Approaches to Work-based Learning in Higher Education: Improving Graduate Employability

Approaches to Work-Based Learning in Higher Education provides a comprehensive introduction to the delivery of university-level work-based learning (WBL) for educators and policymakers. The contributing authors draw from their wealth of experience of developing apprenticeships, placement programmes and other work-based learning opportunities, advising on best practice when delivering learning in partnership with industry.

Supported by a unique balance of practical and theoretical insight, including international perspectives on how common challenges may be addressed, this essential volume explores the following key themes:

• Pedagogies – this section outlines established best practice in delivery of WBL for higher education and offers suggestions for how readers may continue to develop and improve their provision.
• Projects – this section covers a range of approaches to work-based learning within higher education and explores examples of this in practice, including live briefs, work placements and industrial project-based learning.
• Apprenticeships – this section focuses specifically on work-based degree programmes, covering their design, delivery, implementation and assessment.

A must-read for anyone working within higher education policy or practice, this book provides readers with the tools to successfully navigate work-based learning, as well as strategies for ensuring and enhancing the quality of the learning experience.

Matthew Barr is Head of Education and Practice at the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, and Programme Director for the Graduate Apprenticeship in Software Engineering. He serves as Director of Education for the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance and as Director of the Ada Scotland Festival.