Frequently asked questions
Who awards or accredits your CTSP progammes of study?
The suite of trichology programmes available only from CTSP are accredited by EduQual, a UK regulated awarding body approved by SQA-Accreditation (see: www.eduqual.org.uk). This means that EduQual recognises the academic quality and rigour of CTSP programmes as being ‘fit-for-purpose’ and meeting the needs of our learners in this specialised area.
I have already studied trichology, which CTSP programme should I start with?
If you have evidence of study at Level 4* in Trichology, then you may be suitable to start your studies with us at Level 5.
However, not all trichology courses are ‘accredited’ by awarding bodies which makes it difficult to judge the ‘level’ of content or assessment. We will take into account other academic qualifications to make sure the course you study is suitable for your level of experience and prior knowledge.
You can either complete a ‘recognition of prior learning’ form if you wish to apply for Level 5, or take our ‘fast-track assessment (FTA)’ to ensure there are no gaps in your knowledge before you start the Level 5 programme.
*RQF equivalent
What do the different ‘levels’ of CTSP programmes mean?
‘Levels’ are used to describe the ‘difficulty of learning’ or complexity and ‘depth of study’. The higher the number, the more challenging the learning (e.g. in England GCSE’s are Level 2 and PhD is Level 8). The UK nations and countries around the world use different frameworks and numbering to describe their levels, but they have equivalence and are an important ‘benchmark’ of what a person should know, understand or be able to apply at each level. Here’s an illustration:
A
Level 4 learner should have a sound knowledge of the
basic concepts of a subject and know how to take different approaches to solving problems. They should able to communicate accurately and have the qualities needed to work and exercise some personal responsibility.
A
Level 6 learner should comprehend a
complex body of knowledge, some of it at the ‘cutting edge’ of your sector. They would be able to apply analytical techniques and problem-solving skills to any area of employment and evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions to reach sound judgements and communicate them effectively. Level 6 qualification holders are expected to take personal responsibility for their decisions and actions in complex and unpredictable circumstances.
What’s the difference between an Award, Certificate and Diploma?
Qualifications are available at different levels AND different sizes or lengths. The
length or duration of a programme (Total Course Time (TCT) or Total Qualification Time (TQT) determines
what it will be called, not its level. For example:
EduQual Level 5 programme with a TCT of 60 hours is called an Award.
EduQual Level 5 programme with a TCT of 400 hours is called a Diploma.
Qualification sizes are defined as:
• Awards (< 120 hours TQT)
• Certificates (121 – 369 hours TQT
• Diplomas (> 370 hours TQT)
What is a learning credit?
‘Credits’ are linked to the
size of the educational programme, not its level. You are awarded credit for successfully completing the units or modules.
1 credit = 10 hours of learning, i.e. the number of credits is equal to the total course time or total qualification time, divided by 10. For example, a Diploma of 600 hours would be worth 60 credits.
Our EduQual accredited programmes are written to the prescribed high standards set by regulated Awarding Bodies and details such as size, credit and level are explained in CTSP literature and during programme induction.
Are the CTSP accredited programmes recognised by Ofqual?
The Level 4 Certificate and Level 5/Level 6 programmes are customised, not regulated qualifications which means they will not appear on Ofqual’s Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) or list of regulated qualifications. This is because they are exclusive to CTSP.
However, EduQual accreditation recognises the high quality of CTSP programmes so you can be assured they meet exactly the same standards as regulated qualifications and adhere to the Awarding Body's requirements for writing programmes that have measurable learning outcomes, valid assessment criteria and fair and reliable ways of testing our learners.
I haven’t got the results or a certificate from my previous courses/studies. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can. Get in touch with our friendly staff at CTSP and we can discuss your application and advise what you need to do to complete the paperwork to apply for one of our programmes.
If you don’t meet the required entry requirements but are interested in studying with CTSP please talk to us – we will review each case individually considering your existing background knowledge and experience in this sector and other areas.
I have additional learning needs, what support and help will I get?
CTSP aim to provide an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all our learners to help them achieve their full potential. We will discuss your needs when you apply to give us adequate time to make any reasonable adjustments or put in place any additional support you need before you begin your studies.
If anything changes once you have started your studies, our staff and tutors will explain the policies and procedures we have in place to help and support you.
Can I take a break from my learning?
CTSP recognise that life is never predictable! We know that every learner has different commitments and time pressures and that things may change for you once you have signed up to a programme of study. CTSP have policies and procedures in place should you need to take a break from your studies or if your circumstances change and you need additional support or help with learning.
Get in touch with one of tutors and we will be happy to discuss your needs and how we can work together or make the necessary changes to help you complete your studies.
Will I have access to a supportive CTSP tutor?
Yes! As an EduQual approved centre, CTSP must meet the highest standards and quality assure everything we do, from delivering our programmes through to supporting our learners. When you enrol in a CTSP programme you will be introduced to the faculty involved in your studies who will explain how to keep in touch, their responsibilities to you and your responsibilities as a CTSP learners, together with our grievance and complaints policies and procedures.
Our easy-to-use learning platform lets you easily message our tutors with opportunities for virtual face-to-face meetings. If our tutors feel you may be slipping behind with your studies or perhaps haven’t joined our forums and discussions recently, they will reach out to you – so we are never more than a click away!
