Module Information

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 SMB 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 second year.

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.