What will I learn on this module?
This module gives you the skills and knowledge you need to successfully obtain an undergraduate placement and/or a graduate-level role when you leave university. It is specifically concerned with your employability and therefore includes opportunities each week to practice and develop skills in a safe and supportive environment. You will study a number of important topics such as career planning, writing CVs, cover letters and application forms, psychometric testing, competency-based interviews, assessment centres and current trends in recruitment and selection practice, including use of social media. When you complete this module, you will have the skills, ability, and confidence to make an impactful application to any employer. The module also supports you if you have a compulsory year abroad as part of your programme.
How will I learn on this module?
You will attend an introductory lecture and learn first-hand from students returning from their own placement year. There are two-hour workshops designed to take you through career planning, making applications, and the process of selection for your chosen role. As well as understanding the theory of employability, learning is through small group and whole class discussion, through the opportunities for formative feedback on your developing work, and also through opportunities for skills practice. There is a wealth of supporting information and videos on the module site to support your learning. We expect you to complete the relevant pre-work for each workshop as this an essential part of the group learning experience.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support will provided by an experienced member of academic staff leading the module and delivering the introductory lecture. Your workshop seminar consists of a small number of students and here your seminar tutor provides closer, more tailored academic support, working with you each week to help you get the most from formative feedback and the learning experience overall. The module tutor is also available to give additional support if you have particular challenges or special needs. Active participation in class is encouraged as learning from other students’ experiences is an important part of understanding employability and career development. The module is supported by an e-learning portal which contains a rich variety of self-study materials as well as the materials you need for the seminar series. You will be provided with templates to help you complete documents such as your CV and cover letter, and a reading list to help prepare you for the assessment.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Understand the concept of employability and its practical application in your planned journey from education into employment. (MLO1)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Evidence skills and abilities relating to your employability which are necessary to make successful placement and graduate-level job applications through the creation of a professional portfolio and career plan. (MLO2)
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment will be provided throughout the seminars as each involves pre-work and in-class activity in which peer and tutor feedback will be given (for example in respect of CVs and performance in interview role-plays). The activities undertaken in seminars form the basis of the material included in the Appendices to the summative assessment.
The summative assessment consists of a portfolio of evidence comprising:
1. 3,000 word reflective commentary on (a) the graduate labour market and (b) your planned journey from education into employment [75%]
This element will address MLO1.
2. A set of appendices comprising various outputs from seminar activities, including CV, application form and cover letter [25%]
This element will address MLO2.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
To maximise your chances of finding a placement or graduate-level role, you need to know how to stand out from the crowd, and this module helps you achieve exactly that. Through group work and independent study, you explore the concept of employability and its practical application in your planned journey from education into employment. Tutors with significant knowledge of employability, career development and human resource management, will lead you through a series of structured seminars. They will draw on their knowledge and experience to help you evidence relevant attributes, skills and abilities through specific activities focused on the recruitment and selection process. They will provide advice and support as you create a CV, application form and cover letter which all showcase what makes you different. When you complete this module, you will have the skills, ability, and confidence to make an impactful application to any employer.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years Full Time
Location Qatar
City Qatar
Start September
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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