Module Directory

Work based learning (WBL) has been described as learning that takes place at work or away from work with the sole purpose of improving work performance by focussing on the challenges and realities of practice.

WBL offers a means of linking theory to practice and a way of valuing practice as an integral part of professional education. The principle behind WBL is that individuals are given an opportunity to explore aspects of their work for development of themselves and the organisation/ service in which they work.

This module places control over the learning process in your hands: you negotiate your own learning contract with your academic and practice supervisors. This will set out and structure what you want to learn, what action you will take to achieve it, and what evidence will demonstrate that achievement.

It is expected that as a student on this course you will directly apply the knowledge and skills gained to your professional work through development of a service improvement project and specific, individualised activities to enhance your professional practice.

The aims of this module are:

1. Tailor learning to you and your workplace’s needs


2. Identify and reinforce existing knowledge and experience


3. Gain academic credit for existing knowledge and skills


4. Develop research skills in designing, delivering and disseminating work related projects


5. Improve personal effectiveness through reflection

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Display a mastery of complex and specialised knowledge and critical awareness of issues at the forefront of contemporary health care practice


2. Employ advanced subject specific and cognitive skills in order to advance practice in your area


3. Critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources, exploring emerging contradictions


4. Synthesise and utilise knowledge to generate new ideas and advance current practice


5. Demonstrate advanced judgement in problem identification, problem solving and decision making within your professional role


6. Engage in self appraisal and critical reflection


7. Lead effective communication with clients and colleagues in the development of practice

The principle behind work based learning is that individuals are given an opportunity to explore aspects of their work for development of themselves and for the organisation/ service in which they work.

You will be encouraged to gain and develop skills to enable you to enhance aspects of your practice. It is expected that you will directly apply the knowledge and skills gained to your professional work through development of a service improvement project and specific, individualised activities to enhance your professional practice.

This module centres on an individualised, supervised and structured learning process. In negotiation with your academic and practice based supervisor you will be required to identify your specific learning needs and project work.

The learning outcomes for this module will be negotiated individually with students. The student will be advised to identify a practice based mentor to provide support and coaching via a learning contract.

The learning contract will be negotiated at the beginning of the module between the student, the academic supervisor, and the practice based mentor, (if one has been identified).

The learning outcomes set will be individual to the student, but may be based on a relevant professional, employment or subject specific framework.

There will be no formal study sessions, however there will be tutorials offered to guide selection of the subject area for service improvement and to discuss progress with attainment of learning outcomes that have been set within the learning contract. Learning will be supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (moodle) where resource materials, and activities will be available to students.