MA MSc Professional Studies (Learning at Work)

Do you want to boost your career prospects by studying for a Master's degree alongside your current job?

Whether you're currently in a career which covers a breadth of subjects or you want to develop a range of transferable skills for your future career aspirations, our Professional Studies Learning at Work Master's course can help you fulfil your professional and personal development ambitions.

We currently offer both an MA and an MSc Professional Studies. If your professional aspirations mean you want to focus on studying topics found in the arts, humanities and social sciences, you'll want to study for an MA; you'll want an MSc degree if you want to focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Because the course is work-based, you need to already be in a full-time, part-time or voluntary role. If you don't have an undergraduate degree, you could still do this postgraduate course if you have several years experience in a responsible position or you have high-level skills through experience that isn't reflected in your qualifications.

Our courses are designed for busy people. You can tailor the course to match your aspirations and your employer's objectives, and negotiate the pace of your studies around your existing commitments. Your work-based projects have flexibility in their submission deadlines, and with no residential requirements you can study wherever is most convenient for you.

You'll get to put your knowledge, skills and behaviours to work instantly in your job, contributing to the success of your company. When you complete the course, you'll have gained the confidence and skills to move into the next phase of your career.  You'll also be able to get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Course highlights

• Design your programme of study to match your personal and professional goals, as well as your employer's objectives
• Develop your ability to analyse problems, research and propose solutions, and make sound professional judgements when faced with the organisational, financial and management aspects of a business
• Design and manage work-based learning (WBL) projects that ensure the knowledge you develop is relevant to your employer's business
• Have access to a virtual learning environment containing both a host of tutorials, lectures and study support materials and opportunities for you to engage with tutors and fellow students to support your learning.
• Tap in to our Library's electronic resources, which you can access from anywhere with a Web connection
• Have support from an academic tutor specialising in your area of study and a University learning manager who oversees your programme
• Choose a Workplace Mentor to support your learning – someone at work who can offer advice, guidance, and moral support
• Get an optional 1-day induction in Portsmouth at the start of the course, if it suits you