To assist students to further develop their understanding of the workplace and bridge the gap between their academic studies and future employment
To develop materials and/or undertake tasks within a professional or vocational environment, on a topic relating to business or management
To engage students in a period of fieldwork or placement and self-directed learning in which they will complete an agreed project for the external organisation
To apply academic theory and/or theoretical knowledge within a placement experience and to analyse and report on the relationship between the two
To identify and develop a range of personal/employability skills and to reflect and report on this
To foster experiential learning by requiring students to reflect on their placement experience and learning

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the host organisation and the roles of individuals and functions of groups within that organisation.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to develop materials and/or undertake tasks within a professional or vocational environment, relating to a business or management function or topic.

(LO3) Students will be able to comment critically on the organisation’s structures and policies.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the broader context in which the organisation operates (this might include commercial awareness and issues such as equality, diversity and sustainability).

(LO5) Students will be able to apply academic theory and/or theoretical knowledge to the workplace and to analyse and report on the relationship between the two.

(LO6) Students will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and attributes required in the workplace (including concise and effective communication orally and in writing; commercial awareness; numeracy and IT skills; time management; perhaps team work.

(LO7) Students will be able to reflect on and evaluate learning and employability skills gained from the placement in a concise and informative manner with peers and tutors.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) Teamwork

(S5) Organisational skills

(S6) Communication skills

(S7) Lifelong learning skills

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Group session to introduce the aims and learning outcomes of the module as well as the assessment.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 2
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Attendance will be recorded at lectures.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Students will come together to discuss progress and exchange ideas.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Individual and group meetings with supervisor

Teaching Method 3 - Work Placement
Description: Students will base their project on their work experience, which might take place during the module or prior to the commencement of the module.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 35
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 4 - Supervision
Description: Meetings with supervisor to discuss progress and direct future learning
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 2
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 105
Description: Students will be required to spend time researching their organisation and their chosen topic. They will discuss their action plan regularly with their supervisor and produce output that ensures that the LOs of the module are fulfilled.

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Adaptability
How this is developed: Via process of developing own question, working independently and yet within the remit of the work placement
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Problem solving skills
How this is developed: By discussing the topic with the organisation and applying theoretical concepts to produce new ideas
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Report

Skills / attributes: Commercial awareness
How this is developed: Throughout the work placement and in applying theory to the 'real' world
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Project Presentation and Report

Skills / attributes: Teamwork
How this is developed: Potentially within the workplace
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Reflection

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: By self-managing time (and possibly combining work and study) in order to research and submit assessments
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Project Presentation, Reflection and Report

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: In all communications, written and oral, in the workplace and in assessments
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Project Presentation, Reflection and Report

Skills / attributes: Lifelong learning skills
How this is developed: Via reflection on the development of ULMS Graduate skills and attributes and considering how they contribute to employability
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Reflection

The placement could take place over the summer vacation (between Years 2 and 3), subject to academic and CES approval, and only after appropriate preparation and training has been received.
A sample schedule is reproduced below (this is indicative only, and will vary in detail and order, according to the placement, partner and the nature of the project and/or task):
A pre-module session at the end of Year 2 will explain the requirements of students taking this module in terms of placement/work experience required and how the learning outcomes of the module might be achieved.
Week 1 - Introduction to the module: initial briefing/briefing session with partner/CES workshop
Week 2 - Preparation of project proposal
Week 3 - Academic supervision (feedback on project proposal)
Weeks 4 - 7 - Individual learning
Week 8 - Seminar-based learning
Week 9 - Individual learning
Week 10 - Seminar-based learning
Week 11 - Individual learning
Week 12 - Assessment (oral presentation of project)
Week 13 - Assessment (submission of project and reflection)