Developing Inclusive Andragogy for Part-Time Postgraduate Healthcare Professionals

The dynamic nature of healthcare organisations requires their workforce to keep abreast of advances in knowledge and practice. However, healthcare professionals can experience unique challenges when undertaking part-time higher education study. They often encounter difficulties such as time constraints, burnout, and limited access to study resources. This chapter explores part-time, professional MSc student learners’ experiences of learning while working, identifying the barriers and facilitators that impact their studies. The chapter draws on published literature and a survey we conducted in Wales to provide insights into the experiences of part-time healthcare students. We offer practical recommendations for improving the educational experience such as providing protected study leave, fostering strong educator–student relationships, and utilising blended learning techniques to enhance accessibility and relevance. The chapter advocates for an inclusive approach to adult education, which values practical, experience-based learning and promotes flexibility to accommodate professional and personal commitments.