LOCSU’s Leadership Skills for Optical Professionals, is a 20-credit postgraduate module, and part of WOPEC’s MSc programme at Cardiff University.
The module has produced many successful candidates who are now leading the development of primary eyecare services in Primary Eyecare Companies and LOCs, as LOC Officers, as Clinical Governance and Performance Leads, Clinical Directors and Leads, as LOCSU Advancement Leads and in Local Eye Health Networks.
This course is designed to enable the practising optical professional to become an effective leader at local and national level within the optical sector through the support and development of LOCs and LEHNs, building effective strategic networks, influencing policy makers and enhancing eye health services for patients.
It provides an understanding of current leadership models and theoretical approaches and will give delegates the background knowledge and practical skills that will equip them to provide leadership in the optical sector.
The LOCSU Leadership Module is open to Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians who are FBDO qualified (Level 6) or who are BSc qualified.
Applications For 2024 Course
We are delighted to announce that LOCSU will be funding up to 10 places on the 2024 cohort. We are particularly interested to hear from optical professionals who meet the following:
- LOC officers or committee members with a keen interest in leadership and supporting their optical community
If you would like to be considered for a funded place, please complete the application form and return it via your LOC Chair to info@locsu.co.uk
Your LOC must indicate your suitability as a candidate and explain what role you can play in the LOC following successful participation of the module.
Closing Date for Applications
The closing date for applications is planned for Monday 18 December at 12pm.
Interviews will be held on Zoom on 3 and 4 January 2024.
Key Dates and Activities
The course begins in earnest on March 4 and final essay submission completes the course on Friday 21 June (10am).
Course dates and mandatory content:
Monday 4 March 2024 – Induction week
Monday 11 March 2024 – Week 1 summative coursework (blogs) commences – 1st one due 17 March and weekly thereafter
Tuesday 12 March 2024 – Introductory webinar, 8pm
Thursday 11 April 2024 or Wednesday 17 April 2024 – Webinar, 7.30pm
Monday 22 April 2024 – Practical (contact days in London) all day, mandatory
Tuesday 23 April 2024 – Practical (contact days in London) all day, mandatory
Friday 26 April 2024 – Submission of essay plan, submit by 10am
Wednesday 1 May 2024 or Tuesday 7 May 2024 or Wednesday 8 May 2024 – Zoom call 1-1 for essay plan refinement, 7pm with tutor (30 mins)
Friday 7 June 2024 – Leader blog submission, submit by 10am
Friday 21 Jun 2024 – Summative written coursework, submit by 10am
The Assessment Requirements Are Detailed Below
This module will be assessed in two ways:
- Coursework blogs which is 50% of your final mark.
- An essay assignment which is 50% of your final mark.
Blogs
- Your leader coursework blogs will be 50% of your final mark. You will be required to write a weekly blog, with a minimum of ten blogs (one to be an essay plan) which are spread out over the period of the course between March and June (12 weeks). Six of your choice will count as 50% of your final mark (A maximum of two weeks between any given blogs is expected in this final selection). Feedback will be provided to each student on each blog post to support continuous improvement
Blogs will be marked using the following assessment criteria:
Reflection on Content and Practice
- Your blog needs to demonstrate that you have reflected on the leadership topics covered within the course and your application of the content to your own leadership role/s in the optical sector. We expect to see some progression of ideas and confidence in relating your thinking to your leadership role/s over the course of the module
- You need to be posting at least one blog per week during the course
Writing Style
- The blog needs to be written in an engaging style which communicates your message and leadership role/s
Essay Assignment (1500 Words +/- 10%)
You can choose any topic from the leadership course to explore further in your assignment. We are looking for evidence of practical application in your assignment, this could be via participation in your LOC or employer meetings/working groups or leading a project for your LOC or employer.
- You attend a meeting to discuss a commissioning/business opportunity for your LOC/employer.Use your assignment to critically analyse the strategies discussed and your contribution.
- You volunteer to lead a group for your LOC/employer. Use your assignment to reflect on your leadership of the group, the team dynamics and any outcomes achieved.
- Lead a piece of work for your LOC/employer on one of the following: succession planning, developing talent through coaching and mentoring, engagement with stakeholders.
Assignment Criteria
This is a written essay in which you will be expected to critically analyse the key concepts and literature you discuss. You also need to demonstrate practical application of the ideas you discuss within one of your leadership roles.
If you have any questions about the content of the course, then please contact info@locsu.co.uk
Please submit your completed form and covering letter via your LOC Chair who should explain why you are a suitable candidate and what role you can play in the LOC following successful completion of the Leadership Skills module to info@locsu.co.uk