AD5017 - Social Sciences Work Placement Year

What will I learn on this module?

The Work Placement Year module is a 120 credit year-long module available on degree courses which include a work placement year, taken as an additional year of study at level 5 and before level 6 (the length of the placement(s) will be determined by your programme but it can be no less than 30 weeks. You will undertake a guided work placement at a host organisation. This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Work Placement Year)”. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the work placement agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the University.

Note: Subject to placement clearance; this is a competitive process and a place on the module cannot be guaranteed.

How will I learn on this module?

The learning and teaching methods will be dependent on the placement. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the University.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Pre-placement: You are required to attend relevant presentations and meet with your Placement Tutor as indicated in the Module handbook to satisfy their specific requirements.
On-placement: You will be monitored continuously through regular contact between the Placement Tutor and the Workplace Supervisor. The Placement Tutor (where possible) may visit the workplace during the first half of the placement or may provide you with support through virtual meetings.

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:
• LO1.Contribute their ideas, knowledge and expertise effectively in a working environment
• LO2.Reflect critically on their professional skills development in relation to employability
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO3. Integrate academic knowledge and understanding with practical professional experience

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO4.Communicate the placement learning experience to others

How will I be assessed?

1. Formative Assessment process: students on placement will submit quarterly reports which will be used by academic staff to provide formative feedback.

2. Summative Assessment process: The module assesses both your performance on placement and your reflection on the placement and includes the following elements within a portfolio:

(i) Monthly log of activities (signed off as a true record by the workplace supervisor).
(ii) Quarterly reports (signed off as a true record by the workplace supervisor).
(iii) Final Written report including a description of Placement Provider's organisation; description of placement activities and a reflection on placement.

(i)+(ii)+(iii) Accounts for 80% of the assessment within the portfolio for the portfolio and addresses MLO 1, 2 and 3.

(iv) Poster or Presentation (addressing MLO4), demonstrating the placement year experience. Accounts for 10% of the portfolio assessment.

(v) Graduate CV (MLO4, illustrating the placement year experience). Accounts for 10% of the portfolio assessment.

This is a Pass/Fail module and an overall pass grade leads to the award of 120 credits. The Work Placement does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, the Placement Year is recognised on the degree certificate in the format – Degree title (with Work Placement Year).

Pre-requisite(s)

• Attend pre-departure briefings and training workshops as required.
• Successful completion of Level 4 and Level 5 (year 2).

Co-requisite(s)

• None

Module abstract

This is an opportunity to take an optional additional year out. You will be responsible for identifying the potential placement and will need to liaise with your Placement Tutor / Placement Office to determine the suitability of the placement with agreement in advance. There is a competitive process for placements and cannot be guaranteed.

This work placement module is designed for standard full-time undergraduate programmes to provide you with the option to take an additional one year work placement (minimum 30 weeks) within your programme.

A placement experience can significantly enhance your employability skills within areas related to your programme of study. The module does not affect the classification of your degree, but if successfully passed the placement year is recognised in your transcript and degree certificate.

You will need to liaise with your Placement Tutor / Placement Office to determine the suitability of a potential placement. There is a competitive selection process for placements and places cannot be guaranteed.

Course info

UCAS Code Z006

Credits 120

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

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.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints