Question and Answers
Do modules have to be directly relevant to my job?
Yes, or relevant to your development as identified on your Development Plan.
Who decides if I go on a course and how?
The nominations are determined by your CoC managers against a total budget for
places attributed to your CoC / function.
How is attendance decided?
By priority / need from the CoC / function. Once registered on a module via Catalyst,
module dates will be forwarded directly from the University.
What happens if I fail to attend?
Failure to show will result in your functional area being cross-charged for the total
cost of the module.
What is Post Module Work?
Post-Module Work (also sometimes referred to as Post module assignment PMA) is
designed as an educational extension to a particular module that you attended.
During the module the targets are concerned with the familiarisation and the
understanding of a coherent body of knowledge and the techniques of its application
pertaining to some facet of manufacturing or engineering industry; the post-module
assignment is to enable the student to build-up confidence in the techniques of
application of this knowledge and to indicate to the tutors whether the module targets
have been achieved.
A second function of the post-module assignment is its use for the continuous
assessment of the course work which is credited towards the fulfilment of the
requirements for the award of a qualification.
Do I need to complete the coursework / exam / post module work set for the
module?
Yes.
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What happens if I fail the exams / coursework / post module work?
You will not be awarded the credits for that module.
What happens if I fail to submit any require post module work?
Your functional area will be cross-charged for the total cost of the module, currently
circa £1300. Your manager will also be informed.
What qualifications do I need to attend?
None. However, all modules taught will be at masters degree level, so an ability to
cope with studies at that level will be expected. For example, in some cases a good
knowledge of advanced maths will be needed to cope with the course work. In this
case an advanced maths refresher will be a pre-requisite to taking the module.
Is the scheme be accredited by IMechE
Yes. It also has approval by the IET and the IOM3.
Can I attend courses of personal interest but no relevance to my Job?
No.
What would my qualification be titled given it's made up of 'bits'?
Each University in the scheme will have a title for the course, they are:
University of Warwick
MSc / PgDip / PgCert / PgAward in Automotive Technology
Loughborough University
MSc / PgDip / PgCert in Powertrain & Vehicle Engineering
Coventry University
MSc / PgDip / PgCert in Control Systems and Vehicle Engineering
Bradford University
MSc / PgDip / PgCert in Engineering and Process Excellence
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York University
MSc / PgDip / PgCert in System Safety Engineering & Automotive Applications
Cranfield, Southampton & Aston – Will not award a qualification. Modules will
contribute to an award from one of the other four universities.
Any qualification awarded will be dependent on the achievement of the appropriate
number of points.
How will the university which awards the qualification be chosen?
Each university will apply its own rules:
For University of Warwick:
MSc - 180 CATS composed of 120 CATS from assessed modules (at least 30 credits
will be from Warwick modules), plus 60 CATS for successful completion of the
project (supervised by Warwick staff), its dissertation and oral examination for the
Master’s degree.
PGDip - 120 CATS (level M), from assessed modules for the Postgraduate Diploma
(of which at least 60 credits will be from Warwick modules).
PGCert - 60 CATS (level M), from assessed modules for the Postgraduate Certificate
(of which at least 30 credits will be from Warwick modules).
PGAward - 30 CATS (level M), from assessed modules for the Postgraduate Award
(all of which will be from Warwick modules).
For Loughborough University:
MSc - Must register for 180 credits worth of modules. To obtain the award, they
require 150 credits and a minimum mark of 40% in the remaining 30 credits worth of
modules . Also 90 credits must be Loughborough modules, which must include credit
awarded for Project
PGDip -Must register for 120 credits. To obtain the award, they require 100 credits
and at least 40% in the remaining 20 credits worth odf modules. Also 60 credits must
be Loughborough modules, which may not include credit awarded for Project
PGCert- Must register and obtain 60 credits. Also 30 credits must be Loughborough
modules
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NOTE:
If a student registered for a Loughborough module, who has to be reassessed
in that module, does not do the reassessment (or fails the re-assessment),
their studies at Loughborough will be terminated. The student will not be able
to undertake the MSc qualification at LU.
For Coventry University:
MSc - is 180 CATS composed of 120 CATS from assessed taught modules (of which
at least 30 will be from Coventry) and 60 CATS from the project component
(supervised by Coventry staff).
PGDip - 120 CATS from assessed taught modules for the PgDip (of which at least 60
will be from Coventry modules)
PGCert - 60 CATS from assessed taught modules for the PgCert (of which at least
30 will be from Coventry modules)
For Bradford University:
MSc - is 180 CATS composed of 120 CATS from assessed taught modules (of which
at least 30 will be from Bradford) and 60 CATS from the project component
(supervised by Bradford staff).
PGDip - 120 CATS from assessed taught modules for the PgDip (of which at least 60
will be from Bradford modules)
PGCert - 60 CATS from assessed taught modules for the PgCert (of which at least
30 will be from Bradford modules)
For York University:
MSc - is 180 CATS composed of 120 CATS from assessed taught modules (of which
at least 30 will be from York) and 60 CATS from the project component (supervised
by York staff).
PGDip - 120 CATS from assessed taught modules for the PgDip (of which at least 60
will be from York modules)
PGCert - 60 CATS from assessed taught modules for the PgCert (of which at least
30 will be from York modules)
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Will the universities offer their new Masters Programmes to their students?
It is the intention that university students will be able to undertake the new Masters
Degree courses at each of these institutions.
These degrees will be based on a combination of the specific modules delivered by
that University. This will give JLR, as well as the wider automotive sector, graduates
with the latest and relevant industry skills.
How much time will it take me to complete a module?
Each module is at masters degree level and hence if accredited is given a certain
number of credits at that level. The rule of thumb is that each credit, on average,
equates to 10 hours of study. Study includes class attendance, tutorials,
assignments, research, reading and other private study.
So for example, a 15 credit module would on average take 150 hours. This would
include around 40 hours of classroom time, plus possible smaller tutor led classes
and all the required private study needed, to prepare and pass the assignment or
examination.
Is there a time limit on the time taken to complete and pass a module?
Yes. Each university will have standard rules on the time allowed, which will vary
dependent on the university and module taken. These rules will apply to the scheme.
What happens if I don't complete the course work on time?
There are penalties which are incurred for late completion of work, which will reduce
the number of credits awarded to the candidate. This can lead to zero credits. Again
each university has its own rules and these will apply to their own modules.
Can I request an extension for the completion of post work?
Yes. Each university understands the special nature of their JLR delegates as full
time employees and will be willing to discuss any genuine reasons for an extension.
Is there a time limit on obtaining a qualification?
Yes. Again rules vary between universities, but normally from the start of the first
module to completion for an MSc can be 7 to 8 years dependent on the university.
For a Post Graduate Certificate then the time is reduced to typically 3 years.
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Question and Answers
Will I be paid whilst attending a module?
Yes. You will be paid your basic daily rate.
Will I be paid whilst attending tutorials?
Yes. You will be paid your basic daily rate.
If the lectures / tutorials exceed by weekly working hours, will I be able to claim
overtime?
No.
Travel time to courses does this count as works time?
No.
Can I claim travel expenses for going to and from the teaching venue?
Yes.
Can I do my thesis / assignments during work time if it is work related?
It is expected that you will need to put in a significant amount of private study time, in
order to successfully complete the module. The company will fund and support in
works time, the teaching elements (including tutorials) of the module. Normal
expectation is that private study will not be in works time. The funding of the
university is fully covered by the company.
Is there a limit on the number of modules I can do in a year / total?
The programme is by nomination, the individual can be nominated for however many
modules required by their manager, subject to the normal constraints on resource,
budget and module schedule.
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Can I buy extra modules myself to finish quicker?
You would need to join as a student of the University in the same way the general
public will be able to. However, extra modules will not run outside the agreed
timetable. You would also need to fund your study through taking holidays or unpaid
leave.
I have a work related project, which my manager agrees would benefit the
business, can I do this as part of the scheme?
Yes, with agreement from your manager and functional area to include you in the
scheme. You would choose one university partner, who is best placed to support the
specific area of research. They would discuss the project with you and support with
an academic tutor so long as the project is agreed to be suitable for an MSc. You
would be subject to any rules applicable by that university. A project would be
awarded 60 credits on successful completion, write-up and examination.
Anyone whose development plan supports the number of credits required to achieve
an MSc, must complete a project.
I want an MSc, can I use this scheme to acquire this qualification?
The scheme is first and foremost about developing the skills the business needs to
support future growth. By linking the modules to accreditation, the company has
enabled employees to have a transferable qualification as an outcome.
The progression of an individual through the scheme is wholly dependent on the
business needs for the individual to acquire new or develop existing skills. Hence, if
your development plan agreed with your manager builds up over time to the required
number of credits for an MSc (including a suitable project), then that will be the
qualification you will awarded. This will be subject to the standard university rules.
What is the process for registering for an MSc?
The process for registering for an MSc will require you to have completed at least 60
CATS at which point you will need to think about the project you will do for your MSc.
This project must be related to your role and the process will require the project to be
signed off by your line manager and HR.
Once you have completed 90 CATS then you will officially apply to be registered for
an MSc at your chosen awarding university and plan your course of studies. At this
point University rules will apply to the time limit required to complete your MSc, which
will be no greater than 3 years.
See separate MSc Application Process document and Application Letter specific
to the university.
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Question and Answers
Is there a route to other Qualifications?
Yes. We are currently approving with the University of Warwick an Engineering
Doctorate (EngD) pathway which will be for those nominated and subject to specific
conditions.
In the future it is planned to look at other qualification pathways.
If I leave JLR can I stay on the programme?
The company will no longer fund any further expenditure incurred by continuing
attendance on the programme.
In addition a standard Academic Programmes Training Contract will be used with
respect to repayment obligations.
Will other companies join the scheme?
The intention is to invite other companies and suppliers (e.g. TATA) to participate in
the programme. The universities will also market the courses.
Will more universities join?
The intention is to grow the programme year on year with the addition of new
modules which may require working with new universities
Will there be more modules next year?
See above.
Can agency staff join the scheme?
The company will under normal circumstances not fund agency staff. However, this is
dependent on the demands of the business and skills required by a manager.
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Question and Answers
If I think I already 'know' some modules can I just do the exams and
coursework at a lower price and receive a qualification more quickly?
No. There is no reduced cost for completing only the assessment. As class work is
normally 5 days per module, it would be difficult to imagine a scenario where you
would qualify more quickly.
Can any element of my first degree count?
No.
Can I say no to a nomination?
Yes. However, increasing the capability of all of us is critical, so that we can design
and develop world leading vehicles, whilst continuous self development will support
the JLR High Performance Framework that we all are assessed against.
If I'm not nominated for the start of the scheme, when do nominations take
place in the future?
Registering interest for modules can happen at any time during the year. The
reasons for not being nominated need to be discussed with your line manager.
What is ASAS?
ASAS or Advance Skills Accreditation Scheme is a programme being run by SEMTA
(The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies)
which mirrors TAS and is available for companies outside of JLR to build skills in the
same way.
It is run independently, but JLR are involved in chairing the employer board which
governs the scheme and also includes companies such as Atkins, ARUP, BA, BAE
Systems, GKN, JCB, MBDA, Nissan, Princess Yachts, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Tata
Steel and Williams Formula 1.
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