Online professional skills courses

Online professional skills courses

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A range of Professional Skills courses are available to students covering various careers and employability topics. Completion of these courses will be formally recognised by the University.

Watch this introductory video to find out more:

‘‘I absolutely loved it! A great initiative for students who are looking to develop their understanding of what they can do to make themselves stand out from others and enhance employability prospects!

Why should I sign up?

University is not just about your degree studies; it is about the experiences you gather and the skills you develop. When you graduate, you will be competing with over 300,000 others graduating in the UK at the same time. Alongside a good degree, it is the skills and experiences you gain along the way which will help you to stand out from the crowd.

These courses will help you to see how you can develop your skills and experiences; will teach you how to present yourself effectively to potential employers and postgraduate course providers; will show you how to find work experience and plan your career. Ultimately the courses will enhance your employability when you graduate.

Further information

For further information about the Online Professional Skills courses, have a look at our FAQs below. If you still have questions, please email online-careerscourse@abdn.ac.uk

Professional Skills courses for Undergraduate students

The courses available to undergraduate students are:

  • PD1002: Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen - covers orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
    • This course is mandatory for all level 1 students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), find it in MyAberdeen.
       
  • PD2002: Building skills and experience for career success (or PD2502 for the second half semester) - covers career planning, finding work experience and articulating your skills and experiences in applications and interviews.
    • This course is optional for level 2 and above, sign up for it via MyCurriculum in the 'Other' tab under 'Professional Development'. Please contact online-careerscourse@abdn.ac.uk if you have any problems signing up.
Professional Skills course for Taught Postgraduate students
  • PD5006: Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (for September start students, PD5506 for January start students)covers orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
    • This course is mandatory for all PgT students. Find it in MyAberdeen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?
PD1002: This course is compulsory for all level 1 students (including articulating students who are in their first year at the University of Aberdeen) and you should automatically be enrolled. Look for it in your MyAberdeen course list.
 
PD2002/PD2502:  This course is available to all level 2 students and above.  Sign up for it via MyCurriculum in the 'Other' tab under 'Professional Development'.  Please contact online-careerscourse@abdn.ac.uk if you have any problems signing up. 
 
PD5006: This course is compulsory for all September-start taught Postgraduate students (PgT) and you should automatically be enrolled. Look for it in your MyAberdeen course list.
 
PD5506: This course is compulsory for all January-start taught Postgraduate students (PgT) and you should automatically be enrolled. Look for it in your MyAberdeen course list.
I have already completed PD2001/2501 and would like to do PD3001/3501, what are my options?

We have combined PD2001/2501 and PD3001/3501 into a new course: PD2002/2502. You should be able to sign up to PD2002/2502 but if not, please email us and we will sign you up. Once you are signed up, email us to let us know and we will accredit the parts that made up the former PD2001, leaving just the PD3001 elements to complete.

 

What do I need to do to complete each course?

Each course has a set of prescribed learning outcomes around which the course content has been designed.  The course is delivered entirely online and contains a range of activities, quizzes and assessed exercises for you to complete. At the end of each course you must complete a quiz which you need to pass.  The quiz can be taken multiple times if necessary, and you can continue to access the course materials to help you.

How long will each course take?

You work through the course materials at your own pace and each course takes a total of around 5-6 hours to complete. You do not need to complete it in one sitting.

How do I access the courses?

The courses are delivered entirely online via MyAberdeen. The courses can be accessed from anywhere via any device.

Can I get help and support during the courses?

You can email us at any time and we will aim to answer within 3 working days: online-careerscourse@abdn.ac.uk. Alternatively, visit us in the Careers and Employability Service (2nd floor of the Students' Union building) during office hours.