Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning Studies (WBLS) M.S. Programme is the first of its kind in Turkey. It’s a new educational model customized for each individual’s needs, skills and experience. WBLS is a joint non-thesis Master Programme with the Middlesex University (UK) which is recognized by YÖK and approved by British QAA (Quality Assurance Agency). In this unique programme the participants’ past work and life experiences are accredited which enables new learning to be acquired through a work based project focused on our working students’ current work role. There are currently two fields of specialization, namely Informatics and E-business. Additional fields, including E-health, E-learning and International Relations will be opened in time.
Aim and Philosophy of the Programme
You can experience something, but not learn from it.
Learning through reflection upon experience.
The object of this programme is to officially recognize and accredit working students’ previous experience, moreover it is to recognize, create and apply knowledge through and for work as well as at work. The programme is designed to help students become more independent learners, both in and outside work. This programme will help applicants see the full extent of their potential for professional development.
WBLS provides a basis for a knowledge-driven economy, allowing individuals’ experience to be assessed and recognized. This is a distinctive feature of WBL and a dynamic process of identifying, analyzing and reflecting on learning achieved to date. It assists students to move forward in their careers and make changes in their workplaces to transform them into knowledge based businesses.
The project work gives participants the chance to create new professional knowledge and make innovations within their organizations.
Another significant advantage of this programme is that WBLS constitutes a bridge between the individual, the workplace and the university. Hence, WBL master’s programme helps the public and private sectors move forward and it also provides the continuity of professional development for people who are already on their career path.
Academic Activities
Various seminars have been conducted with the cooperation of Middlesex University, with the aim of providing a more effective learning environment for our working students and an experience of international collaboration.
Programme Description
Work Based Learning Studies (WBLS) M.S. Programme is the first of its kind in Turkey. It’s a new educational model customized for each individual’s needs, skills and experience.
WBLS is a joint non-thesis Master Programme with the Middlesex University (UK) which is recognized by YÖK and approved by British QAA (Quality Assurance Agency).
In this unique programme the participants’ past work and life experiences are accredited which enables new learning to be acquired through a work based project focused on our working students’ current work role.
There are currently two fields of specialization, namely Informatics and E-business. Additional fields, including E-health, E-learning and International Relations will be opened in time.
Instead of a master’s thesis, the participants undertake a work-based project that should reflect on the relationships between the students and their employers’ aspirations, the needs of their organizations or workplaces as well as the academic requirements of the University. The finished project is expected to add value to the student’s workplace as well as facilitating the student’s own development.
The programme starts with the recognition and accreditation of the student’s prior learning. The other components are Programme Planning and Work Based Research Methods modules given by the Middlesex University, and the technical elective courses that can be chosen according to the student’s needs from a wide range of courses in METU and the work based project.
WBLS is built around four core stages and technical elective courses:
Stage 1 Recognition and Accreditation of Learning: Students develop a portfolio in which their learning is evidenced. Then they submit it to the University as the claim for academic credit.
Stage 2 Programme Planning: Students plan their programme of study, taking into account their career aims, the needs of their employers and the academic criteria for an approved programme of study.
Stage 3 Research Methods: The course focuses on project planning, design and the identification and use of an appropriate research approach and specific research techniques suitable for student’s proposed project.
Stage 4 System Design and Work Based Learning Project: These are parts of the research and development associated with the work environment of the student.
Technical Elective Courses: On top of the core courses students are required to take between 3 to 5 technical electives.
What will students become once they graduate?
The students will be granted a dual degree diploma by METU and Middlesex University upon completing the programme. The title of the award will be: Master in Work Based Learning Studies. Students’ field of specialization will be written on the diploma given by METU and on the diploma given by The Middlesex University.
WBLS leads way not only to a thriving career for candidates by official recognition and accreditation of previous experience, but also prepares the students for knowledge based businesses, helps them to fill in skill gaps by a range of courses, and provides the completion of a project which adds significant value to the workplace.
Student Profile
WBLS programme welcomes students from various backgrounds who have at least five years of public or private sector experience.
Comments From Students
Serdar Altuğ, IT Expert, World Bank Turkey Office
"Determining my areas of learning helped me discover my knowledge, abilities, limits and professionalism which constitute my personality in the business world.By discovering such characteristics, I have learned to analyze my job more objectively. From now on, I can detect an area of learning in my job which I may involve and organize my learning activities more professionally by having an academic approach to identify an area of learning." more...
Other Information
From the Head of the Department
Assist.Prof. Dr. Alptekin Temizel
Comments from Graduates
Nurşen Özkan - Ziraat Bankası Ticari Krediler Daire Başkanlığı
Hakan Kocakulak - TÜBİTAK UZAY
