No matter what you’re studying it’s essential to understand how theory and practice work together. Not only does this help you get the most out of your degree, it also means you’ll graduate with essential expertise necessary for the workplace. Below we explore ways you can take full advantage of every opportunity.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 06 Feburary 2026.
Strong theoretical foundations
Theoretical knowledge forms the foundation of any degree. It gives you a strong understanding of your subject, such as the core concepts, principles and ideas at the heart of what you’re studying. However, this knowledge is only part of your degree. Understanding how it relates to the workplace and the real world application of your learning is essential. You’ll need to consider not only what you’re learning but also reflect on why it matters.
Practical skills development
Employers are looking for graduates who can demonstrate professionalism alongside their academic achievement. Skills such as time management, communication, teamwork, creativity, adaptability and problems solving are essential in almost every workplace. Enhancing these skills during your degree helps you move into the workplace more easily.
Our courses are designed with these skills in mind so you can make the most of the opportunities you’ll have throughout your degree to hone and develop them.
How we balance theory and practice
Employability is at the heart of what we do, so we’ve ensured our courses combine education with practical application. Our lecturers are experts in their fields and have the real world insight to back up their knowledge. This means you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how your degree connects to your future career.
You’ll also never be confined to textbooks and theory. We want our students to engage with what they’re learning and use a variety of teaching methods to help you apply what you’ve covered.
Innovative and contemporary teaching
There are a number of things we do to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for the workplace. Our classes encourage collaboration, independent thinking and practical application, ensuring you’re actively involved in your education.
Modular learning
Our degrees are broken down into modules. This allows you to focus on specific topics whilst you gradually build your knowledge in manageable stages. To make the most of each module, ask yourself:
- How does your current module relate to other modules?
- How is this module applied in a professional context?
- What practical skills can a particular module help you develop?
Develop transferrable skills
Throughout your studies you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enhance your transferrable skills. What might appear as a simple class presentation is actually an opportunity to develop your communication and public speaking skills. A group project can help improve your time management, diplomacy and leadership skills. It’s important to make the most of these occasions.
Practice-based training
You’ll also engage in tasks which aim to recreate real world scenarios. This is a chance to apply and test your knowledge in a realistic context and help build your confidence in the subject. Treat these opportunities as though they’re the real deal. Practice your professionalism. The more you put in, the more you’ll gain from these experiences.
Industry insight
One of the biggest advantages of choosing to study with us is that our lecturers don’t just have the knowledge, they have the practical expertise to back up their teaching. You’ll be taught by professionals in the field you’re hoping to enter, therefore you’re best placed to gain invaluable insight into how theory translates into practice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on how something would be applied in the real world.
We’ve also built strong links with the industries at the centre of our courses which means you can build your professional awareness outside your learning. You’ll have the chance to attend careers workshops, guest lectures and networking opportunities throughout your course, all of which can help link theory and practice and boost your employability.
Another excellent way to link theory and practice is to look for opportunities in the field you’re hoping to enter. You’ll learn from professionals and gain practical, firsthand experience.
Strategies to link theory with practice
The more you connect academic study with practical application the more rewarding your degree will be. Some of the most important things to remember when it comes to linking theory with practice include:
- Applying concepts to real-world examples.
- Asking questions. What does this idea/concept look like in the real world?
- Linking your learning to the industry. Ask yourself why it matters.
- Using opportunities throughout your degree to develop your transferrable skills.
- Using tasks to test your learning and build confidence and professionalism.
- Making the most of any opportunities your have outside of your degree to enhance your employability.
Ultimately, balancing theory and practice requires a proactive approach. By actively applying your knowledge, engaging with practical learning and seeking real-world experience you’ll graduate with the academic foundations and practical skills you need.
Explore our range of undergraduate degrees and enrol today.
