Learning through Work FAQs

In this section, you'll find answers to some commonly asked questions about Learning through Work, including background information, the level of qualification available, and which universities participate in Learning through Work.

• What exactly is Learning through Work?
  Learning through Work allows individuals and employers to individually tailor a route to a recognised university-level qualification. It's a form of work-based learning that allows you to continue with your everyday work, and uses your normal work projects towards formal assessments. Learning through Work uses a unique online framework and work-based projects so that you are not required to attend a university or college. Tutor support is provided interactively and face-to-face tutorials can also be arranged. Your programme is designed by reviewing your current working practices and considering the needs of the individual and the employer. This means you can develop your skills and be in control of your learning. As projects are work-based you can also identify your personal, professional and career objectives. It’s the smarter way to get a higher education, the way you want to. Specialist tutors and the online support available will help you every step of the way so you can learn with confidence.
  
  
• How much do Learning through Work programmes cost?
  Costs vary depending on the programme and where you study. Additional costs are kept to a minimum. For instance, as Learning through Work uses an online framework and projects are work-based you are not required to travel to your university or college on a regular basis.
  
  
• Am I eligible?
  To qualify for Learning through Work individuals must be employed or self-employed and working to an appropriate level. It is not always necessary to have traditional qualifications such as A Levels or AS Levels. Learning through Work programmes are designed to make higher learning as accessible as possible, and our partners will assess current work experience alongside qualifications. Please be aware, some work will be required outside of the workplace including completing assignments. It is important to note that Learning through Work is not an easy route to a University level qualification. In order to undertake a Learning through Work programme you should have a valid email address and access to the Internet.
  
  
• What is the role of my employer?
  Learning through Work is designed to benefit individuals and employers. In some cases employers pay for, or contribute towards, the cost of Learning through Work. This often occurs where a specific programme has been developed by the employer for its staff, or the employer recognises the value a Learning through Work qualification will add to its business. Employers may also support their staff in other ways, such as allowing employees study time, access to study materials, and access to computers and the Internet. Work-based projects allow the individual and the employer to identify new opportunities within the business so employees can start putting into practice the new skills developed almost immediately. In some cases employers design specific programmes with a tutor that identify, and address, the skill gaps relevant to them.
  
  
• Which universities and colleges offer Learning through Work?
  The universities and colleges listed here all offer the Learning through Work programmes so you can achieve your desired goals. If the university or college nearest to you doesn’t offer a programme that meets your learning needs, you can apply to another participating university or college and discuss the possibility of distance learning. This type of learning method should be agreed with you and the university or college, in your learning plan.
  
  
• How does it work?
  Once your application is successful you will be allocated a tutor. You and your tutor (sometimes your employer) can discuss in detail your aims, objectives and the specifics of what you want to learn. Your learning plan will be made up of modules and each module has a credit rating. You may also agree a learning schedule of activities with your tutor so that you can realistically achieve your desired goals. Once the programme has been developed to suit you, your university or college will review and approve it. Shorter courses are also available, so you can choose to do modules on their own, bank the credits and use them at a later date if you wish. If your circumstances change you can renegotiate your learning plan.
  
  
• What level of qualification is available?
  With Learning through Work undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications can be gained. Many people also study individual modules outside of a learning plan. Modules studied on an individual basis still carry credits and can be used towards a qualification at a later date should a full learning plan be undertaken. Learning through Work qualifications go through the same quality assurance checks as any other university-level qualifications. The credits each module carries build up to a particular university-level qualification.
  
  
  The Postgraduate credit framework is similarly based on the accumulation of credit, but in this case it is all at the same level:
  PG CERT: 60 credits at level 7 > PG Dip: A further 60 credits at level 7 > Masters: A further 60 credits at level 7
  
  The Undergraduate credit framework is based on a total of 360 credits (120 credits at each of the three levels) for an Honours Degree. A Foundation Degree has a total of 240 credits (120 credits at each of two levels).
  
  Each level has its own award stage: Certificate of Higher Education; Diploma of Higher Education/Foundation Degree and then Honours Degree:
  Cert HE: 120 credits at level 4 > Dip HE/FD: A further 120 credits at level 5 > Degree: A further 120 credits at level 6
  
  
• How do I know what level of study is appropriate for me?
  The level of study that is appropriate depends largely on previous qualifications and work experience. If an individual already has a first degree, or works in a senior role, then you may well be looking at a Masters level qualification. If you have no first degree then it is likely you will study at an Undergraduate level. We use a set of level indicators that you can match your skills and experience against.
  
  
• Can I get credit for previous learning?
  If evidence of prior relevant learning can be provided, whether it is a formal qualification such as a HND or through work experience, individuals may be entitled to receive credit for this. If an individual is eligible, the tutor will advise them and they can make a formal submission to the university or college where it will be assessed and approved by the Quality Assurance procedures. Please be aware, some of our partners may charge a fee to cover the cost of recognising previously acquired learning.
  
  
• What support is available to me?
  To make sure the learning experience is a positive one, tutors provide support via the online interface, by email, telephone or face-to-face meetings.
  
  
• How is Learning through Work assessed?
  A variety of assessment methods are used including:
  
  - Portfolios – a collection of work completed through the course of the programme.
  - Management reports
  - Essays and other narratives
  - Practical projects
  - Research, investigations and outcomes
  - Software programmes, websites or critiques
  - Dissertations
  - Creative projects
  
  You may also be required to support your projects with reference to wider reading and study materials.
  
  
• How do I apply?
  Applications for Learning through Work are accepted at any time. Once you have decided that Learning through Work is for you and you have discussed it with your employer, go to the apply now section of the website.
  
  
• When can I start?
  As soon as your learning programme has been approved you can start. Unlike a traditional degree you don’t have to wait for specific term times.
  
  
• How long do Learning through Work programmes take to complete?
  This really depends on the learning plan you agree. Typically, you can complete 60-80 credits per year. Prior learning may help to reduce the length of your programme. Learn about the experiences of previous Learning through Work students.
  
  
• Are there any areas that Learning through Work doesn’t cover?
  Learning through Work will not enable you to develop a degree that leads to a licence to practise qualification, for instance a qualified nurse or teacher. However, if you are already a qualified nurse or teacher Learning through Work is an ideal way to study as part of your continuing professional development.