WHAT IS WORK BASED LEARNING?
Work Based Learning focuses on learning you have gained from your past work as well as experiences and the development of new learning in the form of work based project(s) focused on your current work role. By taking the programme, your previous experience will be officially recognized and accredited. The aim of the program is to recognize, create and apply knowledge through and for work as well as at work.
HOW ARE WORK BASED QUALIFICATIONS REGARDED?
The students will be granted a Master’s degree diploma by METU upon completing the programme. The title of the award will be: Master in Work Based Learning Studies. Your field of specialization will be written in the diploma supplement given by METU.
WHAT ARE THE FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION?
The students are required to choose their field of specialization before starting the programme. Currently there are two fields; Informatics and E-business.
WHAT IS A WORK BASED PROJECT?
The participants have to undertake a work-based project in order to complete the programme. The project work should reflect on the relationships between student’s own aspirations and needs, those of student’s employer, organization or workplace and the academic requirements of the University and it must add value to the student’s workplace.
WHAT DOES A WORK BASED LEARNING PROGRAMME CONSIST OF?
Each Work Based Learning programme is unique as you negotiate it with the University and your employer. Common features are accreditation of your current learning, programme planning, work based research methods, system design, technical elective courses and one or more work based projects.
WBL programmes are built around four core stages and technical elective courses:
Stage 1: Recognition and Accreditation of Learning
In this stage, students review and reflect on their past and current learning experiences with the help of theoretical knowledge provided by the university and the guidance provided by the advisors; develop a portfolio in which this learning is evidenced; and submit it to the University as a claim for academic credit. The rationale for this module is that, firstly, these tasks develop skills in self evaluation and argumentation. Secondly, it gives individuals and organizations advanced access to a post-graduate University award by means of recognising and accrediting student’s work experience.
Stage 2: Programme Planning
In this stage, students plan their program of study, taking into account of their career aims, the needs of employer and academic criteria for an approved program of study. The aim of the program is for the student to develop a critical understanding of identity and position as a work based learner.
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. The aim is to develop critical awareness of research and development issues in the work place.
Stage 4: System Design and Work Based Learning Project
System Design and Project work are parts of the research and development associated with the work environment of the student. The project work must add value to the student’s work environment and should be a significant challenge. In this regard, the research and development projects should involve practical methods.
Technical Elective Courses
Students are required to take between 3 to 5 technical electives depending on the previous experience on top of the core courses. Technical electives could be chosen from a wide range of courses depending on the individuals’ needs.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME?
The minimum duration to complete the programme is 1 year (including the summer school). However, completion time will be dependent on the number of credits awarded for prior learning as it will affect the number of technical elective courses need to be taken and the course load that the student is willing to take. Expected duration for the programme is 1.5-2 years.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT IS PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY?
Each student is allocated a member of academic staff as their programme advisor. In addition, students will have full access to the education facilities provided by METU.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?
* Minimum 5 years of public or private sector work experience after graduation.
Undergraduate Diploma and an official transcript. The diploma must have obtained from a 4-year University program. If the degree (BA or BS) was obtained from an oversea university, an equivalency letter from YÖK must be provided.
* Graduate exam results: ALES EA≥ 55 or GRE quantitative≥610. The scores are valid for two years. The ALES exams are held twice a year, in December and in April/May. For further information about application and deadlines, visit osym.gov.tr .
* English Language test results: TOEFL≥213, IELTS≥6.5 or METU Proficiency≥65. Please note that the exam results are valid for two years.
* Letter of Recommendation. (From your current employer, agreeing to support your study.)
* CV and Job Description.
* Letter of Intention.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES?
The application period starts at the beginning of April and ends late May. After the initial evaluation of the applications, selected candidates will be called for an interview in June.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The tuition fees for the program are determined by the University Administrative Committee and subject to change at the beginning of each semester. The tuition fee for the “Work Based Learning Programme” is expected to be similar to other secondary master’s non-thesis programmes. The amount of the payment is related to the number of credits taken for that semester and paid at the beginning of each semester.
IS THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTION FOR TAKING THE PROGRAMME?
Work Based Learning Studies Programme welcomes applications from any age as one of the aims of the programme is to accredit the student’s prior work experience.