Professional Development Institution
Overview
The Professional Development Institute (PDI) was established to enable the University to respond more efficiently and effectively to market demand for professional training. PDI offers professional courses and programmes for early and mid-career professionals, pre-professionals, and those who have an interest in or aptitude for but have not had any formal training in an area. PDI courses and programmes equip the student with the knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes that are relevant and current. They are grounded in the foundations of the discipline, profession, or occupation, but tilt more towards practice than theory, and help the student step seamlessly from the classroom into the workspace.
How PDI Tailors Learning to Your Needs
PDI also designs, develops, and delivers courses and programmes in response to the expressed needs of institutions. These bespoke programmes are tailored to respond to the specific context, aspirations and operations of the client-institution. The Professional Development Institute offers courses organised in three Terms. Each Term runs for twelve to fourteen weeks, as follows: mid-September to mid-December; mid-January to mid-April; and mid-May to mid-August. The dates for specific courses are indicated on the course flyer below. The course schedules are posted just prior to the start of the course. Courses are conducted on Zoom or face-to-face (residential and non-residential). Payment for each programme must be completed before the course ends, in order to receive the credential. Students may request to go on a payment plan to facilitate their on-time payments.
Upcoming PDI Courses

Special Education for Professionals
Course Description
Special Education for Professionals is a course that is delivered within a span of 6 modules from September 2025 – March 2026. Classes will be held virtually on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5 pm-8 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This is an omnibus programme that recognises that meeting the learning needs of children and adolescents requires input from multiple sectors and disciplines, as well as several professionals. It provides participants with a clear understanding of the dimensions of special education, helping them identify and develop their skills in areas of responsibility that complement and relate to the duties of others.

Designing Inclusive Environments (Practical Accessibility In Public Spaces)
Course Description
Designing Inclusive Environments (Practical Accessibility in Public Spaces is a short course that is delivered within 4 weeks. Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5 pm – 8 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This programme will explore physical accessibility within the built environment, focusing on universal design principles, compliance requirements, practical accessibility strategies, as well as a virtual audit and case study.

Proposal Writing
Course Description
Proposal Writing is a short course that will be delivered in the span of 4 weeks. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 pm – 8 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This course equips participants with a sound understanding of the strategies, techniques, and ‘best’ practices necessary to effectively secure funding for non-profit organizations and community initiatives in the current highly competitive globalized environment. Participants learn how to conceptualize, plan, and develop compelling proposals that articulate the mission, goals, and impact of their projects.

Grant Application Development
Course Description
Grant Application Development is a short course that is delivered in the span of 6 weeks. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm – 7 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive field of grant writing. It provides participants with a sound understanding of the strategies, techniques, and ‘best’ practices necessary to effectively secure funding for innovation, R&D, and research projects. Working in teams, participants will work on real-time opportunities.

Report Writing
Course Description
Report Writing is a short course that is delivered in the span of 4 weeks. Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5 pm – 8 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This course equips participants with the fundamentals of reporting – purpose, objectives, and requirements, diverse modalities for reporting, and effective writing. It also addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of the reporting.

Meeting Special Education Needs
Course Description
Meeting Special Education Needs through Technology is a short course that is delivered in the span of 4 weeks. Classes are held on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 5 pm – 8 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This course explores the use of technology to support learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) across educational and support settings. Participants will examine a range of digital tools, including assistive software, adaptive hardware, and emerging technologies such as AI, that promote inclusion, accessibility, and personalized learning. Special emphasis will be placed on platforms like Q-global and Q-interactive for assessment, as well as productivity and learning tools such as Google Workspace and Zoom for instructional delivery and collaboration.

Real Estate Finance
Course Description
Real Estate Finance is a short course that is delivered in a span of 5 weeks. Classes are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6 pm – 8 pm AST.
Aim of the course
This course addresses the fundamental concepts of real estate finance. It provides a framework for understanding the flow of funds into various real estate markets, and financing costs can be calculated and evaluated. The course will provide students with practical knowledge of various financing options, their costs and benefits, and provide an introduction to the financial analysis of real estate investments.
Contact Us:
Reach the PDI:
Telephone: (868) 662-2241, (868) 612-4872 (ext 1051)
Whatapp: (868) 471-7272
Email Address: pdi@usc.edu.tt
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Closed on public holidays.