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Work placement modules

For all the modules, you will be required to:

  • Attend a weekly lecture
  • Complete a minimum of 50 hours in an approved placement
  • Submit all assessments as required.

Students have different options for different types of placements, including face-to-face (in-person) placements, remote working (from home) placements, or combination of both. In addition, there is simulated work placement, which is run by the department and involves weekly submissions and provides greater flexibility of learning.

Please note, not all programmes validate all modules. Please check with your course lead to see what modules are available to you.

Level 5 (Year Two)

This module is designed to enable students to develop valuable work-related skills and professional experience through completion of a 50-hour work placement within a charity, not-for-profit organisation or school*. 

The placement will also provide the opportunity for students to develop key employability skills and engage in a process of critical reflection and evaluation. 

In addition to the placement, this module is designed to help students to explore and develop an awareness of wider social issues such as social justice, discrimination, ageism, prejudice and bias using a “service learning” model.  Service learning involves undertaking meaningful service to the community as well as developing a deeper understanding of key topics.   Students will study these subjects via interactive classroom sessions involving exploration of global and societal issues to gain an in-depth and personal understanding of them. 

*Alternatively, students can choose to take the department-run Simulated Work Placement which can be undertaken remotely to allow more flexible learning. 

This module is specifically designed for students who wish to gain experience of working in education or wish to pursue a career within the education sector. It combines theoretical work with a period of 50-hours work experience in a related environment, enabling students to develop key work-related skills*.

The placement is not limited to just mainstream schools, but it could also include working with children with special educational needs or challenging behaviours.  In addition, it could also include working in an educational role within the community.

The module is designed to promote critical thinking and reflection on professional practice. Lectures will involve a variety of experiences such as student-led discussion, practical activities and group work to demonstrate and underpin learning. 

*Alternatively, students can choose to take the department-run Simulated Work Placement which can be undertaken remotely to allow more flexible learning.

This module is designed to enable students to develop valuable work-related skills and professional experience through completion of a 50-hour work placement within any type of organisation of the student's choice*. 

In addition, students complete in-depth psychometric tests, providing them with the opportunity to analyse and reflect on their own core competencies, personal qualities and areas for development.  Having undertaken these tests, students will identify and explore key areas for development within the context of their future career aspirations.  

Students will explore the corporate culture of their workplace to enable them to define their own cultural “fit”.  The combination of psychometric testing, reflection and analysis of the workplace will culminate in the production of a focussed career action plan.   

*Alternatively, students can choose to take the department-run Simulated Work Placement which can be undertaken remotely to allow more flexible learning.

This module is designed to enable students to develop valuable work-related skills and professional experience through completion of a 50-hour work placement in a sports-related setting*.  

In addition to the placement, and by reflecting on learning from experience, students will develop knowledge and understanding of professional development and connect this to the working environment.

Along with a series of interactive lectures, students will learn about the importance of professional development for career success and importantly different methods by which they can develop themselves to be successful.  In addition, students will critically evaluate their learning and development in relation to a professional career. 

*Alternatively, students can choose to take the department-run Simulated Work Placement which can be undertaken remotely to allow more flexible learning.

This module provides students with a practical experience and insight into working in a primary education setting by completing a 50-hour work placement in a primary school. 

Subsequently, within the experience there will be a key focus on understanding how key literacy and numeracy objectives are implemented in the classroom. 

In addition, students will learn to appreciate the professional skills required to work in a primary setting, gain knowledge and develop an understanding of the different approaches in teaching the literacy and numeracy curricula. 

It gives students the opportunity to reflect on their placement experience and professional practice and supports areas for development in future primary practice.

Level 6 (Year Three)

This module is designed to enable students to develop valuable work-related skills and professional experience through completion of a 50-hour work placement within any type of organisation of the student's choice*.

The placement will also provide the opportunity for students to develop key employability skills and engage in a process of critical reflection and evaluation. 

In addition to the placement, the module focuses on teamwork and students engage in an extensive teamwork project, to provide a real-life experiential learning environment and to develop key team working skills.

Lectures involve a variety of interactive activities, discussion on key topics related to successful teamwork and project management along with dedicated group work time to enhance and underpin learning. 

*Alternatively, students can choose to take the department-run Simulated Work Placement which can be undertaken remotely to allow more flexible learning.

This module is designed to prepare students for the workplace by enabling them to develop valuable work-related skills and professional experience through completion of a 50-hour work placement, within any type of organisation of the student's choice*.

In addition to the placement, the module focusses on leadership and students will ‘manage/lead’ a virtual organisation and experience the challenges of being a leader or manager. Students will then be involved in reflecting on various dilemmas and challenges within that organisation, underpinned by theory. 

Subsequently, through lectures, the module will provide students with the opportunity to link theory to practice and to engage in a process of critical reflection of their skills and leadership knowledge to enhance learning and development. 

*Alternatively, students can choose to take the department-run Simulated Work Placement which can be undertaken remotely to allow more flexible learning.   

What students say

“I am very glad I took the placement module, as it aided me in finding a career that I love and am passionate about.” – Matthew, BSc Applied Physics 

"Your course gives you different skills in lectures and through learning, which are really valuable, but through doing a placement you learn a lot about yourself and it can open your eyes to careers you may not have thought of.” – Sinead, BSc Psychology

"I am pleased to tell you that my Work Placement has developed into my first full-time job! I hope that you continue to provide invaluable opportunities and experiences for students." – Michael, BA Geography and Business Management (completed WPL modules in Second and Third Year)

Contact us

Please email placements@stmarys.ac.uk for futher information.