What will I learn on this module?
The Work Placement Year module is a full year module available only on degree courses which include a work placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6 (the length of the placement will be determined by your programme but it can be no less than 30 weeks and no more than 52 weeks). You will undertake a guided work placement at a host organisation. This is a Pass/Fail module and an overall pass grade 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 – “BA (Hons) Guidance and Counselling (with Work Placement Year)”. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).
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 home University (Northumbria).
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:
1.Contribute their ideas, knowledge and expertise effectively in a working environment
2.Reflect critically on their professional skills development in relation to employability
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Integrate academic knowledge and understanding with practical professional experience
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
4.Communicate the placement learning experience to others
How will I be assessed?
1. Formative Assessment process: Varies according to Placement
2. Summative Assessment process: The module assesses both your performance on placement and your reflection on the placement and includes the following 3 assessments.
Component grade marks to be provided. Pass mark = 40% overall
Students will submit three written reflective at the beginning, middle and end of the placement year (1,500 words each. 80% of the final mark for the module).
(b) Poster or Presentation (assessment of learning outcome 4, illustrating the placement year experience) Students will instead present/ submit their poster at the mid point of the placement on a recall day (where they will be invited back into the university to meet with programme team and discuss progress).
Accounts for 10% of the final mark for the module.
(c) Graduate CV (assessment of learning outcome 4, illustrating the placement year experience)
Accounts for 10% of the final mark for the module.
This is a Pass/Fail module and an overall pass grade (40% or above) 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).
Report requirements and marking criteria for each of the assessed component are provided in the module handbook.
Pre-requisite(s)
• Attend pre-placement briefings and training workshops as required.
• Successful completion of Levels 4/5
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
UCAS Code B9L5
Credits 120
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane 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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