Course Resources Archive

This module provides an opportunity for students to develop the skills and attributes which underpin rewarding careers and active citizenship.  The basis for the module will be a period of work or volunteering activity spent with an employer or a community organisation, or within the University itself.  In negotiation with an Internship Panel, each student proposes a programme of work with clear objectives suitable to the level of study, allowing them to demonstrate achievement of a set of professional and transferable skills via a project report and presentation. 

In addition to opportunities generated by students themselves, the School of Natural and Social Sciences will offer a range of internship opportunities which will be allocated on a competitive basis prior to the start of the module.  These will provide the opportunity for students to be engaged in activities associated with teaching, research or other priorities of the School and their course of study.

The period of work activity can be intensive and full-time, or spread over several weeks within the time-frame of the module.  It will normally comprise the equivalent of ten working days (approximately 75 hours).

Approval of proposals will depend on the suitability of the work activity and the programme proposed, and on the case made by the student as to their capacity to fulfil the objectives and the value it will offer to the organisation and to their own professional development.  Proposals must be accompanied by CVs, letters of application, and a personal skills audit, and all students will be interviewed by the Internship Panel.  Where students are basing a proposal on work or volunteering arranged by themselves with another organisation, it is their responsibility to develop a project which will be of value to that organisation, and to secure the support and resources required within that organisation to complete the project.  Depending on the nature of the proposal, approval may be given on the condition that the student undergoes a CRB check, seeks ethical approval, or submits satisfactory health and safety or risk assessments.

Following project approval, students will be allocated a tutor who will support and  monitor them in planning the achievement of their objectives.  Students will prepare an interim report during the period of the project, for formative feedback. 

Assessment is based on a written Report plus a presentation in a format of the student’s own choosing (oral, poster etc) which would be a suitable medium for communicating outcomes to the employer / organisation.  One mark will be awarded to cover both the Report and the presentation (described holistically below as ‘Portfolio’).

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate ability to work effectively within an organisational structure to contribute to achievement of collective goals;
2. Identify opportunities for, and make an informed contribution to, small projects of improvement or development within a work or volunteering setting;
3. Make a realistic appraisal of their own skills and knowledge and how they can contribute to the health and development of organisations;
4. Prepare a written report to a high standard, and present project outcomes in a manner suitable for a professional audience.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.