module specification

This is a designate module, offered to FT students and 2nd-year PT students.

An innovative module combining work-based learning and research in the professional environment. You will be introduced to real-life translation situations and undertake a short period of professional activity either: work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering as a translator or a professional/employer led project. 

The module aims to enable you to express and understand your current skills and abilities in relation to your career values and goals. You will also apply the knowledge gained through the course programme to inclusive and diverse work-related environments. In addition, you will have the opportunity to recognise your personal and professional development through your work-based practice and how to apply the experience and knowledge gained to your future goals.

Furthermore, there will be opportunities for research the translator’s professional environment and increase your network and establish links with potential employers. There will also be opportunities for experiential learning.
The module is designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers.

If there are no sufficient student numbers o makea module viable , the school reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the School cancels a module it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative

None

The module syllabus will provide you with opportunities to apply prior academic knowledge and life-learning in a work environment by undertaking a variety of tasks including translation, terminology management, project management, transcreation, localisation, subtitling and jobs professional translators usually do. This will be done under supervision of a professional mentor or alike who will assign the tasks to be done. You will compile a placement report (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).

You will attend a number of class based interactive workshops comprising professional talks and lectures which aim to introduce the placement criteria and facilitate the placement process. These lectures will cover CV writing, interview skills, work ethics, project management, communication and business skills. Class based interactive workshops will comprise problem-based learning, self-reflection and personal development planning (LO1, LO2).

You will gain an increasing understanding of work and professionalism by paying particular attention to workplace relationships, effective teamwork, communicating positively, work planning, problem solving and Health & Safety.
You will also have the opportunity to explore how to effectively support the community through the provision of translation services and the application of social justice and inclusion principles.  Thus, learning and working with others from diverse backgrounds, with appropriate awareness and sensitivity to differences and commonalities by demonstrating resilience and adaptability (LO1, LO2, LO3).

During your module and upon completion, you will be able to identify areas and skills requiring development and goal setting (LO4).

Learning will be developed through individual or group-based activities and will include some one-to-one support within the work-based learning phase.

You will critically observe the working environment, its structures, major activities and responsibilities and will participate in the tasks allocated to you by the Placement Provider.
Typically, you may be involved in translation, proof-reading, editing, project management, transcreation and localisation, or similar activities. You will also participate in the clerical and administrative activities necessary in a working environment which offers opportunities for reflection and PDP.

Group work will encourage discussion of self-reflection and analysis of work-based challenges issues with peers and tutors. Group work will aim to foster an inclusive teaching and learning environment by offering a range of opportunities for participation and for establishing clear channels of communication. The teaching sessions will be structured using a range of teaching methodologies.

Professional speakers and employers from the industry will deliver talks about the latest industry trends which will allow students to ask real-life questions, enhance their knowledge about the industry and network with potential employers. 

Independent study will allow the preparation of applications, listening to recorded talks and completing the assessment.  Blended learning will be via the Virtual Learning Environment and the University’s Career Portal. It will include videos and online practical tasks via the Weblearn discussion board.

On completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Perform a range of experiential learning opportunities to further develop the ability to apply complex subject matter and to enhance professional practice. The tasks can include translating, proof reading, project managing, collecting data, post-editing, or revising in the context of the translation market and be able to operate effectively as a (junior) translator / terminologist/project manager, or related (LO1).

2. develop a thorough and critical understanding of the professional translation environment, principles of professional practice and be able to make an evaluative judgement on the LSP for which you have worked for (LO2).

3. Identify   strategies   for   establishing   and   maintaining   effective   working relationships and work in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Translators and the principles of diversity and inclusion in the workplace (LO3).

4. Analyse and explain your role in the work-based experience, identify career development needs and set personal goals (LO4).

The summative assessment will comprise a placement report containing the following:
A learning contract which includes information about the LSP, the role and duties and evidence of work carried out. It will be a critical analysis and reflection of what you have achieved through the work experience, as well as the impact of the project/work experience in career development and employability.

The portfolio will contain a description of the LSP (giving an account of the organisation, the work carried out, the equipment available to do the work and other issues relating to the Code of Practice for Translators). It will also contain a learning journal (log) in which daily tasks will be recorded including the description and analysis of various placement scenarios.  Evidence and specific examples of the tasks will be presented, as well as an in-depth analysis of the skills developed, an evaluation of the impact of the theory learnt on actual practice, and a statement of priorities for Continuing Professional Development. This assessment will require critical, self-reflection to recognise personal development during the role, contribution to the work-based activity and future personal planning.

The portfolio is formally marked and constitutes a necessary requirement for completing the module. All students should produce it. In addition, the mentor will submit a short report with an overall assessment / evaluation of the student's performance.

Formative feedback will be provided during the workshops/lectures based on the activities carried out during the lesson. In addition, students will receive formative feedback from their mentors throughout their work placement

Assessment Marking and Moderation
All items of assessment will be first marked by the assigned placement tutor and a sample of the module cohort will be moderated through second marking and external examiner approval.

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