RCA Training Logistics
This web page contains logistical information about the format and timings of the River Condition Assessment. We share a more detailed Pre-Course Information Pack with delegates two weeks before the start of the course.
Structure and Syllabus #
The course follows a 6 week programme, starting with self-led learning and practical exercises for the first 4 weeks.
The course syllabus is divided into four “components” listed below.
Components 1 to 3 are mostly self-led. You’ll need to do a site visit some time in weeks 1 to 4, which can be at a time and to a site of your choosing. There are also mandatory video calls with your trainer in weeks 5 and 6. The dates of these calls will be confirmed 2 weeks before the course start date.
A final field assessment (Component 4) is required to complete the full qualification. This can be completed any time in the 6 weeks following the end of the course (weeks 7 to 12).
Component 1: The MoRPh Field Survey #
Self‑Led, Weeks 1–4
- MoRPh field survey fundamentals
- Field trial and test of the MoRPh method
- Uploading and downloading field data
- Joining MoRPh data to generate condition indicators
Component 2: The River Type Desk Study #
Self-Led, Weeks 3–4
- River Type desk study
- Joining MoRPh and River Type data for Preliminary Condition Score
- Considering river shape and connectivity
Component 3: Assessing River Condition #
Instructor-Led, Weeks 5-6
- Final Condition Scores
- Forecasting post‑intervention outcomes
- 2 × 2‑hour group sessions and 2 × 20‑minute 1‑to‑1s
Component 4: Final Assessment #
Self-Led, Week 7+
- Calibration Test Survey
- Baseline RCA assessment
Timetable #
Components 1 to 3 are taught over a 6 week period from the course start date. The programme is equivalent to 2 full days of CPD training. The components consist of self-directed learning supported by four online, live sessions with your trainer. You must attend all of these sessions to complete the course.
The four live sessions are:
- A 2-hour group conference and a 20-minute one-to-one session at the end of week 5.
- A 2-hour group conference and a 20-minute one-to-one session at the end of week 6.
Detailed dates and times for these sessions will be made available in the Pre-Course Information Pack.
After this 6 week teaching period has been completed, you’ll have an additional 6 weeks to complete your final assessment for Component 4.
Site Visits #
You’ll need to do two site visits during the course:
- In Component 1 you’ll need to do a trial site visit to a site of your choosing. You can do this visit any time in the first 4 weeks of the course. Expect to allocate around 3 hours to this activity (subject to proximity and transport).
- In Component 4 you’ll need to do a second site visit. This must be to one of ~26 “calibration sites” spread across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, where we’ve already collected data. Expect to allocate a full day to this activity.
Welcome Pack #
Delegates will receive a “welcome pack” by email two weeks before the start of the course. This includes a log in for two web applications used in the course:
- The course web site provides access to teaching material, practicals, videos, and live sessions.
- Our data management site, Cartographer , is used to record field data and calculate outputs.
More detailed logistical information is available to delegates on the course web site.