Unit information: Work and Work Placements: Social Policy in 2018/19

Unit name	Work and Work Placements: Social Policy
Unit code	SPOL20042
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Mike McBeth
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit enables you to reflect on and develop your employment-related skills and enhance your understanding of work and employment in local, national and international context. You will be supported to find an approved work placement (or placements), complete at least 80 hours of (unpaid) work and develop a critical understanding of work and the contemporary labour market in the context of theories of work, organisation and policies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Show evidence of independent learning through securing work placement(s) and completing at least 80 hours unpaid work;
• Audit and develop your professional skills relevant to the workplace;
• Critically discuss and reflect on your own career-related motivations, skills and relationship-building abilities;
• Critically analyse the nature of work and the labour market in local, national and international contexts.

Teaching Information

2 hour workshop every two weeks - includes mix of directed learning, practical sessions, individual work on additional items for credit

Individual tutorials with unit director, and/or subject staff and individual or group meetings (as appropriate) with Careers Service employability consultant and/or Faculty Professional Liaison Network staff

At least 80 hours work placement

On-line learning support for additional items for credit via Blackboard

Assessment Information

A: Report on labour market in chosen field of study (Childhood Studies, Criminology, Social Policy) (70%)

B: Ten minute video critical reflection on work placement(s) (30%)

+ completion of work placement information as additional items for credit

Reading and References

Alcock, P., Haux, T., May, M. and Wright, S. (2016) The Student's Companion to Social Policy, 5e. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons.

Beresford, P. and Carr, S. (forthcoming: July 2018) Social policy first hand: An international introduction to participatory social welfare. Bristol: Policy Press.

Cottrell, S. (2015) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability, 3e. Palgrave Macmillan.

Edgell, S. (2012) The Sociology of Work: Continuity and Change in Paid and Unpaid Work, 2e. London: Sage

Edwards, M. (2009) Civil Society (second edition). Cambridge: Polity Press.

Grint, K. and Nixon, D. (2015) The Sociology of Work, 4e. Cambridge: Polity.

Neugebauer, J. and Evans-Brain, J. (2009) Making the Most of Your Placement. London: Sage

Rochester, C., Ellis Paine, A., Howlett, S., and Zimmeck M. (2012) Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Rook, S. (2015) Work Experience, Placements and Internships. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Spicker, P. (2014) Social policy, Theory and practice, 3e. Bristol: Policy Press.