Professional Experience Leads To Academic Success At UWTSD

Vince Baglole’s experience on the MA in Professional Practice (PPF) at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) shows how learning rooted in real work can build skills, confidence and new ways of thinking. Drawing directly on his professional role, Vince says the course has had a lasting impact on both his day-to-day practice and his personal confidence.

Vince, who chose the course to complement his existing role with the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, praised the structure of the programme for enabling him to align academic development with his vocational experience.  He said: 

“Having consulted with PPF staff, I felt that this programme of study would not only complement my day job but would also enable me to develop my educational and academic skill using my professional knowledge, skills, and experience,” 

A key part of the MA in Professional Practice is the opportunity for students to gain academic credit through Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL). Vince highlights this as a significant advantage:

“It is literally possible to convert your vocational work and experience into academic credits that can be used towards recognised academic qualifications… a win-win.”

Since beginning the course, Vince has experienced remarkable growth in both his career and personal development. Not only has he secured two job promotions, but he has also gained valuable academic skills such as reflection, critical analysis of literature, evidence-based writing, and research skills; tools that now inform his professional practice on a daily basis.

Reflecting on his personal development, Vince shared how the course helped build his self-belief:

“Confidence is not something I possess in any great quantity, and throughout the course, my tutors had more confidence in my academic abilities than I did. However, having now completed the course, I can reflect on my achievements and take confidence in my successes.”

He also recommends the course to others who may underestimate the academic value of their everyday roles:

“I did not realise the academic potential of what I just considered my day job. You literally can make your job work for you in your academic endeavours.”

Vince attributes much of his success to the supportive academic PPF team at UWTSD:

“The tutors are the reason that I can celebrate graduating with an MA degree. Their guidance, support and patience have been key enablers to the success of my academic journey. I shall be eternally grateful. Diolch yn fawr iawn.”

Sarah Loxdale, Lead for Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RPEL) and Senior Lecturer at UWTSD, said,  

“Vince embraced the RPEL process with real enthusiasm, recognising the value of the extensive experience he brings from his vocational role. His ability to translate that experience into academic credit is testament to both his reflective capacity and his determination to progress. It was a pleasure to support him through this journey. Vince’s success highlights the transformative potential of recognising experiential learning, and he should be extremely proud of the academic and professional growth he has achieved.”

Lowri Harris, Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager at UWTSD, said: 

“Vince’s dedication to integrating his professional experience with academic study has been excellent. Throughout the programme, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing his practice and strengthening his academic skillset. Watching his confidence grow as he applied new research and reflective techniques to his role has been incredibly rewarding. Vince’s journey is a powerful example of how professional practice can be enhanced through academic exploration, and we are immensely proud of his achievements.”

 If you would like to find out more about the Professional Practice Framework, please visit Professional Practice Framework | University of Wales Trinity Saint David or email ppf@uwtsd.ac.uk 

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476