EC2WEP-Work Experience Year

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
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: Dr Vivien Burrows
Email: v.e.burrows@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module provides the opportunity to undertake a placement, and for subsequent reflection on and evaluation of the work experience.

Aims:
The aims of the work placement are to:
1. provide the student with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two years of their undergraduate studies;
2. extend knowledge and learning in their chosen degree discipline;
3. gain knowledge, understanding and skills of working in a business/research environment.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The student will demonstrate their learning outcomes by:

1. preparing a written report of between 2,000-3,000 words analysing and evaluating their placement role within the organisation; rules of governance and other procedures affecting the role and the tools and methodologies being employed. The report will provide an academic appreciation of the placement; and an opportunity to research and evaluate alternative approaches, which should be of value to the emplo yer and the placement student.


2. delivering a 15 minute presentation to their university placement tutor. The presentation should provide an overview of the organisation, how the student’s department fits into the organisation and detail the knowledge and skills learnt from the placement experience.  At the module convenor’s discretion, production of a detailed poster may be considered as an alternative form of presentation.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of the following skills:

• working with other people
• an understanding of the requirements of the workplace

Students will gain hands on experience of full time employment in the real work place, which is directly relevant to their skills and knowledge in the field of economics. Their confidence and self-reliance, maturity and sense of responsibility, team working and communication skills will be enhanced. The overall experience will be potentially invaluable in terms of their future career development and employability.

Outline content:
The area of work undertaken on the placement will be related to the students£ programme of study in the Department of Economics. The day to day content of the work will be set by the company. The work placement should provide the student with the opportunity for independent problem solving and working in a team.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The onus of this module is on independent working, including work experience, learning by observation, training and doing.

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
Report	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
There is no examination for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The student is required to submit the following on completion of their placement:

1. 2,000-3,000 word reflective and evaluative report assessed by the student’s placement tutor;

2. 15 minute presentation assessed by the student’s placement tutor.  At the module convenor’s discretion, production of a detailed poster may be considered as an alternative form of presentation.



The report must be submitted by 12 noon on the first Friday of the first week of the Autumn term of the final year of study. 

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:
Satisfactory completion of the placement, which is determined by the student£s progress throughout the year, submission of the written report and presentation.
Successful completion of a placement does not contribute to the student£s final degree classification.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of report by the end of the fourth week of the Autumn term of the final year of study.

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: 30 July 2021