BIMCWP: MSc Consultancy Work Placement

Module code: BIMCWP

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 60

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Full year

Module convenor: Dr Jonathan Mitchley, email: j.mitchley@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: Mini placement

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 2 October 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides the student with the opportunity to carry out work with a professional Ecological Consultancy. We work with around nine companies in and around Reading and various parts of the UK and students learn about the companies during an online placement afternoon (first half October).  Students then select their top 3 choices and prepare a CV and a cover letter that are submitted to the relevant companies and an interview process is used to allocate students. The placement period starts at the end of March/early April and students are mentored and work as directed by the consultant company, carrying out surveys, tendering for projects, writing reports etc.  To achieve these ends the student will need to draw on much of the material learned during the preceding two semesters.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Carry out work, both field and desk related to the standard required by a professional Ecological Consultancy;
2. Interact and work with colleagues in a satisfactory manner in the office and the field.
3. Present the results of their placement in the form of a seminar and a portfolio.
4. The module will also provide the student with the opportunity to operate as part of an Ecological Consultancy and to learn first-hand what is required to work in the sector.
5. Identify a wide range of species and carry out different types of surveys under field conditions.
6. Display initiative under office and field conditions.

Module content

The precise content of the module will vary depending on the consultancy in question and the contract work secured. In all cases, however, the student will be expected to carry out field and desk-based work on a variety of projects.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The students will learn what is required to work within the ecological consultancy sector first-hand. The student will be required to carry out studies as directed by the consultancy, they will also need to show the level of initiative required to carry out field work and to collect the data and carry out desk-based assessment and analyses.  The students will summarise their experience throughout their placement in the form of a critical portfolio. Students will maintain contact with the module convenor and other University staff as required for advice during the placement.

Study hours

At least 5 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.