Careers education case study (2): Developing a generic careers module for use across subject areas at a ‘plate-glass’ university in north-west England
The challenge
To develop a generic, credit-bearing second year careers module for implementation across the university curriculum. Challenges included the diverse nature of the degrees covered (ranging from physics to history) and the need to customise for each subject area.
The solution
Using various resources, a module was put together, roughly based around the DOTS model. This involved mapping existing career and personal development learning and identifying any shortfalls. The original module consisted of five two-hour workshops, with course work usually comprising an occupational study, a presentation and a CV (with covering letter and advert). Course work requirements varied by subject area. Departments were charged according to hours worked by the careers adviser and time spent on course work marking (including second marking).
Outcomes
Over the last three years, seven departments have adopted the programme, with more coming on board each year. Department ownership of the module suits both the department and careers service, allowing the module to be adapted within the curriculum. It usually sits within professional development and its presence has enhanced university performance in quality audits. The credit-bearing nature of the module means automatic enrolment by the department, focused student participation and improved outcomes in terms of employability development in line with the university’s aims
For further information on this case study, please contact Chris Little, Career Development and Guidance Coordinator, Centre for Employability, Enterprise and Careers, at Lancaster University.
What are careers education case studies?
These case studies have been compiled by members of the AGCAS Careers Education Task Group, building on the good practice developed in the Careers Education Benchmark Statement. They aim to show the diversity of practice and how careers education is developing as a discipline within HE. We hope they will inspire other practitioners to share their experience by drafting case studies that we can publish during 2009. If you have any comments about this section, or would like to submit a short case study summarising your own experience, please contact Iwan Griffiths.
Read all case studies in the series.