Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSI3017: Learning from Work Experience in the 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 increase 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 detailed knowledge and understanding of what your placement organisation does; how it is managed, the culture within the organisation and what influences this.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the experiential learning process and ability to critically reflect on and evaluate learning from the workplace, and to do so through the application and use of relevant theoretical frameworks
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Critically and systematically reflect on the relationship between the learning and skills developed in your discipline, with the learning, skills and personal attributes developed through your work placement.
4. Systematically research the academic background to a key issue arising from your work placement and critically evaluate the issue in relation to the professional and scholarly literature
Personal and Key Skills5. Identify the specific skills needed in relation to particular job/career opportunities, and demonstrate an ability to talk about these knowledgeably with reference to the work placement;
6. Critically reflect on and analyse your own personal management skills, identifying ways to improve through personal development planning;
7. Present yourself effectively in CVs, applications and interviews, communicate information and ideas clearly and critically in oral presentations.

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.

Bates, B. (2016) Learning theories simplified. London: Sage Publications.

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.

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

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

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