Improving quality through work-based learning

This online module helps you to improve through the use of reflection, critical thinking and evaluation of evidence.

Key facts

  • Module codeNURU225
  • Start date The next intake will be confirmed in March 2024.
  • Duration11 weeks
  • Credit value SCQF 20
  • SCQF level Level 9
  • Fees 2023-24: Home: £662; International: £1,213.
  • Mode of study part time
  • Delivery online

Overview

There is an increasing awareness within health and social care practice and higher education that learning in the broadest sense is best gained through participation. This can be formal and informal, experiential learning opportunities and personal experiences.

As such, this module provides students with an opportunity to focus on an aspect or aspects of their own practice/work. Work-based learning gives students an opportunity to engage in learning related to an aspect of work that requires improvement and that holds particular interest.

This is an online module in which the student is expected to develop through the use of reflection, critical thinking and evaluation of evidence to bring about improvement. The module provides an opportunity to focus on specific aspects of personal and professional clinical practice/work, utilizing a range of learning experiences to identify an area for improvement. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice and linking improvement theory to workplace practice.

Flexible learning

This short course forms part of the BSc Professional Practice. You can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:

If you’re interested in studying more than one module from this course, please email our Admissions team at postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk to discuss your course of study.

Entrance requirements

This module is available for all Health, Social Care and Allied Health Care professionals who are working in practice.

  • Students should normally be working in an area of practice, or have a voluntary arrangement with a specific agency/area of practice.
  • All students are required to identify and have an agreed clinical (work place) mentor prior to commencing the module.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Funding

Find out more about fees and funding.

Objectives

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Critically explore a specific aspect of their professional/work practice with the academic rigour, knowledge and skill associated with SCQF Level 9.
  • Identify and construct an evidence base that reflects advancement in working practice/knowledge that supports improvement.
  • Demonstrate coherence with the specific legislative and/or practice-based drivers in relation to the chosen work-based focus.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking for developing original and creative responses to improvement opportunities.
  • Use reflection to critically evaluate the work-based learning experience and how this may impact on practice.

Structure and content

The module content is driven by the desired quality improvement focus or topic you have chosen to pursue within your practice/workplace. Module content includes:

  • Improvement methods
  • Reflective practice
  • Literature searching and synthesizing of evidence/information within a professional practice context.
  • Core materials are provided to assist students to successfully engage with developing evidence for supporting their new knowledge and skills in practice.

The module provides confidence building opportunities to facilitate a quality learning experience.

The module requires you to identify and have an agreed clinical mentor; as well an academic mentor (Module Co-ordinator) who will ensure an agreed learning contract is established. Regular review and contact between the student and the two mentors is facilitated through negotiation by the student.

Delivery and assessment

The module is delivered using a blend of teaching methods. Canvas, our virtual learning environment, is used to deliver many of the resources, reading materials and provides a discussion forum and chat tool to aid student support.  

Module coordinator

Dr Nicola Cunningham

Employability

The learning from this module will enhance your evidence-based knowledge and understanding to inform your practice and can be used as part of your academic and professional development.

What next?

Contact us

If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.

For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.