Professional Development

Applications

University

Assessment

Assessment details for the Evidencing Work Based Learning (EWBL) 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.

Evidence of work-based learning is typically assessed by someone in your workplace and a UWE Bristol academic. 

You can import credits from UWE Bristol or other academic institutions that have already been awarded, if they fit your programme, towards your target award.

You can also evidence prior work experience or informal learning against the learning outcomes of a pre-existing UWE Bristol module.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.

Careers/further study

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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 courses.

Course Director

Clive Warn

E-mail

pd@uwe.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to study our 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.

Possession of knowledge and skills needed for admission to the University may be demonstrated by means other than via the usual entrance requirements.

We provide the academic support for those without formal qualifications to engage fully with study and gain higher level skills. 

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).

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 table below demonstrates the way credits can make up the award:

Benefits for employers

Work-based learning is at the core of the Professional Development Awards (PDA) and is an increasingly popular mode of study for employed people to gain a higher education award.

The PDA programme can develop a highly skilled workforce by identifying the specific learning needs of employees together with tailoring a programme to suit different businesses. 

Academic facilitators work with an allocated mentor and the learner for work-based learning modules; with a module leader available for employees on any taught modules.

Key benefits to employers include:

• Re-skilling existing employees as business develops and grows.  
• Meeting workforce professional development goals.
• Designing a bespoke qualification responsive to specific business need.
• Encouraging staff to engage with organisational change.
• Reducing time spent learning away from the workplace.
• We can also accredit in-house training programmes. 

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.

Work-based learning

• If you're employed, you can take part in work-based learning. Most forms of employment are included.
• The key people involved in work-based learning are the learner, line manager, mentor and academic facilitator. 
• As the learner, you take the initiative and negotiate schedules and activities, typically with your line manager. 
• The mentor will guide and, where appropriate, give feedback. They may also assess competencies and learning outcomes.
• An academic facilitator will be appointed to guide you through evidencing your practical learning.  

Study facilities

All our students also have access to our outstanding modern resources. Learn more about UWE Bristol's campuses, facilities and resources.

Telephone

+44 (0)117 32 81158