Postgraduate students can choose to undertake a 2 trimester placement as an alternative to the postgraduate project. Two trimesters is typically 24 teaching weeks. You should be registered on the placement version of your course in order to take this option and you are required to pass all taught modules before undertaking a placement.
There are many teams across ARU who are here to provide the help you need to identify, prepare for and apply for a suitable placement opportunity. This includes the Employability and Careers Team, who cover areas such as CV Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Interview Preparation etc. However, securing a placement will ultimately be your responsibility. You should start thinking about how you will work towards securing your placement and where you’d like to be, even before you arrive on campus!
The work placement is predominantly self-led learning. You are required to maintain a learning journal or reflective log, which will help you complete the reflective diary component of the final assessment of the Work Placement module. The Placements Team will provide support and guidance prior to the placement and during the placement period.
MBA students will be expected to produce a portfolio, in which you must demonstrate how you have applied theory, practical knowledge and learnings within a work-based environment. The portfolio will be made up of an 8,000 word research-informed paper plus a 2,000 word reflective diary (see response above for more details) and will be equivalent to your major project. You are expected to reflect on some research that you have undertaken for the employer and explain how this research might benefit the organisation. The work placement module aims to support and develop your ability to demonstrate professionalism, leadership and managerial skills to a prospective employer whilst also learning key communication, research and personal skills.
MSc students will be expected complete a diary during the placement which should draw on theory and literature alongside evidence of your learning, up to a maximum of 5,000 words. This is submitted alongside a 10,000 word research-based portfolio, critically reflecting on your experience in the context of the industry and academic work on the sector.
You would have the opportunity to “resit” i.e. resubmit an improved version of the portfolio. The pass mark is a minimum of 40% for the 30 credit Work Placement module. You would not undertake another placement. If you were to fail the work placement module and the resit you will graduate with the exit award of a Postgraduate Diploma (equivalent 120 credits).
Yes. Placements must be confirmed by 1 August for those starting their course in September and 1 December for those who start their course in January, for example, if you start your course in January 2022, you must confirm your placement by December 2022.
If you have not secured an agreed placement and paid the placement fee by the deadline you will automatically be transferred to the one-year course option (without placement). You will then be required to complete the Major Project (dissertation) instead of the Work Placement Project module. If you are on a Tier-4 visa to study in the UK, the final submission deadline for the Major Project will become your revised course end date and your visa will be curtailed accordingly.
The placement fee is £1,250. This fee, which needs to be paid prior to the secure placement deadline, covers administration, support sessions and guidance leading up to and during your placement. If you do not pay this fee you will automatically be transferred to the one-year course option (without placement). You will then be required to complete the Major Project (dissertation) instead of the Work Placement Project module. If you are on a Tier-4 visa to study in the UK, the final submission deadline for the Major Project will become your revised course end date and your visa will be curtailed accordingly.
Your work placement must be business-focused and will need approval by the Placements Team. You can work in any business/company, however, it should not be for a family member or relative. The Placements Team will be on hand throughout the process to help you and answer any questions you may have.
We work with a range of large and small, UK and global businesses to provide placements for our students. Types of placement range from customer services or marketing assistants to business consultant and operations analyst. Please be aware, it is your responsibility to secure a placement and the role that you would like to undertake.
Yes. There will be a reference to the Work Placement module on your official transcript.
For further information or to discuss the placement option, please contact our Placements Team at [email protected]