Kent Graduate Management College (KGMC) is a learner-centered, international provider of Professional and Academic Programmes.
Are the courses recognised?
Yes. The IPMA is an Internationally Recognized Examining, Licensing and Regulatory Professional Body. Its qualification has been benchmarked and evaluated by the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom - NARIC who have rated the Qualifying Research Project part of the IPMA Professional Qualifying Programme as equivalent to Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ)
Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual's own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level equivalent to a Bachelors degrees with Honours.
Is passing the examinations of the IPMA guaranteed after my studies with Kent Graduate Management College
All students have to submit themselves to the examinations of the IPMA. The IPMA will decide who should pass or fail according to the standards set. Studying with Kent Graduate Management College will be part of the process of success. The rest is entirely in your hands and depends upon your dedication, commitment and a willingness to work to achieve your desired results. Kent Graduate Management College cannot guarantee success.
Is coursework a part of the assessment?
Yes coursework is part of the assessment. Coursework will include assignments, research or other activities as set by your nominated faculty
If I am ill what happens?
All students will be allowed leave of absence during the period of their studies. It must be noted that the programmes have been scheduled to enable students to be prepared for the examinations of the IPMA which are on set dates. If students are unable to complete the study schedules then KGMC will be prepared to allow the student to re-commence their studies for the next period.
Are there any refund of fees?
Kent Graduate Management College are open to consider circumstances outside of the control of the student to merit an application for refund of fees. In general terms there are no refunds of fees paid when the student has commenced their course of studies.
I am not satisfied with my tutor may I ask for a change?
In practical terms we will undertake the necessary investigation and determine the causes of conflict and we will make arrangements to take corrective action. The decision of the Provost is final in this circumstance. There will be no refund of fees if the student decides to withdraw unilaterally.
I do not understand the assignments and material given?
Your nominated faculty tutor is always available to help and communication with him should resolve your difficulties.
I would like to purchase additional books and learning materials?
We can provide this service to you in assisting you in sourcing books and other learning materials. We do not charge a fee for this service, only cost of materials and your requested method of despatch. We accept that some of our students abroad may have difficulty in obtaining these resources. We will be pleased to assist.
I have been late in submitting my assignments
All assignments have to be handed in at set dates and this is a discipline that we insist all our students put into practice. Effective management is also about time management. If you are unable to plan effectively then you are not helping yourself to be an effective manager. Late submission of assignments past the due date will not achieve a higher mark than 50% - the passing mark.
I could not sit the examinations may I continue to do the course again without payment?
If you have been unable to sit the IPMA examinations, you may resit the course again but we regret that you have to make a payment for the service. You have to pay 50% of the published fee for the resit. No additional books or materials previously sent will be given. However any additional or more up to date materials will be given.
I have failed the examination can I enrol to do the next level course?
We will not encourage you to do so because you should complete the level you failed before you undertake additional work and effort to prepare yourself for another level. The IPMA will not allow you to apply as a candidate for the next level. We strongly advise that you complete the failed level first. You can rejoin the course by paying 50% of the published fees for the resit.
I have now completed the examinations and have to undertake the workplace project and the internship. Can Kent Graduate Management College supervise my project?
No. The project is a work place project and should be supervised by your superiors in your work place. The IPMA will be responsible for the assessment of your work place project leading towards your Certified status.
I wish to study in the UK with Kent Graduate Management College . Can you help?
No. We are a specialised Distance Learning organisation and we do not run face to face traditional full time or part time classes.
I have never taken a home study course. Can I really learn by distance learning?
Yes! Every year millions of students are completing home study courses, world wide. Using modern methods, you get to learn in the comfort of your own home. Your instructor is a specialist who will devote his/her entire attention to you and carefully evaluate your progress and provide special help if you need it.
I have been out of school for a long time. Will I have trouble taking your course?
Even if it's been years, you will find KGMC's training methods easy to follow, and fun.
I am in school. Can I take your course at the same time?
We generally discourage scholars from taking our courses while still at school, as your primary concern should be your school studies. However, in special cases, and with your parents' permission, it can be arranged.
How will I stay motivated? Would it not be difficult without a face-to-face tutor and regular classes?
Our courses and study materials have specifically been designed for the distance learning environment. Courses are designed to give you manageable sections at a time to keep you motivated and to promote tutor contact. The study materials are written in clear, simple language with clear objectives, and have activities and examples, self-assessment exercises and tests. We "write the teacher into the study material".
If I experience difficulty with any section of the course, can I get additional assistance?
Certainly. All students have access to our faculty members who will provide you with every possible assistance. They can be contacted telephonically, via email or through our website.
How long will it take me to complete my training?
Generally, each of our programme is structured and scheduled to be completed in 9 months.
Are there any costs beside the tuition fee?
No. Since KGMC run collaborative programmes, tuition fees are all inclusive of IPMA student membership registration fees, textbooks, study manuals, and examination registration fees.
Does KGMC guarantee jobs upon graduation?
No ethical college guarantees students a job. Good and sound training and preparation towards your career objectives is what we provide.
What about finance? Will I be able to afford the course?
You'll find KGMC's fees very reasonable. When you enrol you have the option to pay fees in full, or to pay your fees in instalments.
When do I begin to study?
The best time is when you receive your first study unit which you will use as the basis to develop your study plans. Make a study plan that allows you the time you need to get through the work. Your study plan should schedule the you're your need to spend every day, even if it is only for an hour. You need to prioritise your attention when you study, starting with the most important or difficult sections while you are fresh. Include in your schedule breaks for coffee, a chat or just ten minutes an hour of stretching and breathing exercises. This will get your circulation going, wake you up and help you to concentrate. Put this study plan for easy access e.g. pinning it on a wall and you must stick to it!
It's so difficult to remember everything?
When you open a study unit, look at the contents page to see what each chapter is about. Take your time to absorb what you will be learning, and then focus on one section at a time. Always read the outcomes or learning objectives at the beginning of each study unit or chapter, so you know what you are going to learn before you start. Look carefully at the headings for each section, and see how everything fits together. Do the tasks and self-assessment questions in the study units, as these are designed to consolidate your understanding. Interact with the study material - make notes and highlight the parts you think are the key points. Get a friend or member of your family to ask you questions, so you gain confidence about your grasp of the subject.
Even though I understand everything I read, how do I get it to stick in my mind?
Make your learning personal. We remember things that have meaning to us. Try to make connections or associations in your memory with things that are easy for you to remember. For example, when trying to remember a long list of items, many people take the first letter of each word in the list and create a word that they will remember.
How do I remember so much stuff?
You need to organise the information like a filing system! It is easier to remember a large amount of information if you organise it into smaller categories. Create categories of information and link them together to make sense of the smaller and bigger parts. It is very useful to summarise the content in your own handwriting, by using key points or headings. You can also draw mind maps, charts, and diagrams showing how you understand the sections of work and the way they fit together.
I keep forgetting what I learnt a few minutes before?
Once you have finished learning a section, review it. Go through the activities in the study unit and then try to answer the self-assessment questions – in writing! If you get stuck, it means you need to re-read the section. But at least now you will know where you got stuck and what points you have to concentrate on.
I'm running out of time, but I still have much more to cover and study.
Don't panic. Look at everything you have to study and identify areas that you still do not understand, or are important. Draw yourself a study schedule / roster to cover all these areas and get started. Remember, if you fail an exam, you will simply return the next time with more knowledge and greater understanding.
I think it all makes sense. How can I be sure?
Draw up questions to test yourself on general connections between sections of work as well as details. This will give you a clear idea of the big picture and you will understand how the smaller bits of information fit in. Look at all sections of work that have been covered and don't take chances by leaving things out – that will only damage your complete understanding.
Remember; always treat the tests in the study material that you submit to the College for marking like mini-exams. Give yourself only the time allocated to complete the questions and use them to prepare yourself for the final examination. Once you have completed all the tests successfully in this way, it means you are ready for the final examination.
If I cram the night before an exam, everything should be still fresh in my mind?
It won't. You will not have a clear idea of the big picture, so you will easily be confused by questions and will probably answer incorrectly. Also, you will write about what you remember, instead of answering the question. There are no marks for information that is not asked for or are irrelevant!
What's wrong with studying in bed?
When you get into bed, your mind tells you it is time to sleep, so you won't achieve maximum concentration. Get your mind into study mode in the appropriate setting – at a desk! Also, when you write your exam, your memory will be able to access what you have learned if your study environment is similar to that of the exam. Always try to study seated at a desk or table, and make sure your lighting is sufficient.
I worked through the night on this, and it still doesn't make sense?
When it comes to rest, the mind works in the same way as the body. In the same way that an athlete needs to train regularly and get sufficient sleep before a big event. You need to study regularly and let your mind rest in between this study “exercise”. Don't exhaust yourself mentally by forcing yourself to stay awake all night. You need to give your mind a complete rest before the big day! In the same way your body needs nutrition through good eating habits, so does your mind. Those essential elements of nutrition - protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals – will help to keep you physically and mentally fit.
