module specification

The aim of the work experience period is to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in the field of computing and related areas. The work experience period is seen by the course team as an essential vehicle for consolidation of knowledge and skills gained from the formal scheduled teaching element of the course This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake work experience in the Computing and IT industry at postgraduate level. The work experience spans two semesters and is underpinned by the taught element of the course in order to further enhance students’ skills relevant to their world of work and their career aspirations.

This Work Experience may take one or a combination of the following:

• Students will be encouraged to find their own work placements in the publiC and private sector in the first instance.

• Students may be placed in suitable employment at the university and will be required to apply for work experience at the university.

• Students may be placed in suitable employment in the voluntary sector

• The World of Work (WoW) Agency in the School of Computing may find suitable projects for the students.

Students may undertake a WoWbiz project which would typically entail an individual student or a team of students working on a real project which has been specified by a business

Students will be prepared for work experience over a 6-week period. The actual work experience will cover a period of 6 months followed by an appraisal, critical reflection and review period of 2 weeks.

The work experience forms an integral part of the degree and will be assessed formally by the academic supervisor. It is an important part of the student's education that they spend an appropriate time in work with a view to establishing good professional practice that will enrich their learning and prepare them for the world of work.

Students will have the work experience approved, before they take up the opportunity. It is essential that students are made aware that both the work experience and the relevant “health and safety checklist” where applicable need to be approved before starting.

Support and advice will be given to students by their academic supervisor. The academic supervisor will be able to identify appropriate forms of work experience, consult a local employers’ database for prospective work experience and direct students to the careers team at Student Services for further help and advice in seeking employment.

To ensure students on Tier 4 (General)/ Student visas are able to benefit from enhanced learning through work placements, the following must be followed to remain compliant with the Home Office regulations on work placements and not endanger their visas to study in the UK.

Work placements as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are those placements which are an integral and assessed part of the course.

Work placements must be reported to UKVI before they start and the dates and placement details cannot be changed without prior approval from the module leader, the Work Based Learning team and the International Support and Compliance Team.

Students holding Tier 4 (General)/ Student visas must:

• Ensure the placement is agreed by the module leader as well as the Work Based Learning team before starting the placement.

• Provide all relevant paperwork and placement details to the Work Based Learning team before starting the placement

• Start the placement in the term the module is registered. If this needs to be changed because a placement is not available, this must be communicated to the Work Based Learning team

• Ensure weekly, signed timesheets are provided to the Work Based Learning team for all external placements

• Ensure they communicate any changes to the placement immediately to the module leader, Work Based Learning team and the International Support and Compliance Team.

• Direct any questions about work placements to visa.compliance@londonmet.ac.uk

Only after taking all the taught modules

There is no standard syllabus for this element of the module. There will be agreed objectives and deliverables with the client. The learning outcomes of the module will be further  developed in the subject-based context of the work experience.  A “learning agreement” produced and approved before the work begins, will specify the way in which the outcomes will be developed and how they will be evidenced. There will be specific emphasis placed on professional conduct, self-management, team-working and understanding of business and client requirements.

The work experience will offer students a range of learning opportunities at level 7and enhance their  career aspirations. The work experience will enable students to build on previous knowledge and skills learned within their academic course. It will provide learning opportunities for further enhancing students abilities to solve problems, communicate effectively and work effectively as individuals or in a team.

Indicative learning and teaching hours for the module. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements (where relevant).

• LO1: Describe and evaluate the structure, major activities and responsibilities of  organisations; Demonstrate a deep level of understanding of legal, social, ethical and professional issues in the working environment; recognise and respond to opportunities for innovation

• LO2: Demonstrate a deep level of understanding of the synergy between academic study, professional practice and practical application thereby considerably enhancing employability and career prospects in the IT and Computing industry;

• LO3: Critically apply analytical and advanced problem solving skills in a working environment; Engage critically  with alternative methods and procedures

• LO4: Demonstrate independent learning, team working and effective communication  in a working environment; reflect upon and critically review the literature;  appraise the work undertaken, and plan for further enhancement;

The assessment on this module is 100% coursework and double marked in accordance with the requirements of the relevant accrediting body and the university guidelines

Work Experience Portfolio The portfolio enables students to record and reflect on their personal and professional development during the work experience and is assessed by the academic supervisor. The portfolio will keep a record of the evidence that demonstrates how the student developed his/her Personal Development Plans ( PDP)  and enhanced their employability prospects through the attainment of objectives set. [LO1 & LO4]

Work Experience Report

The work experience report is a structured report detailing the objectives set, the activities undertaken to meet the objectives and the extent to which deliverables were achieved. Assessment, by the academic supervisor , is based on the organisation, presentation, clarity and technical content and will stress both analytic and reflective skills . [LO1 – LO4]

 Assessment of the objectives set at the workplace

The assessment of agreed objectives is part of the learning agreement. The employer contributes to the assessment of objectives set at the workplace. The assessment includes the extent to which objectives were met, technical skills developed, and generic skills acquired. [LO2-LO4]

Presentation:

 A short presentation is given by the student after completion of the work experience . This allows the student to describe how they obtained the work, the structure of the organisation, aspects of the work they carried out during the year, their aspirations and achievements, and to reflect on their experience.
The presentation is given to members of staff, employers and other students who have undertaken work experience.  [LO1 – LO4]

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/85BAEDF5-B8DF-2327-DBDB-C8EC91788446.html