Module Information

Module Identifier
BR24210
Module Title
WORK EXPERIENCE
Academic Year
2012/2013
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 2 x 1 hour lectures
Lecture 2 x 1 hour lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Portfolio  100%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates must take elements that are equivalent to those that led to failure of the module  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Reflect in depth on workplace experience

2. Identify strengths and weaknesses and identify strategies for addressing the latter

3. Communicate experience in ways expected by employers

4. Plan for a future career-enhancing strategy

5. Develop and maintain a portfolio for future reflection on work experiences beyond the end of the module

Brief description

Students will be expected to complete 50 hours of approved voluntary or paid work (part time or full time) experience during year 2 and its associated vacations. Students will keep a reflective diary during their time working and complete as series of online formative assessments. At the end of the working period, students will submit a portfolio in which they reflect on their experience, identify skills which need to be developed (and opportunities for this) and create a SMART plan, as part of a work experience portfolio, aimed at further enhancing their employability during year 3 and beyond.

Content

During year 1 all students will be briefed about the module (via online notices, a presentation and via the tutorial system) about the need to identify suitable voluntary or work opportunities during the appropriate period. These opportunities will need to be approved (and appropriate checks made on Health and Safety aspects and insurance cover), but the aim is to accept as broad a range of opportunities as possible in line with the stated academic aim.
Experience gained on those schemes (for example Agriculture) which already have mandatory placements can be used as the basis for this module. For schemes lacking work placements, coordinators are at liberty to identify degree-related work placements if they feel this is academically desirable and can be provided for all of the students taking their degree. This will be the responsibility of scheme coordinators.

Students will keep a reflective diary for the first 50 hours of their work. A pro-forma will be provided and students will be expected to make an entry once per working day (or contiguous 8 hour period if part-time). Students will be supported by online resources (provided on Blackboard (and as downloadable/printable packages for those who do not have internet access). The reflective diary will form part of their portfolio.

Once 50 hours of experience have been completed, students will undertake a series of online exercises aimed at raising awareness of the skills they have developed, the way in which these are perceived by employers and how their achievements can be communicated. The exercises will be developed in consultation with CAS and CCS and will be assessed (as multiple-choice questions). The exercises will conform to the eight skills categories identified by the university and students will be required to complete the four most relevant to their job.

Students will also be expected to compile a portfolio containing (in addition to the journal):
a. evidence of the work period
b. a completed skills audit (based on the current APPR)
c. evidence of engagement with CAS during year 2
d. a SMART plan of action identifying steps to be taken in year 3
e. a CV incorporating the experience gained during the placement.
Appropriate templates will be provided which will allow students to build further work experience into the portfolio which will expand and remain a resource long after the end of the module.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Communicating work-related experiences and skills development in an employer friendly way (CV)
Improving own Learning and Performance Reflecting on experiences, identifying skills deficits and opportunities for skills improvement (reflective diary and plan)
Information Technology
Personal Development and Career planning Reflecting on achievements/experiences and integrating these into their CV supported by engagement with CAS and production of a career enhancement plan
Problem solving
Research skills Identifying further opportunities for development in their career enhancement plan
Subject Specific Skills
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5