FA2ISP: Independent study with Work Placement

Module code: FA2ISP

Module provider: Art; School of Arts and Communication Design

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Mx Ollie Musson , email: o.c.musson@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: Micro placement

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

In this module you will gain real world experiences developed through intensive investigation into an organisation, museum or gallery, or during a work placement, in consultation and with the support of a supervisor. 

The module aims to foster your ability to engage as an active and responsible learner, enabling you to manage your own work schedule and organisational talent, and allows you to nourish and apply your independence and self-motivation. 

You will have opportunities to develop competency in independent learning, allowing you to identify your strengths, what support you need to succeed, and where your specific interests lie.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Articulate and substantiate your point of view, evaluating evidence and using reasoned arguments 
2. Manage your own work schedule, and integrate independence and self-motivation 
3. Reflect your real-world experiences investigating a site on study abroad or on your work placement 
4. Use visual material effectively as evidence and illustration in written argument. 

Module content

Students are introduced to work opportunities and access to placements through seminars at the start of the semesters, indicating sites to find placements or job opportunities. 

Independent study is supported through tutorials and feedback sessions. 

Live Alumni Talks give background to experiences and provide advice and guidance. 

Students’ Real World experiences are captured through journals. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Collaboration: Seminars encourage peer learning through group discussion. Project based learning on placement development 

Acquisition: Alumni Talks online and recorded. Talis List 

Practice: Experiential learning through study abroad and work experience. 

Inquiry: Researching and building a context and developing own tools to gain knowledge for individual experiences. 

Reflection: Developing authentic learning from real world experiences, reflect through formative draft, Feed forward, providing grounding for professional practice.  

This module is delivered through blended learning using online technologies such as Blackboard Collaborate or Teams and video capture.  

Resources and recordings are made available at the beginning of the module. 

Assessment points, briefs and deadlines are introduced at the start of the module. 

Formative and summative assessments are authentic and are excellent applications of professional practice. 

Formative is through written feedback to a draft submission. 

Summative assessment in semester 2 through coursework. 

Study hours

At least 16 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.