A 'BProf' for negotiated work-based learning: the case for a new 'signature' award

It is the contention of this paper that an appropriate 'signature' award, which recognises the growth, status and importance of negotiated work-based learning at undergraduate level, is now needed and proposes a 'BProf', or Professional Bachelor's award. It recognises that negotiated work-based learning has been present in curricula frameworks in a number of UK universities for many years but seeks to define this 'professional education' (Tallantyre, 2008) through an award which denotes the pedagogic approach taken. The current UK debate over the need for employer-demand-led programmes has already caused apprehension over the extent of potential business intervention in higher education. This paper also suggests that this influence is inappropriate and unnecessary when many political concerns can be ameliorated through a negotiated, tripartite approach to the work-based learning of the proposed BProf. Further, it is argued that a BProf would signify an acknowledgement of the development of skills arising from the work-based learning process itself rather than through a pre-determined, content-driven, orientation to programme design. Many of these skills are those that research suggests employers most value. The paper concludes by seeking to define the major elements and principles of the BProf award whilst drawing parallels with those of generic, trans-disciplinary Professional Doctorates.

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