Study Here - Postgraduate and Professional - Courses

Introduction

The Postgraduate Certificate in Shared Services is for public sector managers who wish to study shared services and the effective design and management of shared service initiatives in the public sector. Canterbury Christ Church University, in partnership with Shared Service Architects, has established the UK’s first postgraduate qualification in Shared Services.

Organisations in the public sector are looking to achieve budget cuts by sharing core elements of their back office services such as HR, finance and procurement, and this course will provide the knowledge and skills to initiate and develop shared service projects. This valuable postgraduate qualification can be gained in just six months, with the potential to save your employer thousands of pounds.

Content and Structure

The Postgraduate Certificate in Shared Services is a part time, 60 credit, level 7 postgraduate award, consisting of three 20-credit modules.


Module 1: The Essentials of shared services

• The Shared Service Architect’s Highway Code of Shared Services
• The Shared Service Architect’s Toolbox for Building Partnership Trust and Shared Vision
• The Shared Service Architect’s Shared Service Business Case Toolbox

Module 2: Change management and analysis

• Research and analysis methodologies
• Current research and practice in change management
• The impact of change management on shared services

Module 3: Developing a shared service roadmap

• Applying the understanding of the essentials of shared services and change management to shared service settings
• Constructing a detailed “shared services road map” to take their organisation forward

Taught Modules

Module 1: The Essentials of Shared Service Architecture
The first module consists of three taught units that provide the building blocks for the whole programme and introduces the concept of reflective practice as a method of work. The three units are one day seminars:

1. The Shared Service Architect’s Highway Code: What are the regulations and constraints that narrow or enable the choices in shared services?

2. The Shared Service Architect’s Toolbox: 40 tools, techniques and templates for building strong trust and absolute clarity of shared vision between public sector partners in shared services

3. The Shared Service Architect’s Business Case Toolbox: 30+ tools, techniques and templates for developing elements of a shared service business case in-house

As a result of these taught units students will have a sound and systematic understanding of shared services. They will be asked to demonstrate how they intend applying the learning to a current workplace shared service through an evidence portfolio and written assessment.

Module 2: Change Management and Analysis
In the second module, students develop a more conceptual understanding enabling them to identify and critically evaluate current research and practice in the field of change management and its impact in shared services.

This involves a written literature review and a written critical appraisal of 2-3 existing Shared Service initiatives. The appraisal will identify what can be learned from them and applied to the workplace setting of the student.

Module 3: Developing a Shared Services Roadmap
Through this module students will apply their deeper understanding of Shared Service initiatives to their own organisation and construct a detailed plan or ‘road map’ to take their organisation forward along the route of shared services.

Teaching and Learning

It comprises a mix of taught modules, the development of an evidence portfolio demonstrating how students are applying their learning and written assessments. Each module carries 20 Masters level credits.

The taught seminars will be available in various locations across the country with good travel connections. Self-directed learning will be supported through our online distance learning facilities.

Students will be required to produce a portfolio of work, reflecting their learning and application of tools, as well as a critical reflection on the applicability of such tools in their own organisation.

Student Support

The “Course Work Open-House” will enable you to post questions about your coursework at any time and lecturers will feed back to you.

Entry Requirements

Our normal entry requirement for study at postgraduate level is a good honours degree, however consideration will be given where applicants have a professional diploma, or equivalent, at an appropriate level in a relevant subject discipline, or can demonstrate significant professional experience at an appropriate level, together with relevant qualifications.

Candidates without a good honours degree may be subject to an interview with the Programme Director to assess suitability to join the programme.

How to Apply

An application form can be downloaded here.

Further Information

For more programme information please contact:
Dr Wim van Vuuren,
Programme Director,
Canterbury Christ Church University
T: +44 (0) 1227 782118
E: wim.van-vuuren@canterbury.ac.uk

Canterbury Christ Church University Business School