Learner Zone
Providing Opportunities for Progression
What is a Work Based Learning Degree?
Work based learning degrees are designed for people in work, or with work experience and allow you to gain academic credit for your learning at work. They are ideal for people who have gained a lot of knowledge or experience through work but have no academic qualification which recognises this. Work based learning degrees allow you to achieve academic recognition and enhance your career prospects whilst continuing in your present role.
What is different about work-based learning?
A work based learning degree is not a subject in itself. The focus of your learning will be on your working practice and so the subject will be as individual as your work role. Degree programme structures vary, but are usually flexible and focussed on learning at work which means that a work based learning degree may be obtained much faster than on some other part-time learning.
How is a work based learning degree structured?
In most cases you will be able to devise your own degree to suit your own professional needs. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to operate at a graduate level as a reflective practitioner in your own field of practice. Your individualised programme may contain some or all of the following components:
·Credit from prior learning (called APL - Accreditation of Prior Learning)
·Work based (or work related) elements
·Subject specific elements
·Core, key or transferable skills or general subjects
The individualised programme is usually consolidated by the negotiation of a Learning Contract which contains details such as, the modules to be studied, projects to be undertaken, the assessment methodology, timescales etc.
What are the entry requirements?
Work based learning programmes do not usually have traditional entry requirements. The skills necessary to study successfully are taught as part of the course. Most programmes have core modules such as critical thinking, research skills, dissertation and report writing and information technology. However if you choose to take academic modules as part of your planned programme you will need to meet the individual entry requirements for these.
It is necessary that you are working in an environment or have previous experience of a working environment that gives sufficient scope for study. This can be in paid or voluntary work, employed or self-employed. You can ask staff in individual institutions for advice if you are in doubt about your work experience.
Do I have to commit to studying an entire degree?
No. You need 360 credits to be awarded an honours degree; if you choose to stop after 120 credits you will be awarded a Cert HE and after 240 credits you will be awarded a Dip HE. In some institutions you will be awarded a Foundation degree for 240 credits.
For more information on undergraduate Work Based Learning Programmes in Kent and Medway:
University of
University of
http://www.gre.ac.uk/courses/ug/cpd/aps
Canterbury
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/courses/vacancies/
The Open University in the South East offers a variety of work-based modules through distance learning, and new work-based qualifications are currently under development. Please call 0845 300 60 90 for advice about the options or visit www.open.ac.uk/study.
The Open University is part of the Learn Direct: Learning through Work partnership. Learning through Work is a learning management site which a number of universities use for their work based learning qualifications. It includes other distance learning options, including from
http://www.learningthroughwork.org/
The Institute for Work Based Learning at
