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ESC-30116 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 20 May 2024

ESC-30116 - Work Placement Year (Geology)
Coordinator: Alix Cage Tel: +44 1782 7 33177
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 0
Study Hours: 1200
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25


Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to carry out a long-term work-based learning experience (minimum 30 weeks equivalent of full-time work) in the geological sector between Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6) of their degree programme. The module will be underpinned by employability skills training (as part of their preparation during year 2), reflective assessment, employer and tutor evaluation and support from academic tutors.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically evaluate their learning from the work placement: 1,2
explain how the professional geological sector operates and what skills are needed to develop their career: 1,2
apply academic theory learnt as part of the taught degree to real situations in the work place: 1,2
evaluate their own employability skills (via a SWOT Analysis) and create Intended Learning Outcomes for their placement in order to develop the skills areas which they have identified as being weak or needing further enhancement: 1,2
develop, through practice in the work place, the work-related skills identified through their SWOT analysis and Intended Learning Outcomes: 2

Study hours

The placement year is the equivalent of 120 credits and the student will be expected to be on placement for a MINIMUM of 30 weeks equivalent of full-time work (this is roughly equivalent to a standard university teaching period), therefore a minimum of 1050 hours should be spent on placement. The placements can continue for up to 12 months, providing the necessary assessments are submitted and passed for progression into the final year (FHEQ Level 6).
10 hours are given for scheduled learning and teaching activities - these are workshops which will cover: internship preparation including CVs and cover letters and how to find a placement; identifying skills gaps through skills audits and SWOT analysis; creating intended learning outcomes; and a Pre-departure workshop to complete necessary paperwork.
140 hours are allocated for guided independent study.

School Rules

Students may not register for both the Work Placement Year and International Year.
Students must be in good academic standing, have a good University attendance record and must have passed all Level 4 and Level 5 (Semester 1) modules with an overall average of equal to or greater than 55% to be eligible for the Work Placement Year module.

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 30%
Mid-Placement Portfolio
The mid-placement portfolio will be submitted 6-8 weeks into the placement and comprises two elements: 1. A SWOT analysis and Action Plan. The student will use their placement experience to reflect on their employability skills and consider the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) to the development of these skills. The SWOT Analysis will be used to create an Action Plan of Intended Learning Outcomes and planned activities aimed at strengthening their employability skills during the remainder of their placement and in the context of continuing professional development; 2. An evaluation of the student¿s performance on placement by the work placement host.

2: Portfolio weighted 70%
Final Placement Portfolio
The final placement portfolio will be submitted at the end of the placement and again, comprises two elements: 1. A reflective diary (~5k words) on the student¿s placement experience, documenting key activities and reflecting on skills gained from those activities and how they contribute to the work-based learning experience and development of employability skills; 2. An evaluation of the student¿s performance on placement by the work placement host.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 20 May 2024