Work Based Masters Projects

Work Based Masters Projects
About

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If you are a taught postgraduate student you may be able to undertake a Work Based Project (WBP) as an alternative to the university based dissertation.

WBPs are undertaken in collaboration with an external organisation such as a business, public sector or non-government organisation. The project will address a real need within the organisation and provide you with an opportunity to place your learning in a 'live' setting. You will have two supervisors for the project, one from the host organisation and the other from your School.

We work with Masters degrees from all three Colleges and and provide industry projects from many sectors. Speak to your Programme Coordinator, who will be able to advise on whether or not a WBP is an option on your programme.

Benefits

There are many reasons why you might choose to undertake a WBP. These include:

  • learn more about an industry from the inside and develop your own professional network
  • enhance technical and generic skills
  • refine your career plans
  • gain valuable experience of the workplace and managing a project
  • enhance your employability

Here is what some students have said about their WBP experience:

I know what I am talking about (in relation to drilling) to a much greater extent than before. I also communicated with very experienced people during the project and I learned a lot from them.”

I feel more confident about my abilities as a researcher as the majority of my project was designed by myself.”

Case Studies

FAQ's
How does the selection process work?
On most programmes projects are advertised to students and you will apply via CV and covering letter. The Organisation will then select a student to undertake their project.
Will this count towards my final grade?

Yes, on most programmes the project is your dissertation and will count towards your degree in the same way.

Do I have to produce more than one report/paper?
The outputs expected will agreed at the beginning of the project. These are usually the same as for University based dissertation projects. Occasionally an organisation may request that you present your findings in a different format or as a presentation.
Do I have to meet the same dissertation deadline?
Yes, unless otherwise advised by your Programme Coordinator.
Will I get paid?
The project is an inherent element of your degree programme so organisations are not required to make any salary payment to you. However, some do recognise the contribution made by a work based project student and do make discretionary payments. Any such arrangement would be between yourself and the employer.
Will it cost me anything?
The Organisation should cover out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of carrying out the project (such as travel or subsistence). Normal travel expenses to attend meetings with your Organisation supervisor are not normally expected to be reimbursed by the Organisation. However, if the organisation is not based in Aberdeen you should speak with them and your Programme Coordinator to negotiate support for these expenses.
Can I do other work with the employer during the project period?
The dissertation project is exempted from minimum wage legislation as it forms an assessed part of your course work.  If the employer wants you to complete other tasks, they must pay at least minimum wage: this will form a separate contract with the employer, which you should negotiate yourself.
Can I take part if I am an international student?
Yes, as long as you hold a T4 student visa.
Will I get a job with the employer at the end?
There is no employer obligation to offer you a permanent contract at the end of the project. However, if you impress them, it can’t harm your chances!
What if I organise my own project?
If you have already found an organisation that is happy for you to undertake your dissertation project in collaboration, then you should inform your Programme Coordinator so they can contact the employer and decide whether the proposal meets the necessary academic requirements.
Further Information

For further information please contact the Careers Service, careers@abdn.ac.uk, 01224 273601.