Work Related Learning (WRL) in HE – a scoping study

 This is a report on a scoping study designed to inform a major project on Work-Related
Learning (WRL) at three Scottish universities (Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian and St
Andrews). It was commissioned by the project team at the Centre for Research on Lifelong
Learning (CRLL) at Glasgow Caledonian University, and funded by the Higher Education
Academy.

The ‘Universities Work-Related learning Project’ aims to embed work-related learning into
the curricula of the three partner institutions, in a range of subjects in order to enhance the
employability of their graduates. Through research and development with students, academics
and employers, the project is expected to produce a strategic shift in institutional cultures and
also promote a sector-wide change in approaches to work-related learning in Scotland. In
particular, the universities hope to create new approaches to work-related learning which go
beyond the familiar ‘work placements’ model, giving particular attention to students in nonvocational
subjects. The Project is funded by a Scottish Funding Council (SFC) strategic
change grant, and is due to run for three years.