The course takes place over four days (normally one day per week) and involves lectures, discussion and practical exercises. This is followed by an online multiple choice test and a project (both to be completed within 20 working days) to achieve the certificate.
As part of the individual study, candidates must complete four short homeworks for each element of the syllabus detailed below - these do not count towards the exam but develop the candidate's skills in preparation for the course project.
|
Class Time |
4 days |
Homework and Revision |
20 hours |
Online MCQ |
1 hour |
Project Time |
20 working days |
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Day 1
|
THE PROCESS
- What is information?
- Dealing with Requests
- Finding Information
- Handling Complaints
- FOISA and EI(S)Rs Differences
|
Day 2
|
KEY CONCEPTS
- Environmental Information
- The Public Interest Test
- Substantial Prejudice
- GDPR and Privacy
- Confidentiality
|
Day 3
|
EXEMPTIONS (1) AND ENFORCEMENT
- FOISA Absolute Exemptions
- EI(S)R Exceptions
- Proactive Disclosure
- Publication Schemes
- The Scottish Information Commissioner
|
Day 4
|
EXEMPTIONS (2) AND RM
- Qualified Exemptions
- Records Management
- Copyright
- Datasets
- Re-Use Regulations
|
Assessment
|
ONLINE TEST (30 marks)
- 30% weighting
- 30 MCQ
- 1 hour
- Open book
PROJECT (70 marks)
- 70% weighting
- 20 working days to complete
- Open book
GRADING
- Minimum 50% in both elements
- Final Calculated Grade: Total mark for both elements
- Pass 50%, Merit 65%, Distinction 80%
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