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An image to illustrate Continuing professional development in practice module
This module uses a structured approach to help you evaluate your prior learning and professional experience. By recognising the knowledge and skills you have developed over time, you’ll explore how they've shaped your practice and show the impact they've had on you and your organisation. You’ll then plan what comes next, using a simple framework to spot gaps, set goals, and choose the right development opportunities. And you’ll look at how to share your learning, embed it in your day‑to‑day work, and make a positive difference to the people around you.
The module is organised into three units that build on each other. Each unit helps you make sense of the learning you’ve already done, understand how it shapes your professional practice, and plan where you want to go next. You’ll move from reviewing past continuing professional development (CPD) to connecting it to your current context, and then to creating a clear plan for future development and impact.
Unit 1: Understanding your learning so far
You’ll start by looking back at your professional learning from the past four years. This includes at least 150 hours of CPD such as formal study, workplace learning, short courses, mentoring, shadowing and professional body activities. You’ll gather this evidence, make sense of it, and reflect on the value it holds for your work now. You’ll also explore simple theories that explain how adults learn and how knowledge develops over time. These ideas will help you spot patterns in your learning, understand what’s shaped your thinking, and recognise the impact your CPD has already had on your confidence, decision‑making, and professional identity. By the end of this unit, you’ll have a clear, structured picture of your learning journey.
Unit 2: Connecting learning with practice and professional frameworks
In this unit, you’ll shift your focus to how your learning fits into your role and profession. You’ll explore professional standards, organisational learning frameworks, and the wider expectations of your sector. This helps you see how your development aligns with your responsibilities and future career direction. You’ll look at theories about how knowledge is created, shared and embedded in organisations, and apply these ideas to your own context so you can see how your learning contributes to your team and how it supports organisational goals. You’ll also examine the skills, behaviours, and capabilities that matter most in your professional setting.
Unit 3: Planning future development and creating impact
The final unit looks ahead. You’ll create a strategic plan for your future learning and development, focusing on your personal, professional, and organisational goals. You’ll identify areas where you want to grow, spot opportunities that align with your ambitions, and think about how to build on your strengths. A key part of this unit is understanding how your learning creates impact. You’ll explore how to embed new knowledge into your everyday practice, share it with others, and shape your organisation or professional community. You’ll also consider the difference you want your learning to make and how you’ll make it happen.
By the end of this module, you’ll have the tools to turn learning into real‑world impact, whether you’re growing your career, leading change, or helping others develop.
You’ll use learning and development theories to think more critically about your practice and how to improve it. You’ll build cognitive skills by analysing your CPD experiences and linking theory to real‑world work. You’ll also strengthen your communication skills and develop clear, evidence‑based arguments. Professionally, you’ll learn to reflect on your learning and choose development opportunities that fit your role and context. Overall, the module equips you with the skills and insight you need to progress confidently in your workplace.
You'll have support from your tutor throughout the module. They’ll be your main point of contact and will help you stay on track. You can also reach out to them for individual guidance – whether you need help with study skills, specific content, or making sense of your own learning.

You'll stay connected through your tutor group forum, where you can ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others. Your tutor will also signpost extra resources and guide online discussions.

We’ll run online tutorials during the module. They’re optional, but we strongly encourage you to join. They’re a great way to check your understanding, explore ideas, and build confidence. If you can’t attend, we’ll make recordings available whenever possible.

Course work includes:
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
BXM800 is a compulsory module in our:
BXM800 is an option module in our:
Continuing professional development in practice starts once a year – in November.
This page describes the module that will start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2032.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This module is aimed at people with a degree or equivalent professional experience who have undertaken at least 150 hours of CPD in the previous three to four years. Spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, you will need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Please see the IELTS website for details.
You don’t need to do any formal preparation before you start, but a little warm‑up work can help you feel more confident. If you’ve kept notes, reflections or logs from previous CPD or study, it’s worth gathering them in one place so you can refer to them easily. It may also help to revisit any learning you’ve done that links to professional development, reflective practice or workplace learning.
We’ll give you everything you need once the module begins, but if you want to get ahead, you can explore the OU’s free OpenLearn materials on reflective writing, learning theory, or professional identity. These short readings and activities are a helpful way to ease yourself back into study. You don’t need to read anything specific in advance, but if you enjoy having something to dip into, you could look at accessible introductions on lifelong learning, professional development, or reflective practice. Don’t worry about taking notes or studying in detail – just use them to start thinking about your own experiences and goals.
If you have a disability, long‑term health condition or specific access needs, you’ll find flexible support to help you study in a way that works for you. Most learning materials are online, so you can use screen readers and change layouts or choose formats that suit your needs. You’ll also have access to written guidance, recorded tutorials and forums you can join in your own time.
Your tutor will support you throughout your studies. You can talk to them about anything that affects how you learn, and they’ll help you find the right adjustments. The OU’s Disability Support Team can also arrange additional support if needed.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
07 Nov 202630 Apr 202715 Oct 2026£1,600
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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