FAQs

Work Based Learning focuses on learning you have gained from past work and experience and the development of new learning in the form of work based projects focuses on your current work role

The ideal work based project is something that you have to do anyway that will extend your knowledge and have significance for others e.g. changing an administrative process or providing a guide book for others to use.

No. work based learning is equally applicable to unpaid work

Yes, you can identify and take other higher level or professional courses as part of your programme

Each work based learning programme is potentially unique as you negotiate it with the Centre and you employer / sponsor (as applicable). Common features are accreditation of you current learning, programme planning, work based research methods and one or more work based projects.

In order to successfully complete and make the most of a work based learning studies programme you should have considerable work experience (normally 5 years or more) and be able to see aspects of your current work in project terms. Although you should apply for a specific programme (e.g. BA, MA) all students commence as "Associate Students" until they successfully complete the programme planning module on their programme

Yes provided you can demonstrate in a claim for accreditation of your current learning that you are already working at a level suitable for entry to a postgraduate programme

No, it is possible to complete an entire programme without attending the centre or Middlesex University

Each programme includes a programme planning module which allows you to negotiate the content, price and target qualification of your programme If your circumstances change you have the option of re-negotiating your programme

Certainly not, The Irish Centre and Middlesex University welcomes applications from mature students to all its programmes. Work based learning allows you to build upon your years of experience and gain an internationally recognised qualification. Your lifelong learning is recognised and validated.

This is the first module students usually undertake. The Irish Centre / Middlesex University recognises and values learning gained outside the traditional confines of higher education, (e.g. from experiences at work, taught short courses, pursuing a particular interest). If you have such learning you can make a claim for academic credit in this module. The Irish Centre / Middlesex university measures claims for learning using the Middlesex Academic Credit Scheme (MACS), and recognises successful claims by the issue of a certificate of credit, which records the academic credit you have gained.

Work based learning programmes are based on the principal that all learning which can be judged to be at higher education level can be quantified in terms of academic credit. Academic credit is recognition of learning, expressed in terms of a number of credit points (4 credit points equals one week of full time study) at a particular Level (Level 0 = Foundation, Level 1 = Certificate, Level 2 = Diploma, Level 3 = Degree, Level 4 = Postgraduate, Level 5 = Doctoral). Nationally recognised academic qualifications have standard values expressed in terms of these credits points and Levels. For example an Honours degree requires 360 credits, (of which 120 must be at Level 3 or above, and 100 must be at level 2 or above) and a Masters degree requires 180 credits, (of which 120 must be at Level 4 and 60 must be Level 3 or above).

Its not possible to answer this question until your claim for credit has been fully developed and assessed as part of the accreditation module. Individuals with over five years of experience are likely to gain some credit. If your experience is longer and includes managerial or other professional expertise it is likely that you will be able to make an impressive claim.

The full cost depends on the number of credit points in your programme of study and whether or not you receive accreditation for your current learning.