University of Kent s1

UNIVERSITY OF KENT MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE

SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS

1. Title of the module Preparing for an Economics Placement (EC536)

2. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module School of Economics

3. Start date of the module September 2014

4. The number of students expected to take the module 20-40

5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal None

6. The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M]) Level I

7. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents 4 Credits (2 ECTS), non-contributory

8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Autumn and Spring Terms

9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules EC500 and EC502 are co-requisite modules

10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes Students registered on Single or Joint Honours Degrees Programmes in Economics with a pathway option for a Year in Industry (Stage S). The module is compulsory for those students registered on a Year in Industry pathway and optional for students on the alternative pathway.

11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes By the end of the module, students will: 11.1 Have critical knowledge of how to prepare and apply for a placement 11.2 Have critical awareness of alternative recruitment strategies employed by business 11.3 Have knowledge of competency tests and team based recruitment exercises 11.4 Be practiced in CV and letter writing skills 11.5 Have knowledge, understanding and practice of interview techniques

1 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 12. The intended generic learning outcomes By the end of the module, students will: 12.1 Have increased confidence in researching business and government 12.2 Be confident in articulating their individual and work-ready skills and attributes 12.3 Be competent in undertaking online tasks and activities relevant to employer recruitment 12.4 Be responsible for initiating and managing their own performance

13. A synopsis of the curriculum The module helps prepare students to acquire and develop the employability and transferable skills necessary to search, apply and procure placement opportunity in the commercial or public sector as required for progression to Stage S of Single and Joint Honours Economics degrees programmes with a Year in Industry. The curriculum will include an introduction and to CV and letter writing, presentation skills, interview techniques, numeracy and competency tests, and psychometric evaluation.

14. Indicative Reading List  S. Cottrell (2010), Skills for Success, Palgrave Macmillan.  F. Trought (2011), Brilliant Employability Skills, Pearson.  J. Van Emden & L. Becker (2010), Presentation Skills for Students, Palgrave Macmillan

Additional appropriate reading and support materials will be provided as they are identified.

15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended module learning outcomes

Students will attend a series of workshops and one-to-one meetings designed to introduce, develop and support the broad range of employability and transferable skills required to prepare for and procure a placement opportunity as required for progression to Stage S of their chosen degree programme. All activities will be led by the School Placements Officer who is responsible for the organisation, management and delivery of the Year in Industry programmes in economics.

Workshops will provide guidance and support across a range of employability related tasks including CV and cover letter writing, presentation skills, interview techniques, numeracy and competency testing, and psychometric evaluation. Workshops will run throughout Autumn Term and will constitute 12 formal contact hours. These workshops contribute to MLOs 11.1-11.5 and 12.1-12.3.

One-to–one meetings will provide bespoke advice and support to students as individuals queries arise throughout the year. They will also provide feedback opportunities to students as they progress thorough respective stages of the placement applications process. One-to-one meetings will operate through drop-in sessions which run throughout both Autumn and Spring Terms and will constitute approximately 3 formal contact hours on average for each student. These meetings contribute to MLOs 11.1-11.5 and 12.1-12.4.

Alongside formal contact hours (15) students are expected to commit a further 25 hours to the module across the academic year via independent study.

16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning outcomes The module is non-contributory and assessment does not ‘count’ towards the formal 360 credit diet (270 credits for classification purposes) of the Year in Industry programmes. The module represents extra learning and an opportunity to gain transferable skills designed to enhance employability and the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to search and secure 2 UNIVERSITY OF KENT placement opportunities in a competitive economic environment. The module convenor (Placements Officer) will provide students with guidance on the level of engagement expected and will provide on- going feedback as part of the activities undertaken on the module. Students who participate in the workshops and one-to-one meetings, and who engage with the activities and tasks required of the module as discussed above will be deemed to have met the learning requirements of the module (MLOs 11.1-11.5 and 12.1-12.4) and will have this added to their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).

17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space Academic support is provided by the School Placement’s Officer in conjunction with other University services including the Careers and Employability Service (CES) and Kent Enterprise.

18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed. The School Placements Officer will liaise with students on an individual basis to advise them of the importance of disclosing a declared disability or special educational need during the recruitment process. Their individual rights as set out by the Equality Act (2010) will also be explained in relation to undertaking placement opportunities in the workplace.

19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered: Canterbury

SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies (as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"

...... Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of Date Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)

………………………………………………… Print Name Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"

...... Head of School Date

……………………………………………………. Print Name

SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED INSTITUTION (Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)

3 UNIVERSITY OF KENT Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"

...... Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner Date College/Validated Institution

…………………………………………………. Print Name ………………………………………………….. Post …………………………………………. Partner College/Validated Institution

Module Specification Template Last updated February 2013