AP2PP1-Professional Placement

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 120 [60 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Placement opportunity: Maxi placement
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Ms Rebecca Jerrome
Email: r.m.jerrome@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

By selecting a professional placement year you'll undertake a minimum of 40 weeks full time employment to gain relevant work experience in your chosen industry. You'll apply the theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained throughout Part 1 and Part 2 of your degree, benefitting the placement organisation and your own professional development. Placements must be approved by the University before they commence, and you'll be supported through the application and approval process by a Placement Coordinator. A maximum of two different placements can be undertaken with a minimum duration of 20 weeks full time per placement.

Aims:

• To develop understanding of and gain practice in the application process 


• To gain insight into a course-related industry and apply the knowledge and skills developed in Part 1 and Part 2 to the benefit of the host organisation 


• To further develop the student’s knowledge and practical skills


• To develop and implement the use of transferable and interpersonal skills


• To be aware of the aims and goals of the organisation as a whole and relate the outcomes of the placement department with the aims of the organisation

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate:

• knowledge and awareness of their placement organisation and their contribution 


• problem-solving skills


• the successful use of IT


• effective team working skills


• efficient communication skills (written and oral)


• application of knowledge and skills acquired during Part 1 and Part 2


• career managements skills including job search and effective applications

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The nature of the placement will vary widely depending on the host company, but students should integrate into the relevant organisation and become a useful asset. See the Blackboard site for this module for further information.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

One year industrial placement to gain relevant work experience in an industry related to the student’s degree programme.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Placement	400	400	400
Total hours by term	400	400	400
Total hours for module	1200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students are required to produce a 5 minute podcast on the applications process to be submitted by the 1st October of the year the placement begins. A 15-minute presentation will be given in the Autumn term of the year you return, detailing the placement organisation, the student’s contribution and reflection on skills developed. See the Blackboard site for detailed information. The employer will rate the student’s performance.



The three elements of assessment are:

1. Podcast


2. Presentation


3. Employer report 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students must complete their placement and pass all three components of the assessment.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of all assessment elements which are not passed at the first attempt except the 'employer report', which cannot be reassessed. Students who fail the placement year after the second attempt may transfer to the three year version of the degree.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 15 September 2021