Service recognised compassionate case, prevents attendance on a course will cancellation fees be waived. In all other instances of nonattendance, cancellation fees may be recovered from the applicant’s parent unit. These can range from £300 - £1800 per person depending on the course. To be considered for the Reserve List of a course, students should indicate on their application form whether they could be released to take up a vacancy at short notice.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 6 weeks prior to the start of the course. Students should receive notification regardless of whether their application has been successful or not. Selected students will receive joining instructions shortly afterwards. This timescale may vary to take public holiday into consideration.
Feedback
Internal Validation
To contribute to the programme all course students will be asked to complete a Tri-Service validation report. Your Comments and Opinions on the University Short Course Programme are vitally important to us as the information assists in future course selection and fiscal support.
Comments
Readers are encouraged to forward their comments on any aspect of the University Short Course Programme either to their single Service contact, or by pressing the Contact Us button below which will forward all comments to the RAF USCP Co-ordinator.
Further Questions
If you have any further questions you can contact your Education Clerk/Co-ordinator, or Personal Learning Advisor (PLA) on your unit, or your equivalent Service Point of Contact.
University Short Course Application Form (Updated 16 Aug 2011)