New MSc Advanced Industrial Practice (NDT) developed by the University of Northampton and BINDT goes live…

• Duration of programme: two to five years

• Start date: January, May and October 

• Mode of delivery: work-based blended learning 

• Entry requirements: Incorporated/Chartered Engineer (NDT)

Contacts:
Nigel P Freestone BSc MPhil PhD FHEA, Faculty of the Arts, Science & Technology, The University of Northampton. Tel: +44 (0)1604 893358; Email: nigel.freestone@northampton.ac.uk
Roger Lyon CEng HonFInstNDT, BINDT, Midsummer House, Riverside Way, Bedford Road, Northampton NN1 5NX. Tel: +44 (0)7780 498060; Email: roger.lyon@bindt.org


MSc Advanced Industrial Practice (NDT) is aimed specifically towards those working in positions of responsibility within NDT who want to develop their expertise within their current profession. The flexible, innovative framework provides learners with not only the opportunity to gain recognition for professional experience and practice, but also the opportunity to negotiate learning within the workplace and to achieve a postgraduate qualification (PGCert, PGDip, MSc or MRes). This unique approach enables learners to enhance their effectiveness in their current role while simultaneously working towards a qualification. 

The defining features of the proposed programme are:

• The Recognising Industrial Practice module, in which learners are required to critically reflect on their NDT career to date

• Negotiated learning, allowing learners with a more forward-looking perspective to both identify and negotiate new projects/work-related activities

• The Advanced Professional Practice Research Project is the key test of the attainment of master’s degree standard and its purpose is to contribute substantially to the research training. Learners are required to show an understanding of the philosophy and principles of ‘traditional academic’ research and demonstrate competence in undertaking an NDT-related research project.  

The Advanced Industrial Practice programmes of study will be primarily delivered through blended learning, supported by BINDT and academics through the university’s virtual learning environment. On-campus, group-based induction and workshop sessions will be available for all learners. In addition, online induction and workshop sessions will be held for those who cannot attend in person.

Programme delivery
Modules will be delivered in the following sequence: Recognising Industrial Practice; Negotiated Work-Based Learning 1 and 2; and Negotiated Research Thesis.

Recognising Industrial Practice
An innovative application of accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) in work-based learning contexts, the Recognising Industrial Practice module provides a useful, critical and reflective mechanism that can be used by individuals and organisations as part of a customised and flexible programme of study. Learners will be required to produce a critical reflective statement based on their industrial experience to date, addressing the competencies acquired to achieve BINDT membership and engineering registration status. The University of Northampton and BINDT will support learners in a variety of ways, including workshops and tutorials/specific guidance on a range of topics, such as research skills, critical thinking and reflective writing. 

Negotiated Work-Based Learning
Successful completion of the Recognising Industrial Practice module will provide learners with a more forward-looking perspective to allow them to both identify and negotiate new projects/work-related activities. The negotiated learning will be defined in the context of a learning contract, negotiated between the learner, the university and, where appropriate, the employer. 

Industrial Practice Research Project
Learners will be provided with the necessary tools needed to enable them to conduct their research project to the highest possible standards and to develop as successful, independent researchers. 

Don’t delay, sign up today.