Oxford Home Study Centre exclusively provides the highest-quality distance learning opportunities for career-focused candidates. This endorsed Level 7 Secretarial Skills Diploma consists of 20 self-paced modules, covering the topics and knowledge areas outlined below:
Module 1 - The Job Functions of a PA / Secretary
The roles and responsibilities of secretaries and PAs are presented and discussed in Module One, with an overview of the daily routine of a professional PA and the primary objectives of PA services.
Module 2 - Telephone Skills
An introduction to the art of good telephone manner follows in Module Two, which takes a look at the types of calls a PA or secretary is expected to handle. Module Two also looks and voicemail etiquette and the professional way to take messages.
Module 3 - Mail Services and Shipping
Shipping and mail services are discussed at length in Module Three, highlighting the factors that must be considered when choosing appropriate mail services for specific shipments. The pros and cons of Royal Mail compared to alternative shipping services are also discussed.
Module 4 - Travel Arrangements
Module Four examines the potential challenges associated with making travel arrangements on behalf of someone else, with a complete checklist of information that must be gathered prior to making a booking. The benefits of working with a reputable travel agent are also discussed.
Module 5 - Organising Meetings
The functions and objectives of several different types of meetings are discussed in Module Five, which also presents a detailed breakdown of the anatomy of a meeting and common challenges encountered when scheduling meetings.
Module 6 - Time Management
Module Six brings the primary principles of effective time management into discussion, with tips for putting an end to procrastination and how to create an effective action plan. The use of activity lists and daily schedules as a PA or Secretary is also discussed.
Module 7 - Keeping Accurate Records
The importance of keeping accurate records is discussed in Module Seven, in which candidates learn how to alphabetise appropriately for filing and indexing. The use of filing cabinets and physical storage systems is also discussed, along with how to keep computer files in order.
Module 8 - Writing Business Letters
The basics of business writing are presented and discussed in Module Eight, which offers a detailed overview of several different types of business letters. Additional topics covered include how to begin and end a business letter, e-mail protocol for administrative assistants and more.
Module 9 - Other Written Communication
Additional tips for writing business letters and other internal/external communications are provided in Module Nine. Topics covered include the functions and objectives of memorandum reports, how to edit and proofread prior to sending, the use of templates and more.
Module 10 - Presentation Skills
Module 10 examines the art of putting on a high-impact presentation, highlighting the importance of preparation and thorough planning. Tips for starting and ending a presentation the right way are provided, along with how to use visual aids effectively as part of a presentation.
Module 11 - Communication Skills
A look at communication skills for the professional PA or secretary follows in Module 11, which also examines the relationship between communication and customer service. Nonverbal communication is also brought into discussion, covering both body language and facial expressions.
Module 12 - Active Listening
Candidates then consider the criticality of advanced listening skills in the field of professional secretarial services, with activities and exercises for becoming a better listener. The basics of active listening and an outline of the communication process are also presented.
Module 13 - Administrative Skills
Module 13 takes a look at the contemporary business environment, outlining the most important administrative duties handled by secretaries and PAs. Candidates are also familiarised with the concept of social responsibility in business, while assessing the objectives of a workplace code of ethics.
Module 14 - Office Management & Supervision
Module 14 takes a look at the duties and responsibilities of the office manager, highlighting the importance of confident leadership skills. Tips and guidelines for building trust within a team are also presented, alongside a series of typical ethical issues to overcome in the workplace.
Module 15 - Budgets and Managing Money
A look at the budgeting and financial management responsibilities of the professional PA follows, with emphasis on the importance of educated and informed decision-making. The different types of budgets a PA or secretary may be required to manage are also discussed.
Module 16 - Dealing with Difficult People and Conflict Resolution
Module 16 presents and discusses some of the most common causes of conflict in the workplace, along with how communication holds the key to successful dispute resolution. General tips and guidelines for dealing with difficult people and staying calm in challenging situations are also provided.
Module 17 - Business Ethics for the Office
The role ethics play in successful office management and wider business management is discussed in Module 17, which along with a look at philosophical approaches to ethics also looks at the diplomatic way to deal with a variety of common ethical dilemmas.
Module 18 - Business Etiquette
Business etiquette from the perspective of a PA or secretary follows in Module 18, with tips and guidelines for appropriate conduct in a number of everyday scenarios. Potential challenges and opportunities associated with business dining events are also discussed.
Module 19 - Effective Planning and Scheduling
Module 19 provides an introduction to the use of the work breakdown structure, with tips and guidelines for breaking larger tasks down into manageable chunks. The core principles of effective project planning are also discussed, alongside a look at the basics of risk management.
Module 20 - Microsoft Office Skills
The final module provides a crash-course introduction to the use of Microsoft Office and its three most widely-used applications - MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Excel. A step-by-step guide to performing essential everyday tasks with each of these three applications is provided.
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