This course aims to recognise the importance of practice-based learning and research-led teaching, by providing credit for substantial work undertaken external to the normal undergraduate studies. It provides a mechanism for the accreditation of learning outside of standard module delivery, and a way of experiencing project work in its natural context. Students will be given credit for an approved project based on a supervisor’s written report, and the student’s written report and presentation.
In order to enrol this module, a student must inform the module leader (currently Christophe Rhodes) ideally before starting any Summer work, but in any case before the start of the Autumn Term, describing the work that the student is to undertake (or has undertaken) and providing the name of a contact at the organization where the work was carried out who is willing to act as a reference for the student. The module leader’s decision on whether the work carried out is appropriate for credit is final, and is based on the relevance of the work to the student’s degree.
Once enrolment is agreed, the student and Director of Studies complete a change of module form to switch in the Accredited Vacation Project module for one of the student’s current 15-credit modules. This completes the enrolment on the module, which cannot be reversed.
The student is assessed on: a reflective report of around 3000 words, where the student describes the work done and reflects on the learning that they have gone through, particularly any extension to the skills and knowledge from their previous experience (due at the end of the Autumn term); and a presentation and viva voce exam (scheduled at the beginning of the Winter term, during exam week).
The work undertaken usually involves development in business or industry, but may also include: research and development in a University or other research organization; development for a third-sector organization; design and implementation of an artwork or other installation for public exhibition; or any other project appropriate to the student’s degree programme and where a suitable person is willing to act as a reference for the work done by the student.