Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This master's is structured around practice-led learning and applied enquiry. You will combine academic study with workplace-based activity to address real professional challenges. Core themes include professional enquiry and research methods, reflective practice, leadership and change management, and designing and delivering a substantial professional project or portfolio that shows impact in your organisation.

• Professional Enquiry and Research Methods – methods for investigating practice, research design, evidence appraisal and ethical considerations for workplace studies.
• Work-based Learning and Reflective Practice – models of reflection, professional development planning and integrating theory with practice.
• Leadership and Change in Professional Contexts – leadership styles, stakeholder engagement, organisational change and managing improvement in complex environments.
• Negotiated Professional Project or Portfolio – a major piece of applied work agreed with academic staff and your employer, demonstrating impact, evaluation and dissemination of findings.
• Optional/module choices – modules or short units that allow you to tailor the award to specific sectors such as education, health and social care, business, creative industries or public services (availability may vary).

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree (typically a second class) or an equivalent qualification. The programme is specifically designed to recognise substantial professional experience: experienced practitioners without a traditional degree may be considered if they can demonstrate equivalent professional learning, responsibility and a portfolio of evidence. You will be expected to be in a role that allows workplace enquiry or have access to a host organisation for your negotiated project.

International applicants must meet English language requirements appropriate for postgraduate study (for example, an IELTS equivalent around postgraduate level). Applicants will usually be asked to submit a personal statement outlining their professional experience, learning goals and a short proposal or outline of a potential workplace project.

Career prospects

Graduates use the MA Professional Practice to progress to senior practitioner and leadership roles, secure promotions, or move into consultancy and independent practice. The programme supports career paths across public, private and third sectors, including management and operational leadership, practice educator and professional development roles, policy and strategy positions, and applied research or quality improvement roles within organisations.

Because the award centres on a negotiated workplace project, many students achieve demonstrable organisational impact that employers recognise when considering promotion or new responsibilities.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises practice-led and professionally-focused education, making it well suited to experienced practitioners who want learning that connects directly to their work. The university offers flexible delivery modes to accommodate part-time and employed students, combining face-to-face workshops, blended learning and one-to-one supervision.

Students benefit from supportive supervision from research-active staff and access to professional development resources, employability support and academic skills services. The Faculty's links with local and regional employers provide opportunities to develop projects with clear workplace relevance and to network with peers from diverse sectors.