FTMPL20-Work Placements and Pathways (Twenty Credits)

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Placement opportunity: Mini placement
Current from: 2019/0

Email: shweta.ghosh@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This optional module aims to provide an opportunity for career development through reflective learning. Students will either a) self-organise a placement to undertake in an industry or organisation of their choice or b) undertake a detailed examination of an industry, organisation or role of their choice. Students will then construct a written assessment which provides the opportunity for critical reflection on their placement or selected portfolio. 

Early in the year, a session will provide dynamic advice on how to secure a placement. Students will work collectively to self-organise a series of relevant industry speakers, and will conduct research on the industry sector that most interests them. Students will develop their approach to the written assessment supported by workshop discussion, and tutor and peer feedback, and in doing so will also develop their pitching and presentation skills.

Aims:

The module aims to provide an opportunity for reflective learning in relation to work experience or intensive research into an industry or role of their choice. The module aims to provide students with an opportunity for critical reflection on their own career development in the graduate sector. Students will also be encouraged to reflect on the transferable skills they have acquired in the course of their studies and to identify skills they plan to develop in relation to future employment.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

- reflect critically on the work of an organisation;

- evaluate their own skills and performance in a working context; or create a profile of the requisite skills and performance necessary in a particular working context.

- review their skills and experience and identify their training needs in relation to their career plans;

- deploy skills in research, writing and presentation in documenting and reflecting on their experience or research. 

Additional outcomes:

This module enables students to develop practical, organisational and reflective skills. The module extends skills and competencies which are central to the degree: teamwork; oral communication and group co-operation; critical and contextual analysis and coherent argument; presentation of written work. 

Outline content:

Students take this module in Spring term, with a preliminary session in the Autumn term. The Spring Term will include a combination of industry speakers organized by the students, workshop and feedback sessions on students’ developing approach to the module, and a series of tasks that develop students’ self-presentation and careers planning in an industry context, including designing a personal website with landing page, biography and downloadable creative CV, a SMART career action plan, and a blog reflection on their placement experience (as applicable). Placement experience can take place in either Autumn or Spring terms, or in the associated vacation periods. 

Global context:

Students will have the opportunity to research an industry in a geographical location of their choosing.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will learn through self-directed study, a self-organised programme of industry speakers, placement experience, and classes that build confidence in identifying and securing placements, and that will provide tutor and peer feedback on students’ developing approach to their written assessment. Students will undertake other tasks outside of class time, which are focused on honing their skills of self-presentation and careers planning in an industry context. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will undertake a placement report or portfolio (1,500 words) and a reflective report (3,000 words). The placement report or portfolio will include a) a detailed overview of the main activities of the organisation or role; b) an overview of its remit and any challenges it currently faces. For students undertaking the placement, the reflective report will include a) a detailed account of the student’s work for the organisation, drawing attention to the utilisation of skills and competencies developed during their undergraduate studies and outlining new skills and competencies developed through the experience; (b) an analysis of the relationship between the student’s work experience and intended career, including detailed consideration of future training needs and plans for fulfilling these needs; (c) an appendix (outside the word count) of relevant documentation, which may include photographs, printed or recorded materials, statistical or other data. For students undertaking the portfolio, the reflective report will include a) a detailed account of aspects of the industry, organisation or role that are of particular interest to the student that will help to prepare the student for entry into such an industry, organisation or role; b) an analysis of how these skills are developed and what qualifications are necessary to achieve this; c) an appendix (outside the word count) of relevant documentation, which may include photographs or recorded materials, statistical or other data.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will write a related blog post (600 words), design and personal website with landing page, biography and downloadable CV and, furthermore, include in their submission a SMART action plan. 

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall mark of 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of failed coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 21 May 2019