module specification

In this module, you will have the opportunity to carry a piece of work-based learning relating to your desired field or intended career path. By carry out the work-based learning you will identify important working practices and workplace cultures as well as gaining key employability skills and experience.

The work-based learning activity allow you to develop a body of professional work and experience which will enhance your CV and portfolio, facilitating opportunities for careers and employment following graduation.

In the first 4 weeks of the module, you will learn approaches to CV writing, networking, and working practices. In these 4 weeks you will also be introduced to options and available roles for work-based learning activities.

You will then carry out the work-based learning activity, followed by completing a reflective report.

The work-based learning activity can be one of the following options:
• You must seek a client (i.e. recording artist or film/game sound design project) to produce, and using the University music studios
or
• You must seek a work placement, internship or professional activity related to your desired career path or area of employment.

You will have the opportunity to propose your intended activity to gain feedback from the module tutor regarding its suitability and potential benefits to your career and developing your portfolio.

It is a student's responsibility to seek out and apply for opportunities, they should also actively engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them. 
https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/jobs-and-employment/work-based-learning/

The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team before approval, and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.

Those studying on a Student Visa will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work-based learning activity to meet requirements. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

• Work related learning options (LO2, 4)
• Music industry job roles (LO1, 4)
• CV writing and job applications (LO3)
• Critical self-reflection (LO3)
• Setting learning goals and identifying continuing professional development (LO4)
• Workplace culture and communication (LO1, 2, 3)
• Soft skills (LO1, 2, 3)
• Networking (LO1, 2, 3)
• Planning career goals (LO4)

Teaching methods include introductory lecture workshops in the first 4 weeks aimed at introducing students to options for work-based learning activities.

Students will take part in group discussions in these first 4 weeks for peer and tutor feedback and support in choosing their desired piece of professional activity.

In these first four weeks students will have the opportunity to discuss and evaluate their skills and map them to available roles. During this time, they will also work to develop their CV and portfolio material.

The course team and University will identify available positions and opportunities for which the students may apply, either through working connections or the University jobs portal. However, students are responsible for securing their own work-based learning activities independently.

Once students have identified a work-based learning opportunity, they are required to complete an approval form, outlining the job role, duties and employer. Where the work-based learning is a client production, students are required to give details of the production roles being undertaken (i.e. composition, recording, mixing). Once the approval form is submitted, the module tutor will appraise the chose role for suitability in relation to their career development. Where working for external organisations, copies of “Employer Liability Insurance” must be submitted to the module tutor.

Once completed, the student is required to complete a Learning Agreement with the module tutor, outlining key dates, learning goals and completion of a Health and Safety questionnaire.

The main balance of learning will take place independently, with student completing their work-based learning activities. Whilst carrying out these activities, students will have one to one tutorial with the module tutor, supporting and guiding the student in their activity.

Material and support will be provided by the VLE, with recommended reading, roles and materials shared weekly.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

LO1. Evaluate workplace culture and behaviours, identifying challenging experiences and resolutions.
LO2. Critically reflect upon the contributions made to the working environment and reflect upon experiences and how they may relate to any long-term employability goals.
LO3. Identify working practices and soft skills developed by carrying out the work-based learning.
LO4. Develop an action plan and identify goals to be achieved during the work-based activity.

Work-based learning proposal – 15% weighting
By the end of the introductory workshops, students are required to submit a circa 500-word proposal of their work-based learning activity. By doing so they are required to outline their goals and critically reflect on how the activity relates to their intended career path. The module tutor will then give feedback on the proposal.

Client or Employer feedback and reflection – 15%
Following the completion of the work-based learning activity, students are required to obtain feedback from the client or employer on their performance, communication, and development over the course of the activity. They are then required to prepare a 500-reflection on the client or employer feedback.

Work-based learning portfolio and reflection – 70% weighting
Finally, students are required to submit a portfolio of work or supporting evidence from the work-based learning activity, such as completed recordings and workplace diaries. Along with the portfolio, they are required to submit a 2500-word critical report reflecting on the activity and its outcomes. In doing so the student should address the following:
• What was the context of your role in the work-based learning activity?
• Did the activity achieve your intended goals during the completion of the activity?
• What problems were encountered and how were they resolved?

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/F46865E0-4116-9AFE-7F5B-36D4C8C6CC16.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

The following general books on work placements will be useful. However, all students will be advised by their supervisor on reading specific for their chosen work based learning.

• Beesley, P. (2019) Making the most of your social work placement. 1st edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Fanthome, C. (2007) Work placements: a survival guide for students. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan (Palgrave study guides).
• Hordern, J. (2017) Placements and work-based learning in education studies: an introduction for students. Florence: Taylor and Francis.
• Helyer, R. (2020) Work-based learning student handbook. London: Macmillan Education UK.