Posted By David P Johnson
I'm looking at doing the Level 4 Diploma in September with the Rapid Results College. If anyone has sstudied with these and completed their diploma/certificate, and would either reccomend or advise against using them, please let me know.

(I've posted this here as opposed to Study Support because I'm aiming for the advice of the qualified!)

Thanks, David

Posted By David Muldoon
Sorry to hijack the thread here but Nick, are there any plans within RRC to run a bridging course between Part 1 and the new Level 4?

Posted By Nick Higginson
David

Yes, RRC do have a bridging course. The distance learning price is £1950 inc. VAT + P&P.


Steven

Drop stephen.rothwell@rrc.co.uk an email and he will give you details on Level 4 Diploma.

Kind regards

Nick

Posted By Nick Higginson
Following the previous post, I need to point out some facts. Please note that these are facts, I will refrain from expressing opinions as they will get me in trouble. As I studied with RRC (and achieved distinctions in both Parts 1 and 2 of NEBOSH Diploma), and now work for them on a freelance basis, I feel that I am in a good position to present facts, rather than hearsay.

1. Assignments are NEVER sent to a tutor who is not a tutor assigned to that module. Tutors are selected as any other HSE Professional is selected by a rigorous recruitment procedure involving CV submission, interview etc. Tutor details also have to be forwarded to NEBOSH as part of accreditation documentation. All tutors are experts in health and safety with appropriate qualifications and experience i.e. phD, MSc, BSc, RSP, MIOSH, MIIRSM, Dip2.OSH, etc. etc.

2. Assignments are not only seen by one marker - they are marked, then sent to a verifier, and also sometimes verified by NEBOSH. So 2 or 3 people see the assignment to make sure the marking is consistent. If people are referred, it is generally because the assignment was not good enough. Of course, there are times when marks are borderline, or there is a disagreement between marker and verifier (as with any reputable course). In these cases, there is a robust appeals procedure which is entirely just and fair. Any suggestion otherwise is a violation of guideline 3 of the acceptable use guidelines of these forums, and it wouldn't surprise me if it instigated legal action from RRC.

3. Of course, distance learning has always presented problems, but the days of receiving some folders through the post have gone. RRC offer many services beyond many face to face providers e.g. e-learning, excellent course notes, access to a range of tutors rather than one, free access to HSE direct, student newsletters etc. I must also point out that RRC does not only offer distance learning - it has developed blended learning and block release courses as well. All of this is reflected in pass rates - they not only match, but surpass many face to face providers.

4. There is not one tutor who is only available from 6.30 til 7.30 three days a week.

5. Pass rates and student feedback indicate that RRC is one of the best providers.

Kind regards

Nick

Posted By Robert Wise
Hi David,

I must say that the RRC are good course providers but equally, having studied with them also, can appreciate what Freddy has said. I felt that it was a very isolating couse with little support. I didn't know my tutor at all and they always seemed a little rushed, and I also had tutors that were only available for a couple of hours for a couple of days despite what was said on the availablity sheet. I also felt that there was inconsistencies with the marking with some tutors not marking assignments fully, often pulling out points which went against their own guidelines. and the second marker clearly had not read the assignment at all!

I can appreciate that some people have very positive experiences of their course provider, but eqaully it is important to acknowledge that although the RRC do provide an excellent course base and have very good pass rates (well better then many others) that not all of the students are necessarily getting the same level of committment from their tutors or assignment markers.

I also know a couple of the tutors and given the rates of pay that they receive it is not surprising that there are inconsistencies.

Please note that this is my opinion. I wouldn't want the RRC instigating legal action against me, but this isn't somthing that I haven't raised with them before.

Bob

In addition, as with any distance learning course there are strict criteria with regards to deadlines and the lack of human contact makes this seem even more isolating.

Posted By Robert Wise
Nick,

I find your comments extremely offensive and down-values my personal experience with the RRC, which I felt was valid to the initial thread.

How dare you suggest that I am in some way colluding with another forum member. I am sorry if you don't agree with my opinion and can not value my experience, but it is exactly that.

I haven't broken any confidences, and I think it is more than relevant that if you are paying a person as little as £12.00 to mark an assignment then it is hardly surprising that they may not spend the time that you would wish them to on it.

I am sorry that you don't value my opinion but please don't drag me into you childish squabbles with another forum member.

Bob

Posted By Robert Wise
Nick,

It is the assumption that you made which I find highly unprofessional. It is not a state secret the amount that RRC tutors are paid, all you have to do is apply for a tutors position, this is not breakling any confidences or putting any particular tutors pay and conditions into the public domain.

This is detracting from the thread and I guess if you are a tutor, as you said, your possibly defensive and offensive attitude can only reinforce my EXPERIENCE of RRC tutors. I was not making a complaint, as you put it, merely passing on my experience as the initial thread requested. I think it is important that potential students enquiring about particular course are given the full benefit of members experience rather than purely those from an RRC employee whose opinion may well be bias.

I am pleased that you have had a good experience with the RRC and I am sure that there are many others who have an equally good experience, however, this thread is not about you, it is about David having as much information to make an informed decision. it is up to David to decide whether to any of the points in this thread have value to him.

Bob

Posted By Gary Fallaize
Whilst I have no objection to people sharing their experiences (a useful exercise for both RRC and potential students), this thread does seem to be getting a little lost and as it is appearing under my company’s name, would like to put some of the facts straight.

Distance learning programmes are not suitable for everybody. They involve self-managed learning which requires the student to have good self-discipline in meeting the objectives they set for themselves. RRC’s role is to provide all the support the student may need during the course to help them achieve their goals. To this end, a team of around twenty tutors are available by phone and e-mail (with at least 4 available every evening) and we also provide tutor-moderated online forums. It is, however, up to the student to call on these services when they need them.

There are a lot of research and resources on learning styles available and I would suggest that anybody considering undertaking a substantive course of study by any method does some basic research on what method of training is best suited to them.

To address some specific points running through the thread, specifically relating to the NEBOSH Diploma Part 1 and 2, although similar systems apply to all of our courses:

1) All of our tutors are highly qualified, have relevant experience and are approved by NEBOSH to tutor on the programme.
2) The tutors’ pay rates is not a discussion I can get involved in but does not have any bearing on the quality of the tutors (if the rates were so bad tutors would simply not work for us). The information on specific rates is not correct.
3) The quality of tutors is monitored and any shortcomings addressed by relevant training and, if necessary, suspension. Any complaints received are reviewed thoroughly and if the student is not happy with the way RRC deal with it, they are encouraged; to contact the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council who will provide independent arbitration. Regrettably the vast majority of the complaints we receive arise from students disappointment in their own performance. Whilst I have sympathy with the disappointment, it is difficult to address complaints made many months after the event.
4) The case of the same test being submitted twice and receiving different grades is interesting as our system does not permit the same assignment to be logged twice for the same student (which would imply that there may have been irregularities).
5) Stories of marking discrepancies are rife and despite investigations we have rarely found a substantive issue. If we give an assignment to three different tutors, we will get three different marks (all within 3/4 marks of each other) and if this is on the edge of a grade boundary, it can affect the final grade. However, we have a rigorous system of internal verification where every marked assignment is reviewed by a senior tutor. NEBOSH then sample these assignments to check that they agree.
6) The system for assignments is not satisfactory and I have every sympathy with students awaiting results. The process of marking and internally verifying assignments by RRC normally takes 2 to 3 weeks but at peak times of the year, it can take longer and there are occasional issues resulting from staff illness which again can add delay. The key problem RRC face is the large number of students who get behind with assignments and then submit them in the run up to the exam (we appear to receive 50% of all assignments in a 12 week period which is a logistical challenge), although, of course, we understand that this is when our help is most needed.
Once we have processed the assignments the marks are sent to NEBOSH who will then either approve them or request that we submit them for verification, which can take a further 2 to 10 weeks.

My final point is that RRC has more successful NEBOSH Diploma Part 1 and 2 students than any other provider. Our pass rates are above average, with Part 2 being well above average. Our drop out rates are also far better than most distance learning providers and are comparable with FE and HE.

If anybody would like to contact me on any specific issues I will be more than happy to discuss further.


Gary
RRC MD

Posted By Jasonjg
I am using RRC at the moment and am one of the guilty people who will probably be handing in all my assignments at once (sorry).

I like their material and if I call them I have gotten through to someone immediately.

Only needed to call them twice, one for a confirmation about a particular assignment and another about an extension time for my course.

Got my results and am now back on track.

I would have loved it, if RRC could have done their CD course notes, so I could use a speech program to read them aloud, but document protection prevented this, which is understandable.

Maybe you guys would really crack the market by doing audio versions, as the technology is there now i.e. DVD. Actually going slightly off topic but is there any audio versions of these courses anywhere?

Anyway

I am glad I chose them and recommend them.

Posted By Peter J Harvey
I would like to add to the many positive comments made by Nick; I am in a similar position, studied the NEBOSH Diploma Part 1 & 2 with RRC and am now one of the team of Tutors.

I have always found the RRC course materials, tutors and support to be of a very high standard. During my own Diploma studies I was in regular contact with tutors both by email and telephone and also found the e-learning website forums to be of great help. Contact with other students allowed me to take part in a small study group in my local area and make some great contacts. In particular the notes are exceptional, especially when compared to many other course providers, I use them on a regular basis even today.

I think it is also worthwhile mentioning the fact that RRC approached me asking if I would become a part time tutor with them. The aim being to give students access to tutors that had studied the Part 1 & 2 Diploma and were more than aware of the pressure that students are under, especially running up to examination.

Whilst I am sure that that face to face tuition offers many benefits, distance learning can also be exceptionally rewarding and fit in well with both life style, family and trying to hold down full time employment.

As for the comments on rates of pay, inconsistency in tutor marking and lack of access to tutors, these don’t really deserve comment; the results of RRC students in exams paint a very positive picture.

Posted By michael joy
RE RRC as a current RRC student I feel it only fair that I add my opinion to this forum



I have found RRC to be helpful and the tutors that I have spoken to have responded to the questions I have asked.

The revision course was particularly helpful as not only did I learn new things and gain a better understanding of what I thought I already knew but it also gave me the chance to network with likeminded individuals some of which I continue to be in contact with.



It seems to me that lots of people who have answered this forum are under the illusion that a service provider should be somehow responsible for there personal imperfections



The diploma courses are hard, that is why they hold respect in the workplace if they where given out ad hoc who would want them

As with anything in life the harder you work for it the more fulfilling the success gained on achievement



If you personally choose to do the minimum required then you can not expect the service provider to do it for you so blaming them for failure hardly seems fair

At the end of the day it’s all about choice

Do don’t do its up to the individual to take the choices and make them work for themselves.

Posted By Penny Spencer
Hello David

My attention was drawn to this thread for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I studied for my part 1 with RRC and secondly I am an Open Learning tutor (but not with RRC).

Rachel (who I think has actually answered your question!) is absolutely correct that the question you need to ask yourself is just how good is your self discipline? If you are going to study in this way the only person you are really answerable is yourself, if you decide to stuff your assignment and watch the footy then you can! If you need your structure to be imposed from outside (i.e. to be provded with cut-off dates etc) then this organisation is not for you.

My own experience of RRC was mixed. There has been a lot of advertising by the company (and bear in mind they are a company - their primary objective is to make money) explaining the fabulous support they offer. This was not my experience of them, I often found it difficult to get hold of tutors and found that what info was available relied on individuals knowing that they could ask for it. (For instance there are guides to individual assignments, but they don't give them out unless you specifically ask for them, so if you're not aware that they exist you don't get them. This goes directly against the ethos of open learning as I understand it. I the organisation I work with any information provided to one student must be made available to all.)
They have also made some appalling administrative errors that I am aware of.

To be honest, I think that they try too hard to be too flexible and end up not doing anybody any favours (As I'm sure they are aware when they're overwhelmed with marking just before the exams!) I think this last point goes some way to explain the apparrent inconsitencies in marking.

All this said, if you want complete flexibility and you are prepared to be very proactive in asking for help and determined to get a response to such requests, you'll probably do okay with them.

For my own part, I went to an alternative provider for part 2.

You pay your money and you take your choice....

Hope this helps - Good Luck!

Posted By Danny Swygart
Thanks for your reply Gary.

I take your point about your Tutors.

At least they care and take pride in their work .

Danny.

Posted By Lorraine Shuker
I have read this thread with much interest as I am studying with RRC at the moment.

One point that doesn't seem to have been covered is that the experience of most contributors is studying the Dip part 1 & 2 whereas the original query was for studying the new Diploma 4.

My experience is that no one seemed terribly well prepared for the new Diploma and maybe this says more about NEBOSH than RRC.

Dip 1 and 2 is well known by all the tutors as this is what they studied whereas some seem a little foxed by what NEBOSH are looking for for the Diploma.