AP2SA3-Professional Placement with Study Abroad Experience
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: 2023/4
Module Convenor: Ms Rebecca Jerrome
Email: r.m.jerrome@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
By selecting a professional placement combined with study abroad experience, you'll undertake two compulsory elements: 1. You'll complete a minimum of 20 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 will be supported through the application and approval process by a Placement Coordinator. 2. You'll complete a study abroad semester with approval from the Study Abroad Co-ordinator. This will usually be a full semester at an institution abroad, equivalent to 60 credits/30 ECTS, either in Europe as part of the ERASMUS exchange scheme, or in another country where the University has an exchange agreement. A place on one of these schemes is not guaranteed. The deadline to submit your application (in particular for destinations outside of Europe) is usually January in Part 2.
Aims:
- to develop an 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
- to develop a knowledge of a range of subject areas relating to the their area of study and to provide students with an understanding of how these subject areas are perceived and taught overseas.
- to develop an awareness of the different methodologies and develop research and writing skills appropriate to their new learning environment.
Assessable learning outcomes:
- to develop an 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
- to develop a knowledge of a range of subject areas relating to the their area of study and to provide students with an understanding of how these subject areas are perceived and taught overseas.
- to develop an awareness of the different methodologies and develop research and writing skills appropriate to their new learning environment.
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage students to be more self-reliant and to give them an opportunity to broaden their education through travelling and studying abroad and to experience the life and culture of another country and/or to enhance their employability prospects.
Outline content:
The nature of the placement will vary widely depending on the host company (and host institution of Study Abroad institution), 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:
Arrangements in accordance with the standard arrangements in the host university and host company. Students must attend lecture/assessment presentations, before and after the placement year.
The contact hours are indicative.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Placement | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Total hours by term | 400 | 400 | 400 |
| Total hours for module | 1200 |
| Method | Percentage |
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
Students must successfully complete their placement, pass all three components of the assessment and achieve an overall mark of 40%.
Students must also complete any coursework and examinations as part of their Study Abroad experience in accordance with the standard arrangements in the host university.
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.
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. Students must also achieve a mark of 40% overall, usually equivalent to an ECTS grade E, for the Study Abroad element.
Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment for the failed element as follows:
Placement - Re-submission of all assessment elements which are not passed at the first attempt except the 'employer report', which cannot be reassessed.
Study Abroad - Where a re-sit is permitted, work of equivalent value will be set and marked by the University of Reading and must be submitted by 1 September, or as per the requirements of the host institution.
Students who fail after the second attempt may transfer to the three year version of the degree.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
Last updated: 30 March 2023
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.