Work placement diary reflective report 1500-2000 words (learning outcomes 1, 2) 25%

one 6500-7000 word project report 75% [1,2,3,4,5]


Formative Assessment: One 15-minute presentation on project progress, scheduled in the middle of semester 1. This provides students with the opportunity to discuss their project ideas and progress with both their peers and academic supervisors. Students will be required to give a presentation at an appropriate point and this will be used to formatively assess their progress. Students also have the opportunity to submit chapter plans and drafts to their supervisor for feedback.

One-to-one meetings with supervisor up to 12 hours
General whole group support sessions 6 hours
Independent study 162 hours
Host-associated research 120 hours

Host-related research is arranged to accommodate student and supervisor as well as host, and may entail either a concentrated three week block (normally outside semesters) or a more extended period such as one day per week for twenty weeks. As part of the module students are required to keep a research diary to aid reflection of the work place experience, and inform the final report.

Support will be given by staff in two forms (i) general sessions for the whole group which provide information on time management, data analysis, literature searching, report format and assessment criteria (ii) one-to-one supervisor sessions (a minimum of 3 meetings per semester; a maximum of 6) for specific project guidance.

These will vary according to the nature of the project, but will commonly include: Appropriate host organisations, University Careers Service, University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, IT, Internet & email facilities, access to GIS and other software, access to laboratories and laboratory equipment, and access to field equipment. Access to www.staffs.ac.uk/geography/work

Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. 2003. Key Methods in Geography. Sage Publications.
Flowerdew R & D Martin (2005) Methods in human geography a guide for students doing a research project. 2nd edition Pearson.
Hay I (2006) Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences 2nd edition OUP.
Huckle J & Sterling S (1996) Education for sustainability. Earthscan.
Nath B (1999) Environmental management in practice. Volumes 1-3 Routledge.
Parsons T & P Knight (2005) How to do your dissertation in geography and the related disciplines. 2nd edition Chapman & Hall.
Ryder T & Roberts E (2000) Working with the environment: source book of employers. Vacation Work.

None

The module provides for students to experience working with host organisations involved in geography-related issues, by undertaking a mutually-agreed research project which investigates the operation of specific geographical principles and theories in real-world situations. Examples of appropriate hosts / areas of research include public-sector bodies, schools, urban regeneration schemes, voluntary-sector organisations and private-sector companies with relevant strategies.