On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate that they have worked effectively and professionally with others in completing a placement with a specific employer.
Demonstrate that they have, through consultation and negotiation with both the employer and the University, identified a professional issue relating to the work of the employer and designed and completed a specific project, as part of their placement, involving investigation and reflection on this issue.
Demonstrate the ability to analyse critically, synthesise and evaluate data/information and research arising from the project and placement, constructing an informed argument and presenting their findings appropriately.
This module enables students to retain an element of work-based learning in their final year programme, by spending time working with an employer during the year, focussing on completing a specific project for that employer and reflecting on what they have learned from this experience.
Students will be expected to negotiate a project with their employer or prior placement provider organisation that meets the needs of both the employer and Leeds Trinity University.
The specific requirement for this module is that the work undertaken be in the field of local government or regional politics. The work undertaken should help students to explore career pathways open to them in politics (such as, internships, employment in councils and other local authorities), so that they can make informed and purposeful decisions about their future.
As a negotiated, self managed module, students will receive initial guidance on how the module works, the learning objectives and their responsibilities, but they will be responsible for setting up an appropriate placement with an employer and formulating and agreeing a project which they will complete during the year.
Leeds Trinity University has existing links (for example) with various MP offices, local constituency offices and local councils and authorities and the Placement and Partnership Office can provide support in identifying the most suitable placement opportunities.
This process will be monitored by staff and a placement supervisor will be assigned to each student to provide tutorial support throughout the year and ensure progress and academic rigour in assessed work. Further guidance and support will be given, in Semester 2, to help with the completion of the assessment.
Seminars
Hours: 6
Intended Group Size: 25
Tutorials and tutor contact via email etc
Hours: 3
Intended Group Size: 1
Guided independent study
Hours: 191
Other relevant matters
1. The module is available to all programmes that choose to adopt the module, but the chosen context needs to be relevant to the degree programme. As noted above, the Politics and International Relations programme requires students to undertake work in the field of local government/regional politics.
2. Registration for the module is subject to students providing clear evidence during Level 5 study of active engagement, completion and evaluation of the PDP module and initial negotiations with their employer/placement provider with regard to a potential work-based learning project for Level 6.
3. Employers would be required to provide a minimum of three reports on student progress - the first report would be initial approval and signed agreement for the project to proceed, the second report would be required by January at the latest providing an interim report of progress and the final report would be required at the assessment submission date providing evaluation of the project outcome. These reports would assist and inform the project supervisor of work-based value.
4. A minimum of at least 60 hours must be spent in the workplace with an additional 130 hours (minimum) independent study time within or outside the workplace.
Module Coordinator - Nathan Uglow
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -