Module Information

Module Identifier
MM38000
Module Title
Work Experience
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Tutorial 1 x 2 Hour Tutorial
Tutorial 4 x 1 Hour Tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Presentation  20%
Semester Assessment Reflective diary  40%
Semester Assessment Interpretive portfolio  40%
Supplementary Assessment Repeat failed element or undertake work equivalent to tht which led to failure of the module  100%

Learning Outcomes

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

* Complete a self-appraisal of personal and technical skills, strengths and weaknesses;

* Secure and complete 100 hours of relevant and appropriate work experience;

* Demonstrate knowledge of the host organisation's management structure and practices, and the student's role within it;

* Demonstrate awareness of the host organisation's business objectives and activities and, where relevant, of any statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to its business activities.

* Critically evaluate the management or professional roles performed or observed in the work placement.

* Apply and evaluate skills and knowledge in a work situation.

* Produce an action plan for future development of personal and technical employability skills.

Aims

The purpose of this module is to contribute to achievement of the University's employability strategy.

This module is designed to complement the academic skills developed in other Business School modules, by encouraging students to seek opportunities to demonstrate and improve business and personal skills and knowlede gained in the workplace. The work experience required is not restricted to 'graduate-level' employment, since personal skills gained at all levels are transferable and students will be expected to observe and reflect on management or professional attributes in the workplace, whatever the level of work obtained. The learning and enhanced understanding of the business context that students develop during the work experience module is intended to help students translate theoretical employability into employment by generating recognition and evidence of the acquisition of skills relevant to the workplace. Because of the wide range of opportunities suitable, it is important to stress that what is being assessed is the student's reflection, based on the learning opportunities presented by the work experience placement, and not the work itself.

Students will normally follow this module during their third year.

Brief description

Students will be expected to complete at least 100 hours of approved paid or voluntary work (part-time or full-time) experience, normally during Year 3 and its associated vacations. They will complete a reflective portfolio during the course of this work. Students will be required to demonstrate awareness of the skills they possess and those they need for relevant employment.

Content

The timeline will be:

  • Preliminary briefing. During Year 1, all students on eligibile schemes will be briefed about the module, particulary the need for them to identify suitable voluntary or paid work opportunities during the appropriate period.
  • Student undertakes search for appropriate work opportunities at any time from Semester 2 of Year 1. These will need to be approved by the relevant degree scheme co-ordinator before commencement.
  • Before undertaking any work experience, students must also complete the Health and Safety questionnaire provided to them, and obtain confirmation of the employer's liability insurance cover. A copy of both must be provided to the department prior to commencement of any work experience and a copy included in the assessed portfolio.
  • Work experience. At least 100 hours of approved experience will be performed, during which students will be expected to keep a reflective diary. This can commence any time after the end of Semester 2 in Year 1 and must be completed before the first day of Term 3 of Year 2.
  • The procedure relating to the keeping and submission of diaries will be as follows. Students will submit their diaries simultaneously both to the department and to their employers. Employers will be asked to complete a short questionnaire enquiring about the student's conduct. Their paperwork will be sent to the relevant degree scheme co-ordinator, who should take employers' comments into consideration when marking the work.
  • Independent self-reflection. This will be demonstrated in an interpretive portfolio and presentation, to take place after completion of the period of work experience.
  • Supporting lectures will be held during the first semester of Year 2. These will include lectures on: context, ethics and professionalism, presentation skills. They will be supported by online resources.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Dependent upon work placement.
Communication Communicating work-related experiences and skills development, in a variety of formats.
Improving own Learning and Performance Reflecting on experiences, identifying skills deficits and opportunities for skills improvement (reflective diary and plan).
Information Technology Dependent upon work placement. Also through accessing online resources to find work placement.
Personal Development and Career planning Reflecting on achievements/experiences, production of a career enhancement plan.
Problem solving Dependent upon work placement. Also through successfully finding work opportunities.
Research skills Researching host organisation's objectives, activities and structures; identifying further opportunities for development in their career enhancement plan.
Subject Specific Skills Subject specific skills displayed in workplace, dependent upon placement.
Team work Dependent upon work placement.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6