Accredited Level 3 Diploma in Personal Assistant (P.A.) Skills

This diploma is designed to show you the life of working within the office environment. You will learn to develop new skills and improve on existing ones. The course is designed for those who wish to develop PA Skills and to develop knowledge and understanding of the subject and supporting role within an organisation. On the course you will study a variety of different areas from the role of a PA to reviewing communication and relationship skills, using technology, management skills as well as recruitment process and professional behaviours.

Learning Objectives

• Students will have an opportunity to evaluate and interpret case studies.
• To review Information, Communication and Technology including event and meeting planning. This will include minute taking.
• Look at different forms of communication and how we can adapt this on occasions.
• A review of the recruitment process and interview practices of an organisation and how to produce a job specification and advert.
• The course encourages the development of personal skills in relation to how they are used to support an organisation.

This course consists of ten units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE/ABC) that hallmarks this professional qualification.

Assessment Objectives (AO)

AO: 1

Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.

AO: 2

Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.

Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In addition, OLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.

Course Syllabus

The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:

Unit 1: The Role of a PA

In this unit, you will review the role of a PA within an organisation. You will be expected to carry out and develop PS skills through goal setting to build confidence and self esteem. This unit explores health and safety considerations and protocols within the professional environment.

Unit 2: Communication

The unit explores how to communicate effectively within the professional environment. This will cover body language, eye contact, listening skills, telephone skills and body language.

Unit 3: Information, Communication and Technology

The unit helps the student to explore different types of software and computer equipment. It will review how to create and use a variety of software such as word processing, formatting, graphics, spreadsheet construction creating databases and presentation software. You will practice skills and processes outlined in this unit which will fort part of the end unit assessment.

Unit 4: Presentations and Social Media

This unit helps the student to compile ad research presentations. You will learn how to present yourself during presentations and how the influence of social media is used within the role of a PA. You will discuss social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedln.

Unit 5: Organisation and Management

In this unit you will be exploring management and organisation of workloads taking into account Time Management, Prioritising Work, Managing Stress and Developing organisations Skills.

Unit 6: Meeting and Event Planning

How we prepare for meetings, arrange them and prepare for them. You will include Location, Agenda, Attendees, Supporting documentation and Budgets.

Unit 7: Meetings and Minute Taking

How do use minutes from meetings, why do we require these and what information can we gain from them? You will look at the process of minute taking and technological aids as well as what to do once your meeting has ended.

Unit 8: Recruitment Process

As a PA within an organisation you will be involved in the recruitment process. This will involve your reviewing the recruitment process, , record keeping, interview techniques, reviewing applicants CV’s and arranging assessment days for potential employees.

Unit 9: Human Resources and Relationships

This module is looking at the process of managing relationships n the professional environment including how to interpret case studies and take action upon the results. You will review Handling sensitive information, Confidentiality and Employee Rights

Unit 10: Managing Professional Conflict

In this final unit we continue to review the role of a PA in relation to potential and professional conflicts and dealing with both clients and fellow employees. You will look at conflict in both verbal and non-verbal forms in a way of developing your own solutions.

Assessment

The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations. Through assessment you will cover certain criteria such as:

• Theoretical Knowledge/ Understanding
• Practical Implications
• Integration of Theory and Practice.

Assignments

The course has TWO Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA); which are graded: Pass or Fail. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. Your grade will depend upon if the criteria set ha been met and the decision of your tutor. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.

Study Hours (Per Unit)

Approximately: 20 hours personal study time per unit, which is supported by the ODL Course Tutor, but we greatly encouraged students to access support from their tutor throughout the course.

Qualification

The whole course MUST be completed and both assignments graded PASS to gain the “Oxford Learning College Level Three Diploma in Personal Assistant Skills”

Course Fee: £850.00 Fees can be paid by installments.


Quality Assurance

This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees. It is also part of the College’s validated level three Diplomas’, recognised internationally, as verified and moderated Centre for Interactive Education (CIE) and ABC Awards. Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.

Anyone wishing to work as a P.A.

Entry to this level three course requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.

The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education.

Personal Assistant (P.A.), Senior Administrative Executive, Office Manager.