ENG-20055 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

No

Barred Combinations

No

Description for 2024/25

This module is designed to give students studying Humanities subjects the opportunity to contribute to the world beyond the University, in any workplace where the research, analytical, and communication skills developed as part of a Humanities degree can be used. The chosen workplace may be, for example, a local museum, theatre, charity, library, school or education provider, marketing company, PR firm, local newspaper, local radio, or another suitable opportunity identified by the student and approved by the module leader. While on the placement, students will produce a portfolio reflecting on and giving evidence of the activities/outputs completed at their chosen workplace. These may include, for example, researching and producing materials advertising or supporting current or proposed exhibits or performances, researching and producing written or audio pieces, and/or planning small-group educational activities on Humanities-related topics. Advice will be given on identifying and contacting placements and composing a CV in semester 1, and support will be provided throughout the placement, which will usually take place in semester 2. Through this module students will obtain crucial first-hand experience of applying for a position and working in an environment where they can utilise the skills developed on their degree, developing their employability for when they leave Keele. They should also enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge with people outside of the university and making a personal contribution to their chosen workplace.
Students should note that this is a year-long (i.e. Semesters 1-2) 15 credit module, but with the bulk of the work (including most of the assessment) undertaken in semester 2. Students should therefore take care to choose this module as if it is a semester 2 module. This arrangement also ensures that, in the unlikely event of failing to find a satisfactory placement by January, students will be able to withdraw from ENG-20055 and opt in to another 15-credit module by way of replacement for the second semester.

This module aims to
- Enhance the career knowledge and employability of students studying Humanities subjects;
- Support students in effectively researching and applying for employment roles;
- Provide students with first-hand experience of the day-to-day operations of a relevant working environment, including developing their ability to work co-operatively and productively with others;
- Encourage Humanities students to apply and reflect on the range of degree-relevant skills in a broader work context;
- Develop students¿ capacity to construct and carry through independent tasks/projects;
- Increase students¿ knowledge of and familiarity with the Careers and Employability service.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Reflect upon and articulate their subject-specific and transferable skills developed through their education (and additional experiences) in order to be effective in securing work experience, employment, or further study: 1,2,3
Understand the variety of ways in which skills developed during the study of Humanities subjects can be deployed in non-academic contexts: 1,2,3
Understand the aims and priorities, and possible limitations, of an external organisation and design and complete effective activities/projects/materials that support these: 1,2,3
Critically reflect upon placement opportunities and challenges and what they learnt from these experiences: 2,3
2
Articulate their placement experiences effectively and reflect on their enhanced skill set in front of an audience, utilising visual aids:

Study hours

Active Learning hours 25:
Semester 1: 7 x 2hr workshops; 6 x 1hr seminars = 20hrs
Semester 2: 5 x 1hr workshops = 5 hours
75 hours of placement
Independent Study:
Applying for placement (including assessment 1): 20 hours
Preparation for Presentation (Assessment 2): 10 hours
Preparation for Portfolio (Assessment 3): 20 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment