Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module is designed to give postgraduate students studying the Humanities 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 postgraduate Humanities degree can be used. The chosen workplace may be, for example, a local museum, theatre, library, school or education provider, marketing company, 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 theoretically-informed portfolio critically 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 postgraduate 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.
Aims
This module aims to- enhance the career knowledge and employability of students studying Humanities subjects at postgraduate level;- assist students in locating and effectively applying for a placement;- 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 postgraduate students to apply and reflect on their analytical and communication skills in a broader work context;- develop students¿ capacity to construct and carry through sustained independent tasks/projects at postgraduate level;- increase postgraduate students¿ knowledge of and familiarity with the Careers and Employability service.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Reflect upon and convey their experiences and (subject-specific) skills developed through their education and additional experiences in order to be effective in securing additional work experience and employment or further study: 1,2,3Understand the variety of ways in which skills developed during the study of Humanities subjects can be deployed in non-academic contexts: 1,2,3Understand the aims and priorities, and possible limitations, of an external organisation and design and complete substantial activities/projects/materials that support these: 1,2,3Utilise relevant contextual and/or theoretical materials to produce outputs in an employment context and critically reflect on their effectiveness: 1,2,3Critically reflect upon placement opportunities and challenges and what they learnt from these experiences: 2,32Articulate their placement experiences effectively and reflect on their enhanced skill set in front of an audience, utilising visual aids:
Active Learning 25 hours:Semester 1: 7 x 2hr workshops; 6 x 1hr seminars = 20hrsSemester 2: 5 x 1hr workshops; 100 hours of placement Independent Study 175 hours:Applying for placement (including assessment 1): 35 hoursResearching/writing for Presentation (Assessment 2): 60 hoursResearching/writing for Portfolio (Assessment 3): 80 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Assignment weighted 20%Placement Plan
2: Presentation weighted 30%Individual Presentation
3: Portfolio weighted 50%Portfolio