Personal profile
Personal Statement
I'm a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University. Prior to this, I spent over 20 years in industry, in various technical and managerial roles.
I'm responsible for designing and delivering the work-based learning elements of three graduate and degree apprenticeships: IT: Software Development, IT: Management for Business and Digital and Technology Solutions.
I manage a team of Learning Advisers who work 1:1 with apprentices to capture their professional experience and support their development throughout these programmes. I designed and am responsible for delivering the 4th year project modules for each of these programmes.
Additionally, I designed and am delivering Technology in Business, a module taken by most of our first year undergraduates, which introduces the business context for technology development, and sets the scene for much of their technical learning in their programmes.
My teaching research interests centre on work-based learning, exploring how engaging learning can be used in apprenticeship degrees to support apprentices in acquiring and demonstrating rounded academic and workplace experiences, providing them with comprehensive employability skills and a platform for career growth.
Education/Academic qualification
Master of Business Administration, Strathclyde Business School
Award Date: 14 Sept 2020
Doctor of Philosophy, Computer supported software inspection, University Of Strathclyde
Award Date: 5 Jul 1999
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University Of Strathclyde
Award Date: 11 Jul 1994
External positions
External Examiner - Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship, University of Gloucestershire
2025 → …
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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EnDAI
Macdonald, F. (Principal Investigator)
14/01/26 → 15/01/27
Project: Knowledge Exchange (Services/Consultancy)
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Implementing SFIA for work-integrated learning
Macdonald, F. (Principal Investigator) & Caminada, M. (Principal Investigator)
11/06/25 → 30/11/25
Project: Knowledge Exchange
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Using SFIA for work-integrated learning in IT; approaches and experiences: Workshop
Macdonald, F., Caminada, M. & Leather, P., 13 Mar 2026, (Accepted/In press).Research output: Contribution to conference › Other › peer-review
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An evaluation of quality assurance strategies in work-integrated learning for technology apprenticeship degrees
Coddington, A. & Macdonald, F., 1 Jul 2026.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
Prizes
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Strathclyde Medals - Principal's Special Award - Ofsted team
Macdonald, F. (Recipient), 2024
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Strathclyde Medals - Team Award - Cross-institution Graduate and Degree Apprenticeship team
Macdonald, F. (Recipient), 2023
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Activities
- 3 Invited talk
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Implementing SFIA for work-integrated learning: what we've learned
Macdonald, F. (Speaker) & Caminada, M. (Speaker)
11 Nov 2025Activity: Talk or Presentation › Invited talk
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Using automation to improve feedback in work-based learning
Macdonald, F. (Speaker)
3 Sept 2025Activity: Talk or Presentation › Invited talk