AR2F20-Professional Practice

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Ms Amanda Clarke
Email: a.s.clarke@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to encourage students to consider the possible career paths open to them based upon the skills and experience gained as part of their Archaeology degree, and their individual interests,Ìýaspirations, values and motivations.

Aims:

This module aims to prepare students to transition into the world of work, either within the field of Archaeology or in other employment sectors. Specifically, this module will prepare students for the challenges of researching and selecting career options, by reflecting on their employability before applying for, and successfully gaining, graduate level jobs. It will also provide them with the chance to recognise and be in a position to apply for placements, work experience and other opportunities within the Department, School and University, which will enhance their employability. This module will also provide students with the opportunity to develop their self-awareness and self-promotion in the context of career decision-making, particularly in identifying career opportunities both within and outside of the archaeological discipline. It will also enhance their understanding of employer expectations and how to meet them (i.e. how to successfully promote employability and transferable skills).Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Reflect on their employability and career interests and recognise how they connect with the career opportunities available for archaeologists i.e. develop a targeted career strategy


• Reflect on the relevance of their Archaeology degree programme and other experiences for future career planning, and think critically about career development and employability


• Identify and harness the transferable skills that they are developing through their degree studies in order to manage their own career development


• Research personal career profile options and write an exemplar of a tailored application and/or personal profile using a CV


• Develop time management and general personal and organisational skills through teamwork and collaboration

Additional outcomes:

This module also aims to encourage:

• An appreciation of the importance of professional contacts and opportunities to practice networking


• An understanding of how to translate a degree in archaeology into careers within and beyond the heritage industry


• Self-reflection, and recognition of the potential of personal qualities and expertise


• Written communication skills, including the ability to organise material and articulate critical reflections effectively


• IT skills through the use of digital technologies and online resources


• An understanding of recruitment and selection processes


• Awareness of the services and opportunities offered to students by the university’s Careers Centre.

Outline content:

Students will be:

• Encouraged to keep a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) log to record and reflect on vocational and transferable skills developed throughout their degree programme, including skills gained over the summer vacations (e.g at the Part 2 Archaeology Field School or through other activities, such as the summer internship modules)


• Encouraged to undertake UROP, RIS, Thrive and the RED award throughout their undergraduate years, according to their employability needs


• Required to take at least one option from a package of training events delivered centrally by the Careers Centre, and to reflect on their usefulness as part of the reflective skills portfolio which will make up part of the summative assessment for this module


• Required to work in small groups and use the web-enabled resources available from the Careers Centre


• Required to attend a 1:1 CV feedback session witha member of the Careers Centre. As part of this process, students will then have to pr