Arts Work Placement Module

Code

ARTS2000

School

Faculty of Arts

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module involves employability skills training in the Autumn semester followed by a part-time placement (1 day a week, or equivalent, up to 8 weeks) in an external organisation in the Spring semester. The module is aimed at developing hands-on work experience and enhancing employability skills in a workplace relevant to Arts graduates. Skills developed during the placement will be intrinsically relevant to various work environments.

Students will apply for placements in relevant local organisations from an established list created by the Faculty placement team, but may also use personal contacts to arrange their own placement, subject to approval. Placements will be provided across a range of sectors relevant to the Arts including the creative and cultural industries, media, marketing, heritage and museums, the music industry, education, charitable and third-sector organisations, but are subject to change each year. In the Autumn term lectures and workshops will be organised across the Faculty, with input by the Careers and Employability Service to provide learning support on professional development and skills assessment, networking, successful applications and interviews, self-presentation and self-reflection.

Assessment will comprise an online portfolio of materials, including application materials, reflective writing and a research report situating the work and function of the placement organisation in the context of the wider sector of which it is a part. Throughout, students will be encouraged to reflect individually and in groups on their own employability, and plan for their ongoing professional development.

Target Students

Only available for CLAS and Humanities Level 2 students.

Classes

• One 3-hour workshop
• One 7-hour placement each week for 8 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Students will be expected to apply for a placement in the Autumn semester. The placement (1 day a week over 8 weeks during the Spring semester, or equivalent) is not timetabled but counts towards total contact hours for this module (minimum 60 hours).

Assessment

• 40% Assignment 1: CV and covering letter exercise
• 20% Assignment 2: Three reflective blog entries - 300 words each
• 40% Report: 1500 word report

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

In-depth, hands-on knowledge and understanding of a particular employment environment and sector through participation in an approved professional placement.

A clear understanding of their personal professional development, career goals and employability skills, and the ability to identify skills gaps and translate these into achievable learning outcomes in the context of a work placement.

Resourcefulness in research skills required for written report on employment sector.

The ability to critically self-reflect on their learning and workplace experience, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate how they have translated their experience into personal and professional development.

The ability to use appropriate language and self-presentation skills, in both written and oral form, to prepare effective employment applications and to participate in a workplace environment in a professional manner.

The ability to prioritise work and achieve set goals, manage their time, and demonstrate problem-solving and creativity in responding to workplace challenges.

Conveners

• Professor Gianluca Sergi