AD5005 - Design Work Placement Year

What will I learn on this module?

The Work Placement Year module is a 120 credit year-long module available on degree courses which include a work placement year, taken as an additional year of study at level 5 and before level 6 (the length of the placement(s) will be determined by your programme but it can be no less than 30 weeks. You will undertake a guided work placement at a host organisation. This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Work Placement Year)”. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the work placement agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the University.

Note: Subject to placement clearance; this is a competitive process and a place on the module cannot be guaranteed.

How will I learn on this module?

The learning and teaching methods will be dependent on the placement. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the University.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Pre-placement: You are required to attend relevant presentations and meet with your Placement Tutor as indicated in the Module handbook to satisfy their specific requirements.
On-placement: You will be monitored continuously through regular contact between the Placement Tutor and the Workplace Supervisor. The Placement Tutor (where possible) may visit the workplace during the first half of the placement or may provide you with support through virtual meetings.

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:
• LO1.Contribute their ideas, knowledge and expertise effectively in a working environment
• LO2.Reflect critically on their professional skills development in relation to employability
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO3. Integrate academic knowledge and understanding with practical professional experience

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO4.Communicate the placement learning experience to others

How will I be assessed?

1. Formative Assessment process: you will provide access to an ongoing blog, diary or log of your work-based activities which will be used by academic staff to provide formative feedback.

2. Summative Assessment process: The module assesses both your performance on placement and your reflection on the placement and includes the following elements within a portfolio:
i. An ongoing blog, diary or log of your work-based activities that can be shared with your workplace supervisor/s to confirm the accuracy of tasks undertaken.
ii. A reflective summary of your workplace/s that describes your placement provider's organisation, your placement activities and includes a personal reflection on placement. This summary may take the form of a written report, film or alternative communication medium, as specified by or agreed with your module tutor.
iii. A portfolio website or digital presentation that clearly communicates your current interests, design skills and work experience.
iv. An up-to-date CV that features your work placement experience.
v. A concise poster or presentation demonstrating your placement year experience to others. The medium will be specified by or agreed with your module tutor.

This is a Pass/Fail module and an overall pass grade leads to the award of 120 credits. The Work Placement does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, the Placement Year is recognised on the degree certificate in the format – Degree title (with Work Placement Year).

If multiple placements are undertaken, the specific structure of the above assessment portfolio will be amended and agreed with the visiting tutor in terms of the distribution of elements between different placements. No more than 3 placements should be submitted for assessment. A minimum of 30 placement weeks in total must be carried out and documented.

Pre-requisite(s)

• Attend pre-departure briefings and training workshops as required.
• Successful completion of Level 4 and Level 5 (year 2).

Co-requisite(s)

• None

Module abstract

This is an opportunity to take an optional additional year out. You will be responsible for identifying the potential placement and will need to liaise with your Placement Tutor / Placement Office to determine the suitability of the placement with agreement in advance. There is a competitive process for placements and cannot be guaranteed.

This work placement module is designed for standard full-time undergraduate programmes to provide you with the option to take an additional one year work placement (minimum 30 weeks) within your programme.

A placement experience can significantly enhance your employability skills within areas related to your programme of study. The module does not affect the classification of your degree, but if successfully passed the placement year is recognised in your transcript and degree certificate.

You will need to liaise with your Placement Tutor / Placement Office to determine the suitability of a potential placement. There is a competitive selection process for placements and places cannot be guaranteed.

Course info

UCAS Code WP29

Credits 120

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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