Professional Practice MA

Program Overview

The Professional Practice MA is a work-based postgraduate route that offers a flexible and customized approach to developing professional knowledge and skills. Through core modules and optional modules tailored to individual needs, the program emphasizes practical project delivery, personal development, and leadership in management, project management, and organizational development. The program utilizes blended learning methods and mentorship support to enhance career prospects and equip students with real-world application abilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Professional Practice MA program offers a flexible, bespoke work-based route to a postgraduate qualification. This program is suitable for those looking to progress from several of Lancaster University's postgraduate certificates, including Professional Practice, Professional Development, Leadership and Management, Leadership and Management (Healthcare), and Organisation Development. The program focuses on a work-based project supported by personal learning and development. It offers a customized course that delivers outcomes for the participating organization. The program emphasizes bespoke learning related to the delivery of work-based projects, incorporating core modules and optional modules based on individual needs. The program aims to develop a profound understanding of professional practice and equips students with the skills to apply their knowledge in a real-world context. The program is designed to be flexible and tailored to the individual needs of each student, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

Outline:

The Professional Practice MA program consists of core modules and optional modules. The core modules provide a foundational understanding of work-based learning, project management, and personal development. Optional modules allow students to tailor their program to their specific interests and career goals.

Core Modules:

• Delivering a Work Based Project: This module focuses on planning, conducting, and reviewing a substantial work-based project.
It guides students in identifying and implementing a project that addresses a specific organizational need and makes a meaningful impact.
• Negotiating Your Professional Development: This module helps students align their learning objectives with personal and professional goals, organizational needs, and the requirements of the university.
Students develop a personal development plan, engage with key stakeholders, and negotiate a future postgraduate program.
• Personal Learning and Development: This module focuses on self-awareness and the development of critical lifelong learning skills.
It provides students with the tools and support needed to navigate their postgraduate journey and develop a comprehensive learning portfolio.
• Work-based Improvement and Innovation Project: This module allows students to delve deeper into the project syllabus, which is tailored to the focus and nature of their chosen project.
The learning experience includes knowledge creation, critical thinking development, and exploring social and ethical challenges in organizational contexts.

Optional Modules:

The program offers a range of optional modules that students can choose from based on their individual interests and career goals. The selection of optional modules can be made in consultation with a learning mentor.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Coursework: This may include essays, reports, case studies, and other written assignments.
• Project proposals: Students are required to develop a project proposal that outlines their proposed work-based project.
• Reports: Students are expected to write reports that document their project progress and findings.
• Reflective commentary: Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning experiences and how they apply to their professional practice.
• Oral presentations: Students may be required to present their work to a group of peers or stakeholders.
The specific assessment methods and criteria will vary depending on the module and the individual project.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face learning.

• Online learning: Students can access a range of online resources, including course materials, discussion forums, and interactive activities.
• Face-to-face learning: Students have the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, and other face-to-face events.
• Mentorship: Students are assigned a learning mentor who provides guidance and support throughout their program.

Careers:

The Professional Practice MA program can enhance career prospects in various fields.

• Leadership and management: The program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in leadership and management roles.
• Project management: The program provides students with a deep understanding of project management principles and practices.
• Organizational development: The program prepares students to contribute to the strategic development and improvement of organizations.

Other:

The program encourages students to engage in practitioner enquiry, which involves conducting research and analysis within their work context to improve organizational practices. Students are supported in identifying potential enquiry approaches and developing critical cognitive skills for questioning existing ideas and practices. The program also emphasizes the development of clear and consistent communication skills for interacting with various organizational and academic audiences.

Fees for 2024/25 (Per 10 credit module) Home and International: £500 MSc/MA = 180 credits PGDip = 120 credits PGCert = 60 credits