This innovative programme is designed to allow students who are currently employed to combine learning which occurs in the workplace with appropriate and relevant academic theory. With a mixture of learning options there is ample opportunity to develop workplace expertise by engaging in academic learning and research at degree level. The programme will build upon prior academic skills and life skills, and will enable students to pursue an educational experience relevant to specific professional development needs. With an emphasis on professional practice and development, the programme supports professionals in reflection on their own practice in the workplace.

The programme can be completed full time in one year and part time in eighteen months or more. It is a modular programme consisting of five modules.
Each learner has the opportunity to create a programme relevant to their work and career aims and in collaboration with the university and, where appropriate, the employer. This allows for maximum flexibility in terms of subject choices and employment relevance. The learner is also able to apply their learning specifically to their workplace via the work-based learning module and the double weighted research module.

This programme is at level 3 (equivalent to level 6 of the FHEQ). Successful completion of this combined with the appropriate level 1 and 2 credits would allow students to progress to further study at postgraduate level.

• a strong emphasis on recognising your existing skills and experience, and experiential learning.
• an opportunity to negotiate your learning outcomes
• the freedom to continue working while pursuing your studies
• an opportunity to research your own workplace
• academic support from tutors
• help and guidance from our student advisors.

Integrating Work-based Learning (WBL)

The BA Professional Development is offered as a full time or part time programme of study that may be started in September or February. This flexibility of delivery allows a student to follow a programme which is aligned to their professional and personal development, improved career opportunities and varied educational interests and goals.

There are three components that make up the programme: (1) professional development and work-based learning; (2) graduate skills development; and (3) an individually chosen subject module.

The BA has a total of six modules. The professional development and work-based learning component provides the ‘backbone’ of the programme and consists of four core modules which focus on active and reflective engagement with work activities:

ED3020 – Negotiated work-based learning module (work place project): delivered through workshops and tutorials on campus.

ED3033 – E-Learning; communication, cooperation and collaboration online: delivered partly on campus and partly via distance learning (online).
The graduate skills development component consists of a core research module which is double weighted and enables the student to create their work-based dissertation:

ED3000 – Independent Research Project: delivered largely through seminars and tutorials on campus with some online aspects. This is a double module and therefore counts as two modules.

These four modules provide the essential context and backbone to the programme and are therefore deemed as core and compulsory. The remaining module is optional. This means that a student can select a module to study from across the entire university. All Schools in UEL have what are referred to as ‘university wide’ options which are available to any student. As well as these on-campus modules which are delivered by the various schools in UEL, BA Professional Development students will also be able to select from a range of distance learning modules.

BA Professional Development Negotiated Programme

This programme is offered on a blended learning basis which allows you to select your learning environment – be it your home, workplace, classroom or library. For distance learning options material is presented in the format of textbooks with specially written study guides containing interactive activities; feedback is provided in the form of exemplar responses to activities, to enable you to monitor your own progress. Where you choose optional modules which are taught on campus, module guides will detail the balance of learning methods in terms of: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops; whole group or individual teaching; and student or tutor‑led sessions.

All participants will be asked to identify a workplace facilitator with whom they can discuss their Degree. The term 'workplace facilitator’ is used to describe a colleague within the organisation who is prepared to support the student following the programme.

You will be expected to make use of opportunities via our Online Student Community Website for students. Additional learning resources include access to Athens and UK Libraries Plus system.

Contribution of Employer

The nature and extent of the contribution of the employer to the student’s programme can be varied, ranging from the minimum requirement of  permission to use the workplace as a context for study and providing a named individual to act as a mentor for the negotiated work-based learning module, to a more expansive role which can include, where appropriate: involvement in the students choice of optional module; involvement in the decision as to what the student decides to research independently; and involvement in the choice of project for the negotiated work-based learning. In all instances the student’s interest and motivation is paramount as is ensuring that the work completed meets with the academic requirements of the university. At no time will any of the work required for the programme impinge upon the student’s responsibility as an employee and the employer will not be expected to participate in any assessment.

Assessment methods vary across the degree according to the learning outcomes of the individual modules. Students are required to submit work to be assessed for all modules.

Assessment methods include:

• portfolios including reflective commentaries;
• critical appraisal of materials and resource use;
• investigations into attitudes and practices;
• case studies;
• accounts of plans for and evaluations of professional development;
• analysis of issues which arise out of work experiences, reading or seminars.

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The work-based learning module and extended independent research module create opportunities for students and employers to negotiate projects which are focused upon issues and topics relevant to individual workplaces.

This programme centres on learning through work and allows you to demonstrate high level academic achievement alongside professional and personal development through active and reflective engagement with your employment. Upon successful completion of this programme you not only display relevant knowledge, skills and understanding to an employer but also that you are able to manage your time effectively, that you are self-motivated and already have a good work ethic – all of which will give you the edge you need to find career success.

• enhancing your career prospects
• taking control of your future learning and development
• identifying, targeting and achieving personal and professional goals
• understanding the role of work-place learning in continuous professional development
• getting the most out of your employment
• gaining self confidence
• learning about information relevant to your workplace and career plans

• practice-based study
• problem solving
• seeking information
• developing skills relevant to the workplace.

This programme will provide you with the opportunity to build on your work experience, and the skills and knowledge gained in previous academic study. This programme will encourage an advanced theoretical appreciation which, with reflection, will further enhance your work and status within the workplace. Students who study with us come from a variety of educational, cultural and occupational backgrounds - some more traditional than others. It is this rich diversity of age and experience which enhances the debate and discussion. We welcome all students who demonstrate their interest in and their enthusiasm for learning.

• the opportunity to study from a range of subject areas
• to work on projects relevant to your work and which have the potential to enhance practice
• a range of learning opportunities which fit in with your employment demands
• a supportive academic framework that helps to guide your study
• to learn more about yourself and career progression

Students who study the BA (Honours) Professional Development will have varied careers. Successful completion of this programme opens the door to all relevant postgraduate courses including, if appropriate, Primary PGCE training courses. As well as strengthening your confidence in your current professional role and context, by providing a broader professional context it will open doors to a variety of graduate employment opportunities including new areas of employment.

During your studies, you will be supported by our team of student advisors in UELconnect. These advisors act as a first point of contact for you, addressing the majority of student queries and referring only those that relate to academic matters to the module tutor. The student advisors will also contact students who seem to be falling behind and will offer advice and encouragement to them.

You will be allocated a module tutor for each module that you study. Your module tutor is the person who will help you and will work with you to plan your learning and ensure that you are making progress. Your module tutor will also help you with any academic difficulties you may be having. Tutorials may be held with other students or individually.

In addition to the core teaching and support staff on the Foundation Degree in Professional Development you will also be supported by Fieldwork tutors from the Cass School of Education who have tutorial responsibility for the support of students whilst on field work, including work-based learning.

We will all work together with you to enhance your learning experience. All staff attempt to help students identify any additional learning needs at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate help and guidance can be sought. You will also be encouraged to identify a critical friend / employer representative. You will have access to all the support available to students at the university, including guidance on fees, loans, time management and study skills.

UEL is committed to promoting full participation for disabled students in all aspects of the academic and social life here and our disability policy is based on the QAA Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards. As part of this policy we want to ensure that no student who has a disability is disadvantaged. The Cass School of Education has a disability coordinator and administrator. Either of them can advise students and offer technological, practical or financial support; advice and guidance, and liaison with tutors and other staff.

Your work experience will be something that you build on throughout the programme. Your learning will start to impact on your performance at work from the moment that you begin your studies.