Module Information

Module Identifier
BRS0060
Module Title
Integrated Year in Industry
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Mutually Exclusive
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Introductory report  (2500 words)  30%
Semester Assessment Workplace investigation  (4000 words)  40%
Semester Assessment Staff assessment of final student and employer's report  (500 words - student section)  30%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment 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. Negotiate and secure a work placement, agreed with the Work Experience Co-ordinator

2. Demonstrate the ability to fulfill a working role

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the the activities and performance of the business/organization/place of employment

4. Assess personal development during the work experience role

Brief description

This module gives students the opportunity to acquire and develop the necessary personal and subject specific skills, establish a link between training and industry and to prepare and plan for their future careers. The module aims to develop student ability to recognize and reflect upon the skills they build in the working situation and enhance their ability to capitalize on that experience. Students will be assessed on their reflection based on the work experience as well as the work itself.

With the assistance of Careers Service and IBERS staff, students will be expected to seek and secure appropriate full time employment (paid or unpaid) equivalent to a minimum of 36 weeks. During this time they will be expected to gain extensive experience of the workplace and of undertaking a working role. Specific targets will be set at the outset and by means of email and telephone communication (or electronic means such as Skype) and a visit (mainland UK only) from an academic supervisor as well as completion of assessed work and an employer’s report, students will be monitored and guided. A briefing package will be provided for all academic staff undertaking the role of work experience supervisor, defining key roles and responsibilities.
The work experience should be equivalent to 36 weeks of full-time, approved employment completed over a 12 month period following completion of year 2 and prior to commencing the Final Year (Year 4).

At the end of the working period, students will have submitted three pieces of coursework (more detail below) in which they reflect on their experience, identify skills which need to be developed (and opportunities for this), aimed at further enhancing their employability during the final year and beyond.

Content

During years 1 and 2, all students will be briefed about the module (via online notices, a presentation and the tutorial system) and about the need to identify suitable work or voluntary opportunities. The careers service and IBERS Work Experience Co-ordinator will provide advice and help, as required. These opportunities will need to be approved by the Work Experience Co-ordinator (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. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Work Experience Co-ordinator (and in consultation with academic staff if required), based on the student's programme of study. Students will complete the equivalent of 36 weeks of full-time work experience in an approved organization and location. Students will also be expected to compile a portfolio of the placement, containing:
a) An introductory report on the organization
b) An investigation/ case study completed during the work experience
c) Evidence of self-reflection on development during the work period, including an employer's report

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Dependent upon the employment secured.
Communication The process of seeking and securing employment and reporting the activities of the business.
Improving own Learning and Performance Target setting and monitoring will be an ongoing feature of the module and the students' academic and professional development will be routinely evaluated and assessed.
Information Technology Dependent upon the employment secured.
Personal Development and Career planning This is the main focus of the work experience period and the students' personal development and career planning will feature prominently in all aspects of assessed work.
Problem solving Students would be expected to solve problems encountered routinely in the workplace.
Research skills Students will be required to conduct research in the role, structure and operation of the business as well as to instigate and complete an investigation into the workplace.
Subject Specific Skills The workplace and its activities will be relevant to the study scheme followed by students and will provide a unique opportunity to develop a wide range of subject specific skills within a profession/work-based context.
Team work Student will work with others in the workplace.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5