Work Based Skills and Innovative Practice module (PN50227)
Gain academic credit for work-based learning at postgraduate level using individually constructed learning outcomes designed to meet your personal and professional development needs
Semester 2
Runs during the summer
Not all postgraduate learning takes place in a classroom. This module gives you academic credit for learning that happens in and through your work. It is designed for practitioners who want to identify a genuine learning need, push boundaries in their field, and demonstrate the impact of that learning on their practice or organisation.
You'll start by identifying your learning needs and negotiating personal learning outcomes or pre-determined learning outcomes at SCQF Level 11 with the module leader and, where relevant, a workplace supervisor. You will then design your own learning activities, drawing on approaches such as networking, shadowing, clinical supervision, case discussions, and literature searching.
The portfolio you produce will critically reflect on your learning and will be supported by relevant evidence. It will evaluate how the learning has enhanced your practice or service delivery. You will be supported throughout by your academic supervisor, online discussion boards, and a peer learning community.
This module can be taken at 10 to 60 credits, with the portfolio length proportionate to the credit level. It is available as a stand-alone module or as an optional component of a postgraduate programme.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- develop learning outcomes
- gain skills in evidence / information searching and retrieval
- learn how to critically evaluate literature
- learn evidence based practice
- learn how to meet service and/or professional requirements
- engage in critical reflection
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- demonstrate a critical understanding of processes required to identify own learning needs in relation to the selected work-based learning topic
- critically analyse your personal learning needs and construct, justify, and negotiate appropriate postgraduate‑level learning outcomes that demonstrate autonomy, reflective practice, and alignment with professional and academic standards
- critically review the relationship between theory and their work-related practice, extending knowledge, skills or practices.
- critically analyse relevant evidence, synthesise the findings and apply this learning to their work-related practice
- demonstrate autonomy, initiative and leadership skills to meet deadlines
- identify creative solutions from research-based evidence to expand their knowledge, skills and understanding gained in the workplace through application of theory where appropriate.
Assignments / assessments
Coursework (100%)
- A negotiated portfolio of 1,000 words per 10 credits. It will include your learning contract and personal learning outcomes, a critical reflection on your learning which is supported by appropriate evidence, and an evaluation of how achieving your outcomes has enhanced your practice or service delivery
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Live sessions of 1 hour which are recorded in weeks 2,3, 4, 5 and 8 of the module
- Negotiated and self-directed learning
- 1:1 academic supervisor support (up to 4 hours tutorial support plus 1 hour assignment advice)
- Online discussion boards and peer community
Your learning outcomes, learning activities, and assessment are negotiated with your academic supervisor and, where relevant, a workplace supervisor. The module can be delivered at any campus.
Courses
This module is available on the following courses: