What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will consider where your strengths lie in the field of media (or your chosen post-graduation career path) and thus what profession, activity or further study would suit you. Research and investigation of current practice is at the core of the module. Your work will reflect current contemporary practice in the media (or your chosen profession) while taking an approach of curiosity, creativity and experimentation, showing understanding of both the requirements of roles and responsibilities in your chosen field and your own skills set.
This module guides you in the identification and successful completion of a work experience placement. The work placement or portfolio of visits totals a minimum of four weeks (20 days). The intention is that every student will gain experience of work placement in the media industry using skills taught on the course, learn to become part of the placement organisation team, thereby making a meaningful contribution wherever possible to the output. Via a series of workshops, you will also gain insight into a variety of employability skills, for example but not limited to, the writing of CVs and cover letters, the development of LinkedIn profiles and job interview techniques.
Your in-depth research skills will translate into polished final outputs, equipping you with knowledge of your chosen industry and a professional and employable skill set. You will realise a comprehensive and dynamic exit portfolio of work that demonstrates to a potential employer your employability and flexibility.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn primarily through independent learning supported by workshops and observation while on the placement. Learning and teaching strategies within the media program encourages you to acquire a flexible and imaginative approach to problem solving through enquiry-based learning. You will become an active participant in your learning, integrating professional practice in media (or your chosen profession) with academic and intellectual skills. The workshop environment is integral to this process, encouraging individual intellectual freedom and a creative collaborative community. While on placement, learning is conducted by observation of procedures at the individual employer organisation but, wherever possible, you will learn independently by assisting the employment team in the production process.
Traditional, new and emerging technologies are used both in the delivery and realisation of outcomes, and you will present your work and defend your practice using a range of media and communication tools. Students will use the dedicated newsroom to create digital portfolios and presentations; the TV and radio studio and faculty film cameras / editing software will be encouraged for image-based/multimedia submissions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
• Workshop sessions run by members of the university’s Graduate Future’s team (in particular the employability, enterprise and placement teams) will furnish you with the skills you need to research potential placement options and post-graduation career paths and to audit your own skills. Workshops will also provide you with employability skills.
• This will build on careers support introduced in Level 4, developed and explored through wok in Level 5, and compliment individual career guidance in Level 6 in relation to student career aspirations and intentions provided in guidance (and also available through 1-2-1 sessions available with the Graduate Futures Team).
• You are supported in in your search for a placement by the Module Tutor and members of the university’s Graduate Future’s team, however where possible you seek the placement yourself as this gives valuable first-hand experience of formally applying for positions.
• Media technicians will also be available to help you develop your understanding of industry standard practice.
• At the beginning of your programme you will be allocated a Guidance Tutor who will be able to provide advice and support in relation to your academic, personal and professional development.
• Library support induction sessions introduce students to the support available for Study skills, IT skills and Information skills
• Additional study skills materials and workshops are available through Skills Plus at http://nuweb2.northumbria.ac.uk/library/skillsplus/topics.html?l3-0.
• Students are expected to maintain a personal development plan (PDP) and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning
• English language support is provided for international students
• University student services offer specialist support e.g. financial, disability, mental health, international student support etc.
• eLP includes all relevant documentation e.g. module guides, lecture material, reading lists together with discussion boards and notices
• Visiting professionals support relevant and current practice.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Display evidence of critical thinking in the development of your own specialism and practice which has relevance in professional and commercial contexts. (LO1)
• Defend/account for your concepts with reasoned judgement through the creation of a portfolio of work. (LO2)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Identify and locate your personal practice in relation to media and related industries and identify strengths and weaknesses. (LO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Evaluate (or re-valuate) career options in light of experience gained during work placement and portfolio generation and assembly (LO4)
• Develop relevant professional networks with potential employers in your identified area of work. (LO5)
How will I be assessed?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Display evidence of critical thinking in the development of your own specialism and practice which has relevance in professional and commercial contexts. (LO1)
• Defend/account for your concepts with reasoned judgement through the creation of a portfolio of work. (LO2)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Identify and locate your personal practice in relation to media and related industries and identify strengths and weaknesses. (LO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Evaluate (or re-valuate) career options in light of experience gained during work placement and portfolio generation and assembly (LO4)
• Develop relevant professional networks with potential employers in your identified area of work. (LO5) FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments. Formative feedback will also be received from employers in the placement environment.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
(1) a 1,500-word Career Development Plan (30%);
(2) a 1,500-word Exit Strategy’ (30%) and
(3) an employability portfolio (40%)
The Career Development Plan should include as an appendix a two-page CV and draft cover letter aimed at future employability. (LOs - 1, 3, 4)
The Exit Strategy should include as an appendix a two-page CV and cover letter which takes into account the feedback from assessment 1 and any relevant skills and experience gained during placement activity. (LO -s 1, 3, 4)
The employability portfolio will be externally facing and should include a balanced selection of outputs which demonstrate to a potential future employer the student’s suitability for the role or career aspirations identified in their Career Development Plan and Exit Strategy. These outputs will be assessed holistically and may include work done during work placements, working for student union media, other freelance work or work created specifically for the portfolio. Students will also produce a LinkedIn profile. (LOs - 1, 2, 4, 5)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This year-long module prepares you post-graduation employment by allowing you to research roles and opportunities within your chosen field of work. You will reflect on your career aspirations by carrying out in-depth research into your desired field of post-graduation employment, pinpointing its key characteristics and challenges. You will also reflect on your own skills and how they complement the former. You will draw this research together in a Career Development Plan.
You will also undertake a minimum of 20 days’ work placement at an organisation within, or related to, your chosen field of employment. You will conduct your own research in finding a placement(s) while supported by staff in that search. Once at the placement or placements you will initially observe the organisation’s processes but will then be expected to use skills taught elsewhere on the course to become a valuable member of the team, contributing wherever possible to the team’s output.
You will then develop a comprehensive and dynamic employability portfolio that presents examples of your work either that showcase your skills and abilities to a potential employer, highlighting employability and flexibility through your individual project outcomes.
With guidance from academics and the university’s Graduate Futures team you will devise an exit strategy for future professional and personal development detailing your ‘next steps’ post-graduation.
Course info
UCAS Code P305
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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