Work-based students often struggle with the attendance requirements of traditional higher education provision due to their geographical location pressures of time fatigue family commitments and finances. This case study presents an innovative pedagogy that addresses the needs of these students whilst maintaining the same support guidance and learning opportunities as their fellow campus based students. The foundation degree in Dental Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University is unique in that it offers part-time students the chance to undertake their degree predominantly within their work environment whilst offering the opportunity for face-to-face teaching collaboration with fellows students at the same time as maintaining contact with employers (as mentors). This is achieved through an innovative curriculum that utilises technology enabling learning directly at the students’ workplace develops an on-line community of practice and encourages the sharing of diverse work-based practice. This model of curriculum design is easily translatable into other discipline areas.
