The Work Experience module provides learners with experience of a structured professional digital media workplace. Learners will gain first hand experience of the business or organisation they are placed with, become fully involved in a range of digital media related activities, and gain practical experience of the application of knowledge in a professional setting.
Overview
The Work Experience module involves the placement of the student in a structured professional digital media working environment. This is an integral aspect of preparing students for a career in the digital media industry and gives them an opportunity to reflect on and test out the link between theory and practice. It is designed to facilitate the development of skills required for professional practice and to help the students identify future career directions. A key aspect is the acquisition of workplace skills gained through the experience of working in a professional setting.
Schedule
Work Experience is undertaken in the second semester and the students are required to complete a placement of 12 weeks in duration with each week comprising of 4 days of work. A different arrangement that amounts to the same amount of completed time can be put in place subject to the agreement of the work placement organisation and the academic team.
Aims and Objectives
Work Experience aims to help the learner to develop work methods and discipline and provide them with an opportunity to develop a range of personal skills and attributes which will benefit them in their future digital media career. For learners who may have already worked in the digital media field, placements will provide them with an opportunity to re-evaluate their practice with the benefit of theoretical knowledge gained on the course. Specifically the work experience will provide students with the opportunity to participate, under supervision, in the operations of a company or organisation involved in digital media; give students experience of a professional working environment; provide students with the opportunity to apply best industry practice to real life digital media production; give students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained during their programme of study; facilitate the refinement and practice of digital media skills; and assist the student in determining their preferred area of professional practice.
Placement Organisations
Placement organisations should be reputable practitioners or well-established businesses within one or more of the different digital media sectors, for example: web design and development, film/video production, online retailing, multimedia production, digital marketing, audio production, social media, e-learning etc. The placement organisation is expected to be able to provide an appropriate of mentoring and support for the student and to nominate a work placement supervisor who will supervise the student during their work experience, provide appropriate feedback, and to act as a point of contact with the academic team. The supervisor will discuss the student's learning and personal goals with them, assign appropriate work to the student, and direct and instruct them on an ongoing basis throughout the course of the placement. A suitable workspace and all necessary equipment should be provided by the work placement organisation. The student should expect to be working as part of a team and is expected to take direction and follow instruction. All placement organisations must be approved in advance in order to ensure the appropriate infrastructure for supporting the student is in place.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |