This module provides an opportunity for students to gain credit for experience gained in a 10-day placement with a heritage sector provider.
This module aims to:
1. Provide students with working experience within a heritage related organisation to gain an understanding of the various operational aspects of a heritage sector, its environment and working practices.
2. Provide students with the opportunity to apply academic and/or theoretical knowledge within a practical heritage context in collaboration with external partners.
3. Provide students with practical knowledge to be able to negotiate in connection with applications for listed buildings, scheduled monument and conservation area consent and other statutory consents.
4. Develop and engage the students in relevant topics with external partners that focus on heritage management; collections management; heritage interpretation; event development; digital and online media; audience engagement; c ontribution to exhibition development; marketing and fundraising; educational events and/ or public engagement and outreach.
5. Develop the students’ personal and employability skills in a heritage related working environment, and reflect and report on this development.
6. Provide students with an opportunity to achieve impact through a clear and measurable work programme and sustainable heritage management practice.

(LO1) Demonstrate an ability to develop outputs and/or undertake tasks, according to a certain requirement, within a heritage related practical or vocational context.

(LO2) To reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of the outputs developed and/or the tasks undertaken.

(LO3) To identify the connection between theoretical and academic knowledge and its practical or professional application.

(LO4) To identify, reflect and report on a range of personal and/or employability skills within a heritage sector.

(LO5) To be able to interact, negotiate and work with a variety of heritage stakeholders.

(S1) Awareness and experience of working within a heritage sector.

(S2) Improving own learning and performance, self-awareness and self-analysis.

(S3) Improving own personal action planning and record keeping.

(S4) Critical analysis, improving critical thinking and problem solving.

(S5) Communication skills (oral, written and visual).

(S6) Team working skills.

(S7) Time management skills.

(S8) Skills in using technology, using common and heritage related applications.

There is an element of flexibility in how the placement is scheduled, based on the needs of the organization, and taking into consideration individual timetable. For example, some home students might chose to attend more than 2-day placement. We estimated 2-day placement in weeks (4,5,6,7 and 8) taking into consideration Tier 4 students, as they are permitted to undertake a work placement during their programme however they must not exceed 20 hours per week).

In the first two weeks, the students will be introduced to the module. They will complete a skills audit to identity skills they would like to develop during the placement. Additionally, a session developed by Careers & Employability team will be delivered that can help students enhance a number of skills such as communication, team work and how students can self-reflect on their employability skills will be organised. This might include building a CV and preparing for interviews, and getting the most of your placemen t.

Placement might take place in weeks (4,5,6,7 and 8). Then in weeks 9,10 and 11, the students will discuss and reflect on their placement and start planning the two reports and presentation for assessment.

A tailored Placement Outline and Learning Agreement to be signed initiation the partnerships for national placement. All activities will be monitored prior, during and after the placement. Health and safety issues will be considered, as well as considering ethical application if applicable. Some of the heritage partners are: National Museums of Liverpool, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Slate Museum Wales, Victoria Gallery & Museum, and Port Sunlight Conservation Trust.

Syllabus, topics and teaching and learning activities will include:
Introduction to the module / skills audit;
Making the most of your placement;
Training/shadowing, when students visit the partners for training (placement);
Seminars: to provide information, discuss and reflect upon the work place experience and application of academic knowledge;
Workshops by Careers & Employability;
Formative feedback on all assignments;
Assessment and what next? (placement showcase project/task delivery/presentation).

Teaching method 1: Lecture
Description: Few weekly sessions through the semester will be structured as combined lecture and workshop sessions. Mainly, introducing key topics in the module and discussing placement opportunities.
Attendance recorded: Yes
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be directed to reading list and additional sources and information on Canvas and other digital online material.
Teaching method 2: Workshop
Description: Workshops with Careers and Employability team to provide support for experiential learning, creative industry context and career development.
Workshops with external placement partners to prepare for ‘shadowing’ sessions and to provide guidance and support in relation to placement activity.
Workshops to discuss and reflect upon the work place experience and application of academic knowledge, as well as assisting them in academic writing and presentation of their work.
Attendance recorded: Yes
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Independent study allows for relevant research and preparation of relevant materials.