Uni course required as part of role - should I be studying in own time?

[Sunnyday89]

Uni course is paid for my work and a requirement of the role. It’s not a huge commitment but there are numerous assignment and a large portfolio involved. A set number of study days are set out by the university, but quite a bit more time is actually needed in reality to complete the assignments etc.
I do see this as different to choosing to take on additional study, although it was advertised as part of the role it’s not been sprung on since in post.
Would you expect to do this in your own time, or as part of working hours?

I can add personal context but more just trying to gauge what would generally be expected.

Own time unless it was specifically stated that it would be part of working hours.

They do give you some study days, and as the course will benefit you long term, and them potentially only short term if you leave, I'd say yes, you need to study in your own time.

In your own time. Your employer is presumably paying for the course, you're inputting your time and experience from your role towards the qualification and get a qualification at the end to take into future roles.

Is it through a degree apprenticeship route?

Realistically if you have committed to the role and the study you should expect to do some in your own time.

Nope not an apprenticeship, and the qualification is very specific to the role

Own time definitely - some employers allow a set number of study days (paid) per year on top of annual holiday allowance but generally that's used for exam study at my employer

Yes I would expect to be studying in my own time as well as having some study leave from work.

Unless you are willing to pay back the cost of the course to your employer, I think you need to accept that some of the study time will be in your own time. You are going to get the benefit of the qualification because it will be portable. Even if it is role specific, it would be odd for the role not to be undertaken by any other employer,so you are could take the skills with you to another employer in the future.

In my experience most managers are sympathetic to the time needed to study and will ensure you have some work time each week- it's in their interests to get you through the course quickly too. Have you asked?

Thanks all that’s really helpful. I asked because I genuinely wasn’t sure what was normal. In a previous job we had to do a course but the expectation was the study and assignments could be done in work time. It wasn’t mentioned in the job advert/interview or since really (and what was said led me to believe it was in work time, but nothing in writing), so I plan to ask but wanted to get an idea of what was usual practice.

Everyone I know who has done degree and professional qualifications for work has had to study in their own time with scheduled time off for exams.

Those who have been lucky with their employers have not expected to work all their hours for assignments, and been given additional time off for writing dissertations.

A combination of both- some allocated study days and the rest, in your own time.

Agree with others it's usually a combination, that's been the case with everyone I know.
Employer contributes by paying for course, time off to attend/exams etc. But the employee contributes some of their own time too. Thats the norm and, as you say, you knew you'd be working towards a degree when you took the role on.

Paid side by my employer? Yes, I would expect the vast majority to be on my own time. We will both benefit from my qualification so should both pay something towards it. Them: money. Me: time.

Hi - I am a course leader on a professional qualification that is studied by people wanting to work in a particular profession. In my experience, it's variable what employers offer. For example:

1. The employer sponsors and gives days for exams and revision and / or in person attendance. The employer actively gives the student opportunities to embed their learning in what their doing at work. I've known small companies do this and I've known big companies not do this!
2. The employer sponsors and expects the employee to use annual leave for exams.
3. Student self funds, but employer gives support via not expecting students to use leave for exams and revision.
4. Employer gives no support whatsoever.

I've known students not even want their employer to know that they are doing a professional qualification.

There really is no standard. Half the time I think it's what you can negotiate for some students.

Also - just to say, that there is always an expectation you are studying the course content in your own time as the hours and commitment needed to study at that level are such that it cannot otherwise be done unless you are giving up time to do it. The most successful students plan their study and protect that time away from their work and other commitments to do it.

Best wishes for your course! Sounds a fab opportunity.

My employer would allow 20% of time for the course eg 1 day out of 5.
However, I can't imagine that all course attendance and all study needed could be done in this time - most people need more time to consolidate learning and write essays.

Study days and exams might be covered but rest in own time. Do you get progression on qualifying?

I'd expect work to give me some study time as they're requiring it, but realistically I'd also expect to do some studying in my own time too.

Nope no progression after completing. No exams involved either, just assignments and portfolio which are directly role involved

I got one study day a week, plus exam time, but otherwise it was own time - one day a week wasn't enough.

Thanks this makes sense!

it’s difficult when it’s something you don’t really want to do, but know you have to do. Different to when I’ve taken on study previously, made an informed decision about whether I can, and because it’s important to me and I’m keen to do it. Plus factoring in other life commitments and difficulties. But, it is what it is - have to get it done!