To provide observational, practical and applied work experience within an organisational context relevant to the discipline of study.

To experience and reflect upon the practical application of some of the concepts, theories and methods related to the subject or discipline in which the research problem being investigated is located.

To focus on the application and further extension of graduate skills to a higher level or research-based specialist areas of study.

To provide insights to support students’ professional and career development.

The learning strategies will require students to commit to 300 learning hours.

Individual tutorials (6 hours)
Students will be required to attend 3 ‘formal’ meetings to:
1. Develop an action plan for work experience
2. Understand the application, and needs to further develop, skills in an applied setting
3. Monitor progress on the work experience and on the assessment.

In addition, students can arrange up to 3 informal meetings to provide support for the reflective elements of the module.

Independent Study (294 hours)
This is indicative as students will need to complete a minimum of 150 hours of relevant applied work experience which could take the form of an industrial placement, voluntary work or working in a commercial environment. The remaining 144 hours of independent study will enable the student to review and reflect upon the specific area of study and to undertake research to support the portfolio assessment.

Lumley M V and Wilkinson J (2014) Developing Employability For Business; OUP

Blackboard website
E-Coach
Work Experience Handbook

1. Analyse individual strengths and areas for improvement within the context of an applied working environment and create strategies to improve these. (Application, Reflection)

2. To understand and critically assess the qualities and skills used and developed in an industrial or commercial concern or equivalent. (Reflection)

3. To demonstrate applied analytical skills to systematically assess and critically evaluate the contemporary issues such as social, technological and economic changes impacting on an organisation or specific workplace context. (Analysis; Application; Knowledge & Understanding; Problem Solving)

4. Produce a reflective portfolio assessment that includes a full critical appraisal, based on expertise, of an applied environment and devise realistic recommendations as to an area of to be improved to a standard suitable for presentation to senior management. (Analysis; Application; Communication; Problem Solving)

1. Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of relevant work experience for a company or organisation. This does not contribute to the overall grade point but must be completed in order to successfully pass the module. 0%

2. The completion of a reflective portfolio assessment 5,000 words (max).
100%