Professional work placement (placement pathway only)

This module provides you with the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the cultural sector in order to practice competences acquired earlier in the programme. This module comprises two parts: part one is the preparation for the placement; part two is the placement itself.

• Part one: with guidance from the module leader, you will draw up an individual plan for the placement based on your own investigations and consideration of the placement offers made by cultural organisations. This assists you to find an appropriate host organisation which fulfils your aims and objectives.
  
  
• Part two: for the placement, you will carry out a programme of work, or a project, supervised by a host at the organisation. During the placement you will be visited by the module leader. By participating in the working life of an organisation, you are expected to develop your own areas of interest, try out new skills and learn the value of effective networking. The placement lasts for 8 weeks, between April and June.

The majority of work placements are based in London and embrace all cultural forms. These may range from large national organisations such as English National Opera and the Barbican Centre, to smaller ones such as Shakespeare's Globe, The Tricycle Theatre and the Wigmore Hall. Other types of cultural organisation, including funding and advocacy bodies, are also used when this is appropriate for the participant.

Indicative content

Four months prior to the work placement, you will undertake a number of activities to prepare you for the placement. These include:

• drawing up an individual plan for the placement based on your own investigations
• considering the placement offers made by cultural organisations to the Department
• placement preparation, including aspects of financial management, plus individual tutorials.

The placement itself will be subject to an interim monitoring meeting at the University as well as a final feedback session.

Recommended reading

• Cox, D. (2004). Financial Records and Accounts Tutorial. Worcester, Osborne
  
• Forsyth, P. (2006). How to write reports and proposals. London, Kogan Page
  
• Herbert, I. and Rothwell, A. (2004). Managing your placement: A Skills Based Approach. Basingstoke, Palgrave McMillan
  
• Sayer, K. (2007). A Practical Guide to Financial Management. London, Directory of Social Change
  
• Sussams, J. (1998). How to write effective reports. Aldershot, Gower