Learning through Work for you

Learning through Work gives you the opportunity to individually tailor a route to a recognised university-level qualification, using projects you complete as part of your current role, so both you and your business benefit.

Learning through Work recognises the importance of ‘real’ work experience.  It uses a unique, online framework and work-based projects so that you are not required to attend a university or college to learn. Tutor support is provided interactively online and face-to-face tutorials can also be arranged.

Learning through Work can help you to devise a tailored and flexible learning plan by:

• Assessing your current work practices and relevant industry experience.
• Evaluating your personal, professional and career objectives.
• Considering your personal and lifestyle commitments.
• Identifying the strategic directions and priorities of your employer.
• Negotiating your own learning plan with support from a tutor.
• Organising work-based projects.
• Recording your progress and achievements.

Learning through Work is designed to benefit you and your employer by putting you in control of your development so you can:

• Gain a university qualification without taking time off work.
• Enhance your effectiveness at work.
• Develop your personal skills and career objectives.
• Gain recognition for your existing expertise.
• Avoid the need for costly travel to university.
• Learn at any time throughout the year, at your own pace.

Your learning plan will be made up of modules and each module has a credit rating. If you can show evidence of relevant prior learning, whether it is a formal qualification such as a HND or through work experience, you may be entitled to receive credit for this. This will be assessed by your tutor and approved through the Quality Assurance procedures of your university or college. Please be aware, some universities and colleges may charge a fee to cover the cost of recognising previously acquired learning.

You and your tutor (and in many cases your employer) can design a programme of study to suit your needs. The majority of your Learning through Work learning takes place as part of the normal working day, however you will also be required to undertake assignments outside of the workplace.  Once a plan has been developed your university or college will approve it.  You do not have to use Learning through Work to undertake a full qualification, many people use it to complete shorter courses or individual modules.  If you choose to do this you will still be awarded credits for your learning, and you could use this towards a qualification at a later date if you wanted to.