Abstract

Traditional education has long been supplier driven and in doing so has failed to meet certain learning needs of the individual and organisation. Middlesex University has pioneered and led on the developments of Work Based Learning (WBL) since the early 1990’s. WBL is viewed as a ‘field of study’ within its own right – learning for, through and at the workplace, providing flexibility and versatility towards learning. This mode of enquiry facilitates individual led investigation, negotiating their own programme of study and providing a more meaningful learning experience (rather than just a ‘training experience’). Through this process of learning individuals are expected to engage in critical enquiry within the work place and acquire new knowledge. Whilst complex in nature, WBL offers a creative, imaginative and collaborative approach to life long learning that enables the development of a workforce that is ‘fit for purpose’. Middlesex University offers customised learning programmes (all academic levels/disciplines) that can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual/organisation. This can be facilitated through various medium of on-site tutorials/workshops through to remote learning through our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through a review of learning, previous learning is acknowledged and valued and accredited.