Module: BMA6108-20 Business Placement

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Rose Hiron-Grimes

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.hiron-grimes@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Evidence shows that structured work experience is considered to be a key determinant in gaining graduate level employment on graduation by both employers and students. This module provides you with the opportunity to complete a mini-project, focussing on a particular theory, aim, phenomenon, etc., linked with your pathway (if appropriate) which you will complete during the course of a minimum 10-week placement, between your second and third years.

This module provides an opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and skills to a real-world, workplace environment, and often provides a sound basis on which to devise and plan your final-year Business and Management Project.

By taking part in this module, you will be addressing the following graduate attributes:

• Employable:  equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in, and lead, teams.

• Able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change.

• Creative, able to innovate and to solve problems by working across disciplines as professional or artistic practitioners.

• Creative thinkers, doers and makers.

2.Outline syllabus

At the start of your placement, you will work on an action-research project proposal with the Module Leader.  This outlines the context, related literature and method you propose employing during your placement to answer your project question.

You will collect data through action research during the course of your placement and, on your return to university for your final year, you will present your Project Poster which details your findings, conclusions and (if appropriate) recommendations.

3.Teaching and learning activities

n preparation for the actual placement, you will have taken the Core Level 5 Business & Management module.  This core module provides a substantial opportunity for students to engage with employability teaching.  It includes how to prepare for applications for placement opportunities, and how to identify such opportunities - as well as provides a forum for such opportunities to be brought to the attention of students.  Given the compulsory nature of the core module at level 5, all students are exposed to this teaching, with a view that they are all prepared to apply for placement roles (should they wish to secure one), and for later graduate employment too. 

Once you have secured a placement, you will be supported through individual and group tutorials, both face to face and remotely, to prepare you for your placement and the assessment requirements of this module.

Your project proposal will be agreed and assessed early in your placement, in order that you can refine and develop it for use throughout the placement. While on placement, you will be supported by a placement supervisor in work and the Module Leader and/or other Business & Management Tutors.  Placement administration is managed through BSU Careers and overseen by the Module co-ordinator. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Project proposal (equivalent to 2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description:  Project poster presentation

• % Weighting: 60%