AD2PYP: Preparing for Placement Year Part 2

Module code: AD2PYP

Module provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

Credits: 0

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Ms Rebecca Jerrome , email: r.m.jerrome@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

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

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: Maxi placement

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This non-credit bearing module aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical tools necessary for making successful placement year applications in your chosen roles and sectors. Building on your personal placement goals, action plan and development work undertaken in year one, this module will support you in navigating the recruitment process and preparing for interviews and pre-employment assessments. You will also explore the academic assessment requirements and professional behaviours and values expected during your placement year.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Analyse the roles, sectors and organisations for your chosen placement year applications and tailor your applications accordingly
2. Be prepared for recruitment tests​, interviews, and assessment centres 
3. Outline the academic assessment requirements for the placement year
4. Demonstrate a commitment to the professional values, behaviours and skills expected from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø students during the placement year 

Module content

Content provided, will include a range of online resources, briefings, tutorials, workshops and networking events including peer support, and will also include an element of self-guided personal study time in order to prepare and apply for placement opportunities.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Placement support modules will mainly include briefings and interactive workshop style sessions, with the opportunity to engage with group work and peer support both provided by the School and from University wide events e.g. Networking and Marketplace Events with employers, Placement Application Labs with staff and peers and Assessment Centre Simulations.

Online content will be made available to all students.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled events and the final placement preparatory session is compulsory for all students to attend, prior to commencing their placements. 

Study hours

At least 5 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.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

This is a non-credit bearing module to support placement preparation and as such, there is no formal assessment.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

Not applicable.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will have regular opportunities to receive formative feedback on their placement application approach including the development of their CVs, LinkedIn profile and cover letters throughout their placement search. They will also have opportunities for individual feedback on their general approach both through 1-2-1 meetings with School and careers and placement representatives and from the training workshops provided by the School. They will also be given the chance to network with students currently on a placement year  as well as returning placement students, to assist them with their application and recruitment strategies. 

Reassessment

Additional costs