معرفی
Fraser MacDonald is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences within the Faculty of Science at the University of Strathclyde. He designs and delivers work-based learning elements for three graduate and degree apprenticeship programs: IT: Software Development, IT: Management for Business, and Digital and Technology Solutions. He manages a team of Learning Advisers supporting apprentices' professional development and created the fourth-year project modules for these programs plus the first-year 'Technology in Business' module introducing business contexts for technology development.
His academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from Strathclyde Business School (2020), a PhD in Computer Supported Software Inspection from the University of Strathclyde (1999), and a BSc in Computer Science from the same institution (1994). Prior to academia, he accumulated over 20 years of industry experience in technical and managerial roles.
MacDonald's research centers on work-based learning in apprenticeship degrees, investigating how engaging pedagogical approaches help apprentices integrate academic knowledge with workplace experiences to advance their careers. His work addresses curriculum design challenges for bridging theory and practice in technology education, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals for quality education.
His publication history shows an evolution from software engineering and traffic management research (2000-2010) toward contemporary work-based learning innovation. Early works focused on software inspection processes and urban traffic systems, while recent outputs examine apprenticeship pedagogy and technology-business integration, reflecting his transition from industry practitioner to educational specialist.
MacDonald has received significant recognition for his contributions:
- Strathclyde Medals - Principal's Special Award - Ofsted team (2024)
- Strathclyde Medals - Team Award - Cross-institution Graduate and Degree Apprenticeship team (2023)
- Teaching Excellence Award - Team Award (2022)
- Teaching Excellence Award - Team Award (longlisted) (2021)
As an educator, he oversees Learning Advisers providing one-on-one support to apprentices and serves as Principal Investigator for the 'SFIA User Story: SFIA, apprenticeships, and work-based learning' project (2024-2025), which examines Skills Framework for the Information Age integration in apprenticeship education. He also acts as External Examiner for Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Gloucestershire.
MacDonald actively contributes to the Cross-institution Graduate and Degree Apprenticeship team, developing multi-institutional programs that align academic standards with industry requirements. His upcoming professional engagements include presentations on 'Using automation to improve feedback in work-based learning' (September 2025) and 'SFIA, apprenticeships, and work-based learning' (February 2025).
