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Do: Work Placements, Networking and Career Planning

  • Module code: PU7004
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 7
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The Kingston Publishing MA aims to equip students to participate actively in the current, fast-changing creative economy, and this module provides the opportunity to develop their employability and plan their future.  It offers students the chance to network with industry professionals, and to learn hands-on through placement in a real publishing environment – experiences which are vital in understanding how the business operates, and in securing employment.

The module begins with a series of Masterclasses by a wide range of experts on key contemporary issues. The seminar which follows each event allows students to further engage in these critical debates, increasing the confidence and insight essential for networking and job seeking.

Placements offer students the opportunity to match their interests with the diversity of situations in which publishing expertise is needed. During the module students will undertake a minimum of ten days with a host organisation. An active programme of preparation support is offered during this process. The work experience allows students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through academic study. Critical reflection on the placement and on personal and professional development throughout the module ensures that students capitalize on their experiences.

Throughout the module students will be guided through practice in all aspects of career planning – from examining industry roles, sector and entrepreneurial opportunities, to the practical honing of skills in job searching, producing successful CVs and job applications, and interview preparation.

Aims

  • To enable students to engage with topical issues and demonstrate their understanding of the current state and business imperatives of the publishing sector
  • To facilitate the students' experience and analysis of the realities of working within a publishing organisation, particularly the structural and economic aspects
  • To allow students to demonstrate their ability to secure a placement, and to critically      reflect on their work experience, and on the wider knowledge and skills gained across the MA course
  • To promote student employability through self-awareness in experiential learning, and to encourage the development of a range of skills to present themselves effectively, network, and make informed decisions about employment and career plans. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
 

  • Demonstrate links between publishing theory and practice and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for publishing in a real setting
  • Network to build and maintain effective professional relationships and use social media in a professional context
  • Confidently present a critical understanding of the placement organisation and their experience within it
  • Analyse/critique a contemporary issue in the publishing practice of the placement company
  • Reflect critically on the experience of placement and their professional preparation as part of Professional Development Planning (PDP) 
  • Practise and demonstrate the skills necessary to navigate the sector, whether to gain employment within the publishing sector and to develop an associated career or pursue further related research.

Curriculum content

  • Masterclasses and  associated seminars will cover key contemporary issues eg. digital publishing, its profitability and the organisational structures and approaches that enables its implementation; social media management; changing sales channels and mechanisms; challenges and opportunities for large corporations and small independents; the role of author and agent; the impact of self-publishing; content licensing and copyright protection
  • Seeking and securing placements and internships - enhancing your CV, effective cover letters and applications; keeping a reflective diary and making the most of your placement
  • Core skills and attributes for different publishing roles and sectors
  • Key interview techniques and self-presentation tips
  • Working freelance; start-ups in publishing; entrepreneurialism
  • Continuing professional development - adding skills and identifying further training
  • How to construct a company report
  • A strategic approach to job hunting - networking; job sources; securing references and personal recommendations
  • Using social media in a professional context
  • How to be a reflective practitioner

Teaching and learning strategy

The module will be delivered through a combination of Masterclasses presented by experts from the field and workshop/seminars led by tutors and employability experts. The Masterclasses will be held in the first semester, and each lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The guests will make a presentation, facilitate a Q&A session, and it is anticipated that there will be an opportunity for further networking with speakers. Each Masterclass will be followed by a two-hour weekly tutor-led lecture/seminar which will allow students to debate the issues and discuss working within the industry.  Sessions will also support students as a group and as individuals in searching for, securing and preparing for placement.  Weekly careers seminar/workshops which involve practical exercises and role play will be held in semester two.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Weekly Masterclasses, lectures, seminars and workshops 50
Guided independent study Includes Social Media online course 180
Study abroad / placement 70
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to allow students to practise their employability skills and test their readiness for industry opportunities. This will be evidenced by a commitment to professional development, for example through the presentation of a portfolio which includes an effective CV and online social media course certificate.  Students will be required to build on their written and presentation skills, and develop their ability to critically reflect on their own performance.
Formative feedback will be given through the associated seminars and career workshops.

There is a single point of assessment, a portfolio of tasks which comprises 100% of the associated mark. The tasks within the portfolio will be staggered throughout the module – for example, the Social Media course will be completed early in the first semester and provide feed forward skills for development during the remainder of the module.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Demonstrate links between publishing theory and practice and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for publishing in a real setting Formative assessment through Masterclasses and debates, and feedback on work placement; summative assessment through portfolio tasks e.g. report on issue affecting placement company, reflection on placement and professional development
2) Network to build and maintain effective professional relationships and use social media in a professional context Formative assessment through event attendance and placement; summative assessment through completing Social Media online course
3) Confidently present a critical understanding of the placement organisation and their experience within it Formative assessment through preparation for placement; summative assessment through presentation to group as a portfolio task
4) Analyse/critique a contemporary issue in the publishing practice of the placement company Formative assessment through Masterclass debates; summative assessment through report on issue as it relates to the host company (portfolio task)
5) Reflect critically on the experience of placement and their professional preparation as part of Professional Development Planning (PDP) Formative assessment through feedback on work placement, and seminar/workshop discussions; summative assessment through portfolio task of critical reflection
6) Practise and demonstrate the skills necessary to navigate the sector whether to gain employment within the publishing sector and to develop an associated career or pursue further related research. Formative assessment through placement preparation and career seminars; summative assessment through portfolio task such as producing CV which reflects skills gained on placement and throughout the publishing course

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework Portfolio 100
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Baverstock, A. et al, (2008) How to Get a Job in Publishing: A Really Practical Guide to Careers in Books and Magazines. London: A&C Black

Bibliography recommended reading

Bolton, G. (2010) Reflective practice: writing and professional development, London: Sage
Davies, G. & Balkwill, R. (2011) The Professionals' Guide to Publishing: A Practical Introduction to Working in the Publishing Industry. London: Kogan Page
Fanthome, C. (2005) Work Placements – A Survival Guide for Students. London: Palgrave Macmillan

Longson, S. (1999) Making Work Experience Count: How to get the Right Work Experience and Improve your Career Prospects. London: How to Books Ltd.
Moon, J.A. (2004) A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice. London: Routledge

The Financial Times, Weekend Edition

Websites/e-sources:
The Bookseller

Nielsen Media Research/Nielsen Bookscan

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