The employability of undergraduates continues to be the focus for the H.E sector. A particular challenge for non-vocational courses is how do we assist learners to link, often abstract concepts from their discipline area, to professional practice in the world of work?

An on-line transition model has been developed to give new H.E learners an authentic context to a topic from their subject discipline, supplemented with a selection of authentic tasks to apply this knowledge while drawing on their own experiences. Finally, the link to professional practice is provided through video interviews of professionals who put the topic into a real-world context.

The Pre-arrival aspect of the model works as an online transition resource, presenting three simple steps to be completed by new students prior to their arrival at the university: Orientate, Apply, Connect, which are described in more detail below.

Firstly, new students are welcomed to the pre-arrival short course, which consists of a written or audio introduction, outlining the structure and time commitments.

Students then experience a bite-size element of their course through a 'TED Talk' style video (example opposite) with an academic within their discipline. The video covers a specific topic and highlights what new students can expect during their degree course.

Time Allocation: It is advised that students spend approximately 10 minutes on this section

Academic Resources:

• More guidance on the orientate element can be found here: Orientate Help Sheet.

• For guidance on the typical structure of the 'TED Talk' style video, see the design elements video on Youtube. 

• Our Prompt Script can also support you on what to say in your orientate video.

• Learn more about How to Take a Great Home Video as well as Guidance for uploading and editing in YouTube 

Here students are invited to conduct a small task within their local area. This will involve building on their own experience, whilst also putting into practice some of the same skills and tools that will be relevant to their course area. Students may also want to consider their future career aspirations and what they want to gain from their degree course.

Time Allocation: It is advised that students spend a minimum of 30 minutes completing one or more tasks set out for them within this section.

Academic Resources:

• For guidance on the structure of the apply element of the model, please see the Apply Help Sheet.

• An example task can be found here: Example Task.

• For useful information on student note-taking, visit The Skill Centre 

In this final section, students meet professional practitioners and/or alumni, through one of more online videos. These professionals talk about the relevance of the students' discipline within their own professional role as well as within industry. 

Time Allocation: It is advised that students spend approximately 15 minutes on this section.

Academic Resources:

• For guidance on the structure of the Connect element, please see the Connect Help Sheet.

• The Filming Your Connect Video Remotely Help Sheet also offers advice on recording your connect video(s).

• You may choose to build in reflective thinking elements in this section, and throughout the pre-arrival short course.