Robert Gordon University’s Aberdeen Business School and AVC Business Centre are launching a unique series of Masters level one day courses which will bridge the gap between academic learning and industry, starting with Project Management within the Communications Industry, on Friday 28 August 2009.

These Master classes will be delivered jointly through commercial partnership between academia and industry professionals and will be useful to those in management positions or progressing to this level, with a degree or relevant work experience. People who have not studied for some time, or those wishing to gauge their abilities at postgraduate level, would benefit from this ‘taster’ course.

The inaugural Master class in Project Management within the Communications Industry will be delivered by University lecturers and industry professionals through a combination of presentations, activities and case study workshops at AVC’s state of the art Business Centre. The communications content is consistent with the University’s MSc Corporate Communication & Public Affairs, and will be delivered by an accredited Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) practitioner. Delegates will also receive expert project management tuition, equipping them with the skills to input models, theories and practiced techniques straight into their every day working environments. This will give delegates a competitive advantage in the currently challenging employment market.

The Master class programme will support Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and give an insight into key management subjects such as project management, budgeting, economics, HR management, leadership and change, business strategy and marketing communications. Delegates will also have the opportunity to carry out an optional assessed assignment which will be graded by the University’s academic staff to test their level of academic ability.

Professor Rita Marcella, Dean of Aberdeen Business School, said: ‘Working within the communications field can be challenging and fast paced. Professionals can benefit from this Masters level training when reacting to news, incidents, economic pressures, new innovations and technology, as well as being able to demonstrate the ability to project manage and ensure the high standard and timely delivery of a communications strategy.

‘These Master classes are a coup for the North east. Delegates would normally have to travel to the central belt, if not London, to attend one-day courses of this calibre. They are also unique in that they will give delegates the opportunity to ‘test the waters’ in postgraduate study and are an excellent opportunity for both companies to provide their employees with Masters level training, and for individuals who want to update their CV with short courses that will enhance their skills immediately in these uncertain economic times.’

Simone Barnett, Head of AVC’s Business and Training Centre commented: ‘The AVC Business Centre is delighted to partner Robert Gordon University throughout these unique and highly valuable Master Class taster sessions, providing a real opportunity for delegates to experience the cross-over between academia and the business world. We are looking forward to the development of a fuller Master class programme, assessing delegate’s business needs to help progress their careers and give them that leading edge.

‘We are also looking for suggestions for topics for our next Master class course. If you think you or members of your team would benefit from a particular business-related short course then please let us know.’

The Master class, which costs £295 and includes lunch and refreshments, will be held at AVC Business Centre, Altens. For further information, or if you would like to attend, contact 01224 248007 or info@avcmedia.com