Cottrell, Dr. S. Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook (2010) Palgrave Macmillan Publishing
Fanthome, C. Work Placements: A Survival Guide for Students (2004) Palgrave Macmillan Publishing
Herbert, I. and Rothwell, A. Managing your Placement: A Skills-based Approach (2004) Palgrave Macmillan Publishing
Littleford, D. Career Skills: Opening Doors into the Job Market (2004) Palgrave Macmillan Publishing
Moon, J A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice (2004) Routledge

An agreed placement, negotiated by the student and the host
Library and computer facilities
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

This module offers the opportunity to experience the professional world of work within the Creative and Cultural Industries. Attention should be paid to developing an appreciation of the ethical, practical, technical and financial (resource) issues involved in working within the specific chosen industry sector.

The placement is for 30 hours (approximately one half-day per week or equivalent in negotiation with your tutor and the placement organisation) which will constitute the majority of contact hours for the module. The particular work undertaken will be discussed and negotiated between the placement organisation and the student. This will ensure a programme of experience and training that maximises the benefits for all parties. The experience may comprise a single placement, or a series/range of experiences such as work shadowing, case studies, a variety of short placements etc.

Students will be required to produce CVs and covering letters and embark on finding their placements themselves: there will be a workshop and an individual tutorial focusing on this aspect at the beginning of the module. A seminar on preparing for and undertaking your placement is also offered.

A major element of this module is focused on professional practice, on good time management skills and on working effectively with others.

Assessment 1: A Report (weighted at 75% )
A self-reflective report that comprehensively evaluates your placement formulation, execution, achievements and limitations, and references the creative and cultural practioner's environmental context at both a macro and micro level. [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5 ]

Assessment 2: A Work Placement Diary (weighted at 25% )
A placement diary which will include ongoing description, analysis and evaluation, including examples of the work undertaken by the student whilst on placement, and supporting material which might include for example a work evaluation by the host. [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5]

An initial group seminar session to assist with preparation of CVs and covering letters, an individual tutorial for CV / covering letter development, and a group seminar on making the most of the work placement. The emphasis in obtaining the required duration of experience(s) will be with the student, although staff will give general guidance.

An individual tutorial at the beginning, middle and the end of the placement. The placement will consist of 30 hours spent in the workplace negotiated with the employer on an individual basis (viz: up to a 3 week block, extended programme of single or half-days).