Work-Based Project: Creating Impact

Module title	Work-Based Project: Creating Impact
Module code	BEF3031DA
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	60
Module staff

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks			12

Number students taking module (anticipated)	70

Module description

A Work-Based Project demonstrates the capability of the apprentice to deliver the key aspects of the role. The Work-Based Project module offers learners the opportunity to integrate academic knowledge with practical experience by undertaking a substantial, structured project within their workplace or a relevant professional setting. Designed to enhance both technical understanding and professional competence, the module requires learners to identify a business-related issue or area for improvement, develop a project plan, conduct research or data analysis, and present evidence-based solutions or recommendations.

This module is the culmination of the practical training and learning on the degree apprenticeship and allows you to demonstrate key knowledge, skills and behaviours that underpin being a successful Level 6 Financial Services Professional in your chosen specialism, incorporating the work-based and academic skills you will have developed.

You?will design, carryout and write up a significant work-based project that contains real activity done in your role and demonstrates many of the aspects of the apprenticeship standard. The project will describe what you did, how you did it and the benefits that resulted from it. The project forms one of the mandatory components of the End Point Assessment for your Degree Apprenticeship.

Having the opportunity to develop skills of analysis, evaluation, project scoping and compilation of a professional report enables the apprentice to engage with the Financial Services Professional standards in preparation for the End Point Assessment (EPA) assessment of the degree apprenticeship.

Details of the EPA process are listed in https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/financial-services-professional/

Work-Based Project

The work-Based project is one of the two mandatory components of the EPAO (End point Assessment Overview) process. The work-based project will be completed in the last few months of the apprenticeship, following Gateway, and will be 5,500 words (+/- 10%). excluding references and supportive evidence. After Gateway, the Apprentice will submit the project to the End-Point Assessment Organisation. It will be a substantive evidence-based project related to the business demonstrating the application of skills, knowledge, and behaviours. It will be related to the specific specialism option that the apprentice has chosen from the Standard.

In the beginning of this module, students will be provided with necessary knowledge and guidance on how to select a project topic, how to pitch a project idea that aligns with the required learning outcomes of FSP standard, and how to write the project proposal. After this, students will be learning about writing the project itself. The project should include evidence of how the project was delivered and the outcomes achieved e.g. relevant emails or client feedback. The Project should relate to the Apprentice’s chosen specialist option and must include product evidence to validate the account provided in the Project Report. This may include, but is not restricted to, the following: Research Analysis, Objectives, Gant Chart, PIR, Feedback, Budget, SWOT Analysis, Costing, Budgeting, Milestones, Contingency Plan, Risk, Resources. The module is highly applicable to professional development and supports learners in developing problem-solving, communication, analytical, and project management skills — essential for career progression in banking, finance, or business services.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The primary aim of the module is to equip you with the skills and knowledge to meet the “pass” or “distinction” criteria for the work-based project as set out in the Financial Services Professional Assessment Plan. To achieve this aim you will work towards developing the following academic and professional skills:

problem solving (linking theory to practice, developing your own ideas with confidence, responding creatively to resolving problems, handling large amounts of diverse data critically, identifying, selecting, and using appropriate sources of information)

collaboration (respecting the views and values of others, taking initiative, supporting others in their learning, maintaining group cohesiveness and productively)

structure (identifying key demands of the task, making decisions about task management, developing strategies to ensure individual and group progress, developing and implementing plans of action)

time (managing time effectively as an individual and group member to meet short-term and long-term deadlines, juggling multiple priorities and competing deadlines effectively, setting and maintaining work priorities)

self and peer review (taking responsibility for your own learning and progress, learning from and using feedback from multiple sources, responding actively to feedback, dealing with and learning from criticism).

The module guides and supports the apprentice in the development and execution of their chosen project, in collaboration with their academic mentor and the apprentice’s line manager / workplace mentor.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Assess a problem from multiple angles to ensure all relevant issues are considered (7), engage with critical thinking tools to evaluate, and analyse complex situations. Good understanding of the impact the external environment has on Financial Services as appropriate to your role, together with relevant best practices. (1)
2. Gathers the appropriate facts and evidence to make decisions effectively, using a structured approach. Evaluates information quickly and draws accurate conclusions. (6) Critically reflect upon professional practice to identify, evaluate, and modify own behaviours. Compile, manage, execute, and edit a project in support of own progression against the relevant Degree Apprentice learning objectives, including your relevant specialism option.
3. Identify opportunities for application of new knowledge, using skills of analysis and persuasion to develop and execute a project proposal, reflecting a sound understanding of Financials Services product knowledge and customer needs. Analysis and recommendations are present in the project in a robust business plan / business case evaluating risks, threats, opportunities. The project recommendations will focus on business strategy and demonstrate awareness of future trends and/or developing market initiatives.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

4. Deep understanding of clients/customers relevant service requirements relevant to their role (internal and external) as appropriate. (3) Sound knowledge of the products and services, and their features and benefits, relevant to your role. (2)
5. Creative, innovative, and enterprising when seeking solutions to business needs, whilst understanding relevant boundaries. (12)
6. Integrate solutions to business needs situated within the chosen apprenticeship specialism option and relevant Learning Outcomes as per the assessment plan in the Financial Services Professional apprenticeship standard.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

7. Professional impact: Take the initiative to meet challenging individual and team performance measures in line with organisation policy, values, standards, and sector relevant regulatory requirements. (4) Deliver projects as required. (5).
8. Continuous improvement and adaptability: Identifies opportunities to drive higher performance and improve service/processes delivered, including sharing, and looking outside of their team for best practice. (10) Leads and/or contributes to development of specific changes through to implementation this may include projects wider than their role. (11)
9. Communication and networking: Deals effectively with clients/ customers/ colleagues at every level of the organisation required by the role. Uses strong interpersonal skills and communicates well through a range of media, using language that is meaningful to the recipient. Communicates complex information clearly. (8) Listens actively to understands need and adapts their style to the recipient. Engages and networks proactively with clients / customers / colleagues including senior management, as required, to deliver business outcomes. (9)
10. Motivation: Contribute to the development of strategic and operational plans for own area.? Manage and reports on progress of specific elements of this in own area of responsibility. Visible role model, and coaches others where appropriate, demonstrating how individual and/or team performance measures were exceeded as a result of the project. Follow and promote appropriate organisational procedures and policies.
11. Attention to detail: Takes ownership for the quality of work and recognises and resolves errors (13).

Syllabus plan

Indicative topics:

The syllabus provides apprentices with detailed assessment information, including relevant literature and resources. The project proposal is analysed in detail and apprentices are provided with theory on following topics:

Identifying problems, opportunities, or areas for development
Criteria for selecting a viable and relevant project
Writing clear, SMART objectives
Ensuring alignment with aims, context, and intended outcomes
project management techniques and tools
Identifying internal and external stakeholders
Strategic and analytical frameworks (e.g., SWOT, PESTLE, BCG matrix, Porter’s 5-forces…)
Components of a formal proposal (e.g., title, abstract, objectives, methods, timeline)
Project write-up tools and coaching
Reflection and writing skills
Formatting, academic referencing, and clarity

The module focuses on a lot of individual interaction with apprentices.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
40	260

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	40	Masterclasses (in-person and online); individual project advice
Guided Independent Study	260	Research, reading contents on ELE, assessment preparation and web-based activities including external resources if applicable.

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
An individual presentation on how the project would meet the 14 LOs	10-minute presentation	1-11	Academic lead Feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
A project proposal using DSW template.	10	1,000-1200 words	1-11	Marks and individual feedback.
Internal and external analysis of project subject matter	20	1,500-word report	1-11	Marks and individual feedback (written).
Project report	70	5,500-word project report	1-11	Marks and individual feedback (written).

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
A project proposal using DSW template	10%, 1,000-1200 words	1-11	In line with university regulations
Internal and external analysis of project subject matter	20%, 1,500-word report	1-11	In line with university regulations
Project report	70%, 5,500-word project report	1-11	In line with university regulations

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Recommended text:

Cottrell, S. (2010) Skills for success: personal development and employability. Palgrave Macmillan

Day, T. (2018) Success in Academic Writing. Palgrave Study Skills. Palgrave Macmillan.

Kahneman, D. (2012) Thinking Fast and Slow. Penguin: UK

Miller, D. (2014) Brilliant Personal Effectiveness: What to know and say to make an impact at work. Pearson: UK

Supplementary text:

Cottrell, S (2017) Critical Thinking Skills; Developing Effective Analysis, argument and reflection.

Palgrave Macmillan:

Paul, D., Cadle, J., & Thomas, P (2012) The Human Touch: Personal Skills for Professional Success. BCS: UK

Winstanley, D. (2009) Personal Effectiveness. Excel Books: UK

Other resources:

ELE – Web-based and electronic resources will be posted and made available throughout the module.

Key words search

Project scope, Research questions, SMART objectives, Project rationale, Research methods, Literature review, Problem identification, Stakeholder analysis.

Credit value	60
Module ECTS	30
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	6
Available as distance learning?	Yes
Origin date	14/05/2025