Work-related and work-based learning
Overview
The employability strand of the curriculum framework reflects sector reviews and practice (Austin, Hodgson, Heating, Pickering and Dickinson, 2021; and Dalrymple, Macrae, Pal, and Shipman, 2021; Koseda et al., 2024, Manoharan, 2024; AdvanceHE, 2025).
The focus is on embedding three key employability themes listed below:
- Embedding work-based and work-related learning activities (further details can be found below)
- Key graduate competencies, with a particular focus on ‘bringing alive’ three identified course-level competencies
- A career readiness / advancement strand
Work-related / work-based learning at the University of Bedfordshire
In the context of the University of Bedfordshire:
- Work-based learning (WBL) is an educational approach that integrates classroom learning with practical work experience in a professional setting. It allows students to apply their academic knowledge and technical skills to real-world projects and problems, while developing essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. (HE Professional, 2023).
- Work-related learning refers to educational activities and experiences that are directly linked to the world of work and aimed at preparing individuals for future employment. It encompasses a broad range of initiatives and programs designed to enhance students' understanding of the workplace, develop relevant skills, and facilitate the transition from education to employment. Work-related learning aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed in the workforce.
Work-related / work-based learning requirements at the University of Bedfordshire
All courses must:
- Have a minimum of 15 credits of work-based or work-related learning at every level of every undergraduate course
- Ensure a progressive approach across each level of the course
- Use a range of work-based and work-related learning categories*
The preferred approach is to embed both work- based and work-related learning activities across every level of study, with the activities embedded within one unit per level.
A minimum requirement is to embed a range of work-related learning activities from 1.2 a-c, within one credited unit across every level of study.
Embedding *Work Based Learning can be achieved through:
1.1a) Professional Practice
A formal placement or practice whereby students gain work experience within an organisation (minimum of 4 weeks or 140 hours in a block or extended period), which may include working as follows at the University of Bedfordshire as the employer.
This could include:
- Short Placement
- Internship
- Volunteering
1.1b) Work with current employer
A negotiated and agreed formal enhancement of a student’s current work practices related to the course learning outcomes. This could include:
- Part time work
- Volunteering
Embedding Work-Related Learning can be achieved through:
1.2a) Live Briefs
A negotiated and agreed work experience-related brief where students work in groups or individually to complete a project/or service idea. Students work in groups or individually to complete real-life projects set out by and involving work with employers. This could include:
- Simulation
- Case studies
- Special Projects
- Enterprise Projects
1.2b) Student consultancy projects
Students act as consultants relating to their particular expertise and field. This work needs to be part of the unit curriculum and assessment, but students act as consultants for employers, which may include the University of Bedfordshire.
1.2c) Student real-world research projects
Students would typically carry out their work experience during their level 6 research project or dissertation where the work is a real-world live research project that they carry out for the employer during the year as part of their unit.
1.2d) Career Development as part of a taught unit
This could include:
- Professional Development Workshops
- Work Shadowing
- Industry Guest Speakers
- Mentoring
- Networking / Recruitment Events
- Pathways to chosen industry (LMI)
- Career Development Award
- Embedding activities from within career development platforms
Note: 1.2 d is not deemed sufficient to enable students to gain the desired work experiences to enable them to gain graduate-level work, hence why the minimum benchmark is 1.2 a-c.
1.2d are very useful activities to include as additional work-related experiences either within or outside the curriculum.
A dedicated 'Curriculum Change Programme – Employability Handbook' is available to support academics with the embedding of work-based / work-related learning within the curriculum - access via the Academy document library