Masters awards by learning agreement (MALA framework)

For almost a decade the University has offered a range of flexible masters degrees which are designed around a negotiated learning agreement. This provides a structure that:

  • recognises the value of learning that takes place in the workplace;
  • supports the personal and professional development of learners who are already in work by building on their existing knowledge and expertise;
  • provides learners with the opportunity to negotiate a flexible programme of study focused on learning and development activities that are related to their workplace; and
  • allows employer requirements to be integrated into programmes of study.

These masters programmes align with the premise that assessed learning of an appropriate standard, wherever it occurs, can gain academic credit towards an award. Each learning agreement identifies a range of activities which students will undertake, together with associated assessment methods that will test the students' learning. Upon the successful completion of each activity students will accrue credit towards their award.

Work-based learning programmes can be made up of credit from a number of sources including:

Current work-based learning awards

Awards within the MALA framework are typically targeted at organisations that have individuals in different sections who could bring value added to that organisation by pursuing a customised programme of study. The courses are often negotiated and designed specifically for the organisation in question – these are known as cohort programmes.

The following work-based learning courses are currently recruiting:

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

Faculty of Business and Law

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing

  • Professional Engineering MSc
  • Technology (Engineering) MSc
  • Technology (Maritime Operations) MSc
  • Technology (Maritime Aviation Operations) MSc
  • Professional Computing MSc

Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences

Framework documents

The work-based learning awards offered by the University sit within a framework designed to create structures within which negotiated programmes of study can be constructed. The framework is made up of a series of interlinked documents that describe the procedures and processes for the design and delivery of the MALA awards:

MALA framework

The MALA framework (PDF) is the 'management' document for the framework – it describes the processes, procedures and structures required to be in place for the delivery of work based learning awards. The framework includes a number of templates:

MALA framework specification

The MALA framework specification (PDF) describes the general or overarching features of any award offered within the framework. It is not designed to be subject specific.

MALA award specifications

Each award offered within the framework has an award specification. These documents provide a short description of the general features, characteristics, the aims and learning outcomes of each award.

From a university perspective, they provide the context for the approval of each learning agreement which details the specific learning outcomes, activities and assessment that students will undertake. From a learner and employer perspective, they provide an overview of the general features of each award and what a learner can expect to be able demonstrate by the end of the course.

Learning agreement template

The learning agreement (Word) is designed to express:

  • the nature and content of the programme of learning;
  • its link to the relevant award specification;
  • the relationship to any prior learning claims; and
  • the credit to be awarded towards a qualification.

The learning agreement forms the basis of the agreement between the learner and the University.

Other documents

New developments (for Kingston University staff)

Other useful documents