All professionals are required to continuously engage in professional development with a feature of this being not only being able to identify and meet learning needs, but to apply the learning to practice. The professional development can be achieved either through work related courses or activities, attendance at conferences/masterclasses, courses outside the university, sessions within the university or self study. The aim of this unit is to provide a structure through which the learning gained can be acknowledged and the student can critically reflect on the impact of the learning on both themselves and their workplace. Thus, the unit aims:

• To develop critical understanding of professional knowledge / skills acquired through structured learning
• To develop skills in reflection and critical evaluation of practice
• To develop application of learning in professional and organisational contexts

 In this unit students engage in learning from a variety of sources prior to completing the assessment. This learning may be of a formal or informal nature, but it is expected that it will be at least 12 hours duration. This can include self-study, attending conference/study day/masterclasses etc. The contact hours in University discusses the benefits of work based learning and prepares students in terms of study skills for the assignment.

The focus of the assignment is negotiated with unit leader in class and by tutorial support during the unit via e-mail, phone or personal tutorial.  In addition Action learning group support will be available for students to meet, network and reflect upon the learning process.

 You can take this unit up to three times

• Evidencing Professional Learning 1
• Evidencing Professional Learning 2
• Evidencing Professional Learning 3

Students are clearly advised that they cannot use the learning event(s) chosen for this unit to gain academic credit for/from any other credited unit. If this unit is undertaken 3 times, the topic explored must be different on each occasion.

This unit can be undertaken as part of the MA Leading and Developing Services programme. 

This course requires 100% attendance.

Normally students may enter Level 7 (Master's level) study if they have been awarded:

• Undergraduate degree (honours or non-honours)
• An equivalent qualification (the learning outcome of which are demonstrably appropriate in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills) equivalent to 120 credits at Level 6.

If you do not meet this criteria you are still able to apply for this unit but we may ask you to complete a study skills handbook to familiarise yourself with academic writing at masters level or pre-admission work. This will be sent to you when we have received your application form.

This unit is also available at Level 6 (degree level).

Fees and funding:

You will need to pay or indicate employer support of payment for unit or course fees to the university.

Applicants should contact their employing organisation for further details.

Pre-purchased places

The Faculty of Health & Social Sciences has contractual arrangements with NHS organisations and Local Authorities for pre-paid places on specified modules including NHS South of England. If you work within Dorset & Somerset or Hampshire & Isle of Wight you may be able to access the pre-paid places. These arrangements allow NHS Trusts and Local Authorities to nominate the staff they wish to send on each unit or course.

The pre-arranged agreements allow individuals, such as yourself, a route to access appropriate professional development opportunities that are seen as strategically important to your organisation (in consultation with your Line Manager/Education Co-ordinator). All requests for pre-paid places must first be agreed by your organisation prior to completing an application.

The coursework comprises a 2500 word reflective essay outlining the learning gained, how it has impacted practice and how the new found knowledge would be disseminated. The essay will be supplemented with supporting evidence (500 word equivalent) (100%)

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of a body of knowledge gained as a result of a learning event(s). 
2. Critically evaluate of the impact of the learning on yourself as an autonomous and independent learner
3. Demonstrate application of new knowledge/skills in identifying and solving problems at a professional level.
4. Critically reflect on, and evaluate any change/improvement in professional practice.
5. Critically review how the results of your new learning can be disseminated

Course review:

In order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in practice to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.  These changes will come into effect for all new students from September 2025. Applicants will be notified by our admissions team of any changes.