Disciplinarity and work: work-based learning as an emergent transdisciplinary mode of study

Work-based learning (WBL) is a pedagogy focused on learning through work, and has been described as an emergent 'transdisciplinary' mode of study. Professional Studies is a name given to practice-based research degrees which operationalize WBL. Thus, Professional Studies can be considered transdisciplinary. But what does transdisciplinarity mean in practice and how does it relate to academic disciplines when applied in a WBL context? This paper explores the characteristics of 'disciplinarity' and its relation to WBL in Australia. The paper provides evidence of transdisciplinarity through case examples of research projects, with an emphasis on addressing work-based problems and futures studies.