Introduction to Professional Placements
| Module title | Introduction to Professional Placements |
|---|---|
| Module code | LES2400 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | |
| Module staff | Dr Nicola Weber (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 2-10 | 2-10 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
Increasingly, graduate positions request that applicants have work experience applicable to the role. This module will give you the necessary skills to identify, apply for and secure a professional placement with an organisation that is appropriate to your own interests. It will also allow you to carry out your placement in a professional manner.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module will inform you of how to research relevant organisations and apply for placement opportunities. You will understand how to identify your own skills and personal qualities to ‘self-promote’ and stand out in a competitive environment. You will be given advice on how to write an effective CV, cover letter and application form, how to interview effectively and make the most of the networking opportunities. The module will also look at professionalism in the workplace, investigating common scenarios that you will face and suitable approaches, enabling you to fully immerse yourself into a professional environment.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Know how to effectively research employers to source placements and internships opportunities
- 2. Compose an effective and well-presented CV, complete with supporting letter, making clear links between your experience and the job description
- 3. Develop skills in networking
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand how to apply skills learnt during stages 1 and 2 in a professional environment
- 5. Identify and investigate the range of career opportunities available and relevant to a student with a degree in life and environmental sciences
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Improve professionalism and your approach to your behaviour in the workplace
- 7. Showcase your skills, motivations and personal career development needs and promote these effectively
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to Professional Placement
- Sessions with the Career Zone including: professionalism, interview techniques, networking and finding a placement
- Small group and 1:1 sessions to help find placements
- Presentations and networking opportunities with previous placement students
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 20 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Student learning and teaching | 6 | Seminars - you should attend all timetabled activities |
| Student learning and teaching | 2 | Presentation and networking with previous placement students |
| Student learning and teaching | 1 | Meetings and guidance with Career Zone and placement convenor |
| Guided independent study | 20 | Conducting additional reading and research to prepare high quality applications |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications for placements | Ongoing | All | Oral/written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There is no summative assessment for this module | 0 |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Tristram Hooley and Korin Grant, You’re Hired! Graduate Career Handbook, Maximise your employability and get a graduate job, ISBN: 9781844556489
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 0 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 08/03/2019 |
| Last revision date | 19/05/2023 |
