ESC-20092 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. This module allows students to gain understanding and work relevant experiences through a variety of resources, learning content, placements and scenarios. It allows students to synthesise new knowledge and reflect upon this in the context of future career options, and gain the necessary tools and experience to support their graduate journey.

The aim of the module is to enable Geography, Geology and Environment students to gain an understanding of the workplace through a selection of appropriate activities, which may include sector research, developing employability portfolios, project-based learning, work-related student consultancy, virtual placements, face-to-face placements, outreach activities and research opportunities.
Students will choose to complete either a reflective report or an employability portfolio, depending on their employer engagement activities throughout the year. These assessments will help students reflect on the key skills needed in the sector and equip them with the elements of career development and management they need to support career decision-making. This will incorporate reflective practice and activities designed to inform and prepare them for future recruitment processes.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Develop an understanding of the workplace in a chosen sector, context and/or with reference to academic discipline
: 1
Explain what skills are needed to develop their career within their chosen sector, carry out a personal skills audit to identify skills gaps and create an action plan to acquire those skills: 1
Develop resources to present a suitable candidate identity for a specific sector, graduate career or profession: 1
Discuss the importance of developing and maintaining professional networks: 1
Demonstrate a critical awareness of their knowledge (including academic theory), skills and strengths in relation to employability through research and reflective practice: 1

Study hours

Whilst there is no minimum hours set for placements (to allow students access to a range of opportunities) we would expect students to spend around 55-75 hrs engaging in employer engagement activities. Students carrying out desk-based research should spend a similar amount of time on their employer engagement activities.
The approximate breakdown of the module is:
- 16 hours of scheduled synchronous in situ sessions.
- 6 hours of additional drop in clinics.
- 10 hours of structure engagement with online resources and directed research.
- 118 hours employer engagement activities and independent research/assessment preparation.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment