Use work based learning to gain a University qualification

If you or your employees have undertaken training within the workplace, then you may be interested in a new University framework that builds a qualification around existing skills and knowledge, alongside additional study modules.

The TELSTAR programme is a flexible framework that allows learners to create a Higher Education (HE) award based on the needs of their employer, ranging from a Foundation Certificate through to Masters level.  The main benefits to this mode of learning are that it prevents duplication of skills and makes HE study more accessible to those who have not already studied at this level or have not studied for a long time.

Key elements of the programme are:

• Flexibility.  Part-time study is an option and teaching delivery methods include the traditional face-to-face as well as online learning
• A maximum of two thirds of an award can be achieved by utilising ‘Accredited Prior Learning’ (APL)
• ‘Negotiated Learning’ provides an opportunity to devise a work-based project to satisfy both the employer’s needs and the requirements of an HE award
• An award can be completed in stages

A unique feature to the programme is the online learning space.  Each registered learner will be provided with a personal work space.  This allows them and the employer to monitor their progress and map out existing skills to their required award level.

TELSTAR is a JISC funded project that has worked with employers from various sectors to identify areas for employees’ development.

If you are interested in TELSTAR for your employees then please contact Amy Wright at aywright@uclan.ac.uk or 01772 894770.