• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Data Analysis in the Workplace

Module description

This module gives you the opportunity to gain experience of using data analysis tools and techniques in a workplace setting. The organizations offering placements are across the private, public & charity sectors and you can choose to do your placement in Exeter or elsewhere in the UK and Europe. Workshops will prepare you for your placement and develop your employment skills. The module will require you to relate your work experience back to academic study; reflect on your learning during your work experience; define the core elements of the recruitment process and identify personal competences and work related skills.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This will provide you with an opportunity to apply quantitative research methods learned in your degree in a professional environment. The module aims to develop your commercial awareness by reflecting on the nature of an organization; and the context within which that organization operates and your role within it. It will also familiarize you with the employment practices of application and recruitment, induction, health and safety procedures and self-appraisal.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Define the process of job acquisition and be able to source a placement or job opportunity for yourself;
• 2. Demonstrate understanding of the commercial environment within which companies operate and its impact;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Demonstrate understanding of the social, economic, cultural and administrative considerations which influence employment settings for social science graduates;
• 4. Collect information for yourself, manage information and select appropriate social science data and research strategies for application within an employment setting;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Produce information to make yourself attractive to future employers and present this information in CVs, applications and interviews; and
• 6. Demonstrate practical work based skills and experience and the ability to recognise the skills needed in relation to particular job/career opportunities.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Understanding the workplace
• Commercial Awareness
• Employability skills
• Careers consultation
• Sourcing placements and jobs
• The recruitment process
• How to get the most out of your placement
• Using your experience

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Cottrell, S. (2003), Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Study Guides. London

Eraut, M. (1994), Developing Professional Knowledge and Competence. Washington DC, Falmer Press

Fanthorne, C. (2004), Work Placements – A Survival Guide for Students. Palgrave Study Guides. Macmillan, London.

Kolb, D. (1984), ‘Experiential Learning: Experience as a source of Learning and Development.’ PHI, New Jersey.

Longson, S. (1999), Making Work Experience Count. How to Books.

Moon, J. (2004) A Handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and Practice. London, Routledge Falmer

Neugebauer, J and Evans-Brain, J. (2009, Making the most of your placement. London, Sage

Key words search

Q-step; work placement module