Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS)

Postgraduate qualifications from Professional Certificates to Masters

The University of Chester's flexible Work Based and Integrative Studies programme, is tailored to provide academic recognition of learning undertaken primarily in the workplace.

Campus	ChesterWarrington
Course	Postgraduate qualifications from Professional Certificates to Masters
Length	Contact Professional Development for further information Part-time
Start dates	Throughout the year

Our programme is ideal for those who recognise the potential of learning through work and who are prepared to assume a high level of responsibility for their own learning.

Learners can access taught elements at workshops or online and at distance but it is possible that programmes could primarily (and almost exclusively) entail work based projects, if so desired.

Why study this course?

Learning tailored to needs of employment and/or personal interests
Opportunity to develop skills
Gain credit for prior learning
Academic support throughout the programme
Programme can be accessed via distance-learning

WBIS is a flexible framework for the accreditation of work based and work related learning. The framework offers a range of awards from undergraduate Level 4 up to - and including - Master's level.

Typically, it allows participants to negotiate their own pathway of learning related to their area(s) of working practice, and to choose a relevant award title.

Some students on WBIS undertake a programme that has been in large part negotiated in advance with their employer. These are cohort negotiated programmes such as the PG Cert in Business and Personal Coaching (WBIS)

Next: Modules

There is a postgraduate modular programme, structured as follows:

Credit Total for Master’s Level	Award
60 postgraduate credit points (3 modules at Chester)	Postgraduate Certificate
120 postgraduate credit points (6 modules at Chester)	Postgraduate Diploma
180 postgraduate credit points (9 modules at Chester)	MA / MSc Master’s degree

We have developed the award of a Professional Doctorate, which is 180 M Level credits and 360 D Level credits.

Next: Assessment

Description: This is negotiated with the tutor teaching the module but can involve; a portofolio of work, an assignment, a presentation, a dialogue assessment, storyboard or a combination of the forms of assessment mentioned above.

There are no written examinations.

Next: Careers

Most students on the programme which to either change their career pathway or progress within their present career. By choosing a work based, flexible, negotiated learning framework, students choose a programme relevant to their specific needs.

Next: Entry requirements

For postgraduate study, we expect learners to either have an undergraduate degree or have developed exceptional work-based skills through experience.

Beginning: Overview