Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students must have passed all modules at stage 2. Permission of the DPD is required for all students undertaking this module.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The study abroad and work placement year enables students to:
- benefit from the experience of living in another country for an extended period but studying in English
- reflect on and develop graduate attributes particularly adaptability, resilience, global awareness and intercultural competency
- benefit from the experience of seeking and securing a position with an employer,
- undertake a period of practical work experience which will benefit academic studies and longer term career plans,
- offer the opportunity to recognise and record the development of work place skills,
- facilitate personal development in a non-university setting.

This is to be achieved through spending one semester in full time study one of our exchange partner universities. The academic risk of doing so is minimised by the results achieved not having a direct bearing on their degree classification or attainment. The work placement component involves employment in a suitable role, which must involve a sufficient level of responsibility and professional development. The employment should normally be of at least 5 months duration.



Students do not pay the full tuition fee for this year (but do pay a placement fee currently in the order of £1350)

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will search and apply for a work placement during stage 2 of their degree programme. The module is undertaken in the fifteen month period between stages 2 and 3. Students must apply to this module in accordance with the University application process for Study Abroad (either the ERASMUS scheme or the Non-EU Exchange scheme). Students should inform the Combined Honours Centre of their intention to this by the end of November of Stage 2. They will then be provided with appropriate advice and guidance during the application, preparation and pre-departure stage. This may include attendance of workshops and briefing sessions (e.g. from the International Office and Careers Service).

Students may study then work, or vice versa. They will study as a full time student for one semester, taking the equivalent of 60 credits (30ECTS). The module selection will be agreed with the module leader.

The work placement provider will provide induction and training activities as appropriate to the role. Students may choose to divide their work placement between two employers however they must spend at least one month at each. The employment may be in the UK or abroad (if abroad it must be organised in accordance with work permit regulations of that country as required).

Students will have module team member as a supervisor during the year abroad. Regular contact shall be maintained and the student is required to maintain a reflective portfolio of their experience.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The specific knowledge outcomes for the Study Abroad element will vary according the modules undertaken whilst studying abroad.

The specific knowledge outcomes for the Work Placement element will vary according the work conducted, but would normally include:
a) to gain an understanding of the nature of work undertaken in the chosen sector,
b) to gain an understanding of the specific area of responsibility and relevant technologies in the chosen sector.

Intended Skill Outcomes

To demonstrate through reflection the graduate skills and attributes of:
i) Intercultural competence, adaptability and autonomy (through Study Abroad)
ii) Team working; problem-solving; time management; and communication and presentation skills (Work Placement).
iii) Evaluation of own progress and performance objectively.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This will vary according to modules undertaken whilst studying abroad, and the type of employment undertaken during the work placement element.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is a pass / fail based on the completion of the above components. Study abroad modules taken in subjects of study should be either equivalent in level to stage 2 or 3 (at Newcastle). At least the equivalence of 40 credits should be taken in the subjects of study (allowing up to 20 credits equivalence in subjects of the student’s own choice).

General Notes

N/A