Professional Development

Applications

University

Assessment

• Assessment details for the Evidencing Work Based Learning element of the award can be found on the EWBL webpage.
   
• Assessment of more formally taught modules and modules for the assessment of experiential learning will use a range of approaches, negotiated between the academic facilitator, learner and the workplace.
   
• For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.

Content

• There are no common pathways through the Professional Development Award (PDA).
   
• One compulsory module - Evidencing Work Based Learning (EWBL).
   
• You can choose taught modules from a wide range of UWE Bristol professional courses.

Course Director

Clive Warn

E-mail

pd@uwe.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

In order to be eligible to study the PDA, you should:

• Have been employed in the last 18 months.
• Be self-employed or engaged in voluntary activity and have been working to an appropriate level.

Learners will be considered for entry to pursue the most appropriate level of study based on qualifications and/or their personal, professional or educational experience following guidance provided in line with UWE Bristol's entry requirements and admissions policies.

For postgraduate qualifications, applicants should normally have a first degree and/or at least two years professional experience. Possession of knowledge and skills needed for admission to the University may be demonstrated by means other than via the usual entrance requirements.

Introduction

The Professional Development Award (PDA) is a unique award - you set out the learning pathway, designing a bespoke academic qualification to suit your career and learning aspirations.

This award is flexible as you can:

• Start this award without importing credit, building credit module by module.
• Import previous UWE Bristol credit/external credit into the award to include marks which will count towards the final classification (depending on level of study, you will need to provide copies of transcripts).
• Gain credit from your experience; if you wish to do this you will be able to evidence this in a module via Accredited Experiential Learning (this module is 50% of normal fee).

The Professional Development Award (PDA) has only one compulsory module, Evidencing Work Based Learning (EWBL), which can be done at distance, and on a reflective practice if you wish (see our EWBL pages which demonstrate how this module can benefit both you and your employer).

The PDA can be started at any time; there are no limitations on how long you would like to spend completing the award.

The award descriptor you attain will be e.g. MSc Professional Development.

The benefits of obtaining a PDA for employers and employees are that the Award can:

• address skill shortages
• address staff development objectives
• be tailored to upskill staff whilst offering a bespoke qualification valued by employers, and employees alike.

The table below demonstrates the way credit can make up the award:

Find out more about the PDA

In the following videos, meet our Masters graduates from the College of Health, Science and Society, and find out how the UWE Bristol Professional Development (PDA) course and Work-Based Learning have enhanced their careers:

• Anna (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
• Alison (Specialist Community Public Health Nurse)

Key Facts

This framework is really flexible and allows you to use the credit for courses you have already completed towards a recognised qualification.

Learning and Teaching

• This will vary depending on the modules you choose to study.

Study facilities

Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.

Telephone

+44 (0)117 32 81158