Managing project-based workplace learning at a distance: University-Health Service partnership in a Master's program

This case description outlines the development of a Master’s course in clinical leadership involving a partnership arrangement between the University of Tasmania and a NSW Area Health Service, where partners are based in different states and course participants complete their studies predominantly in distance mode. Workplace learning through project implementation is core to the course. The University takes responsibility for the development and delivery of online units, while the Health Service partner has major responsibility for the coordination and assessment of workplace learning assignments, with the academic moderation of the University teaching team. The integration of theory based units with project implementation has been well received by course participants. Distance factors provide significant challenges for course implementation. Early course evaluations have informed revisions to unit structures, but changes in the client base may force revisions to course delivery to maintain participant access to study materials and activities. Lecturers, health service instructors, course participants and their workplace supervisors are all affected by changing dynamics.