Nature and Ethos of IGDS

The IGDS in process automation comprises a suite of modules within the framework of an MSc degree, organised on a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) basis.  The Scheme has the following essential characteristics:  :

• organised on a part-time modular basis (one week blocks) to meet the needs of the sector nationally.
• typically aged 25 to 50, delegates have often made a career move into process automation after gaining experience in other fields, and are mostly sponsored by their companies.
• all delegates are treated equally, whether registered for MSc/Diploma or under IGDS modules for CDP purposes.
• strong applications emphasis throughout, with approximately one quarter of lectures being given by industrialists.
• healthy balance between breadth and depth, technique and technology, conventional and modern, theory and practice, information and understanding, etc.  Detailed course notes provided for every module.
• intensive tuition in relatively small groups of delegates with similar interests (process automation) but different backgrounds (suppliers, contractors, end-users) which makes for good quality interaction with lecturers and between delegates.
• emphasis is on teaching rather than lecturing: a typical module includes presentations, demonstrations, discussion (and argument), problem solving, case studies, practical work and simulation exercises..
• a variety of modules, all optional, which cater for delegates’ different backgrounds (chemical, electrical, instrumentation, etc) and enable them to steer a route through the Scheme according to their interests, needs and career direction.
• there is a population of delegates (concept of cohorts is inappropriate) all doing their own combinations of modules with different start dates and progressing at different rates.
• the time scale for completion (maximum of five years) is consistent with delegates doing 2-3 modules per year which, realistically, is as much time/cost as most companies are willing to sponsor them for.
• every module is assessed by means of a written examination and an assignment, the latter being equivalent to another week’s work and done in delegates’ own time.  The examination and assignment are weighted equally.
• the MSc culminates in an industrial project, equivalent to three months effort done during works time, of relevance to the delegate’s sponsoring company.