Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSI2001: Learning from Work Experience in Social Sciences

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to develop your personal management skills and experience of learning through work. You will be encouraged to research and reflect on a range of work-related ‘explorations’  - from the nature of an organisation and their role within it, to the employment practices of induction, health and safety procedures, self-appraisal and continuing professional development, linking this with their own personal development planning. The module allows you  to fully explore the links between the skills developed and the knowledge and understanding gained from their degree discipline. By practising specific skills for employment the module aims to prepare you for the world of work beyond university and to increase your knowledge and understanding of a range of professions.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate understanding of what your placement organisation does; how it is managed, the culture within the organisation and what influences this.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the experiential learning process and some ability to reflect on and evaluate learning from the workplace
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Critically reflect on the relationship between the learning and skills developed in your discipline, with learning and skills developed through your work placement.
4. Systematically research the academic background to a key issue arising from your work placement
Personal and Key Skills5. Identify the skills needed in relation to particular job/career opportunities
6. Analyse your own personal management skills, identifying ways to improve through personal development planning;
7. Present yourself effectively in CVs, applications, oral presentations and interviews.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Bolton, G. (2014) Reflective Practice 3rd Edn. London: Sage

Cottrell, S. (2015), Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Palgrave Study Guides. London

Eraut, M. (1994) Developing Professional Knowledge and Competence. London: Routledge.

Fanthorne, C. (2004), Work Placements – A Survival Guide for Students. Palgrave Study Guides. Macmillan, London.

Hatton, N. and Smith, D. (1995) Facilitating reflection: issues and research, Forum of education, 50, (1) 49-65.

Kolb, D. (1984), ‘Experiential Learning: Experience as a Source of Learning and Development.’ PHI, New Jersey.

Moon, J. (1999), Learning Journals: A handbook for academics, students and professional development. Kogan Page. London.

Neugebauer, J. and Evans-Brain, J. (2016) Employability: Making the most of your career development. London: Sage Publications.

Mowrer, R and Klein, S. (2001) Handbook of contemporary learning theories. Erlbaum Associates.

Schon, D. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner. New York: Basic Books.