Overview

Each student will spend an extended period studying at a Host Institution or working overseas. During the module students will be encouraged to pursue studies or work relevant to the degree subject area. They will also learn about the country in which they are based, with particular emphasis on understanding and applying subject-specific knowledge in a different cultural setting. The content of the module will be designed for each student in discussion with the Host Institution/Organisation and will include elements of directed learning and/or supervision

Assessment Strategy

Threshold -(Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%) There are weaknesses in the way that the report is structured, resulting in repetition and/or lack of clarity. It contains descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student but with evidence that the descriptions have not been fully developed. Knowledge directly related to the student’s degree subject is described but with little emphasis on any other knowledge acquired. There is little analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge and there is no evidence of critical evaluation. The report includes content in which the student evaluates their learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with little emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

Good -(Grade B; mark range 60-69%) The report is logically structured. It contains detailed descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described. There is some analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge but there is little critical evaluation. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates their learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with only some emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

Excellent -(Grade A; mark range 70-100%) The report is logically structured with threads that create a holistic, coherent whole. It contains detailed and insightful descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described with some exploration of the synergies between the various sources of knowledge. There is a well-argued, critical analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates their learning experience, both as a retrospective description of the placement experience and as a critical reflection on how the experiences might shape future learning.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to reflect on the full range of their experiences and express this in written form in a manner that is concordant with their academic level at the time of their visit.

• Have demonstrated that they have acquired knowledge, understanding and skills that will enhance these aspects in relation to their BU programme subject area. It is expected that the level of this enhanced learning and academic ability is appropriate to the timing of their visit.