Personal Development Planning (PDP)
Northampton's Unified Personal and Academic Development (NUPAD)
Are your students aware of the value of their skills and can they present them effectively?
Do they make the most of opportunities to prepare for next steps?
What are the benefits of PDP/NUPAD processes and how do they contribute to employability?
The benefits to learners of recording, reviewing and reflecting processes have been recognised in the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) policy guidelines to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on supporting and embedding PDP/NUPAD for all students. PDP/NUPAD is designed to promote an individual's awareness and articulation of what and how they are learning, to increase their ability to set clear goals, and to take responsibility for their own learning, thus aiding progression and achievement. It is a tool for academic success, but the attributes it fosters are also crucial for continuing professional development, lifelong learning, and successful career management. Activities supporting PDP/NUPAD therefore make a real contribution to enhanced employability, and help foster student engagement.
Core support resources are now located in the PDP module on NILE and the PDP external site. Resources include subject specific material for fifteen discipline areas, and a set of twenty core templates within MyPAD e-portfolio.
Very Easy Guide to PDP staff resource
This guide for academic staff has been produced to give you all the information you will need in one place. It includes the pedagogical background to personal and professional development together with practical ideas and bite-sized activities for subject teams to integrate support for all levels. Also outlined are current developments in the use of e-portfolio.
PDP practice across The University
Download examples of PDP practice in different subject areas.
Evaluation of PDP
Download analysis of feedback from students.
Find out more
PDP/NUPAD support at Northampton sits within the Careers and Employability Service
If you would like to find out more about PDP/NUPAD for students please contact: pdp@northampton.ac.uk.
If you would like to find out more about MyPAD e-Portfolio please contact: eportfolios@northampton.ac.uk.