Work-Based
Placement Information 2016/17
For Host Organisations:
Student-led Projects
What is a work-based placement?
MSc students can undertake a research project in collaboration with external host
organisations, as an alternative to a traditional desk-based dissertation. Students will be
based with the host organisation (in the UK or overseas) for 8-10 weeks, then will analyse and
write up their findings for a further 6 weeks. The resulting research paper will be submitted
to both the host organisation and the University.
What are the aims of a work-based placement?
For organisations, WBPs offer the opportunity to host a student with specialised knowledge
in the field, who will contribute to a pre-arranged research project in order to advance
organisational objectives. These projects provide excellent opportunities for students to think
through theoretical ideas in ‘real world’ contexts and to gain transferable skills through
applied, practical experience with host organisations. The commissioned research paper will
address a real need within the host organisation, while improving the employability of our
graduates; it is key that placements are of mutual benefit to the host and the student.
As the project forms an integral part of the student’s degree there is no requirement to
provide any form of remuneration. Students may be asked to undertake some limited work
not directly related to their research but this must not detract from the agreed research
project nor take up significant time or resources.
Output: the research paper
The research paper will not exceed 12,000 words and will use the data collected during the
placement. The paper will be an extensive piece of academic writing; the exact format will be
decided between the host organisation, the student, and the University prior to the start of
the placement. The format will be formally agreed via a Memorandum of Understanding
signed by all parties. Students will also submit a 2 page executive summary with the main
report to host organisations.
Which students can take part?
Students enrolled on the following degree programmes can undertake a work-based
placement:
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MSc Africa and International Development
MSc Childhood Studies
MSc International Development
MSc Global Environment, Politics and Society
MSc Global Health and Public Policy
MSc Health Inequalities and Public Policy
MSc Health Systems and Public Policy
MSc International & European Politics
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MSc Management of Bioeconomy,
Innovation and Governance
MSc Medical Anthropology
MSc Nationalism Studies
MSc Science and Technology in Society
MSc Social Research
MSc Sociology and Global Change
Master of Public Policy
What is the timeline?
The student-led timeline follows the standard work-based placement timeline within the
School, with the exception that project proposals can be accepted until 1 March 2017 as
students need not go through the application process.
Date
October 2016 –
March 2017
By 1 March 2017
Early April 2017
Late April /May &
June 2017
Mid-August 2017
Action
Student approaches host organisation. Project proposals constructed
by student and host organisations.
Completed final project proposal submitted to Student
Development Office ([email protected]). The
project form is towards the end of this document. The Student
Development Office will work with academic colleagues in the School
to confirm if the proposed project is suitable, and will advise where
changes are required.
Memorandum of Understanding signed by student, host
organisation, and University Programme Director. Student completes
other necessary paperwork such as risk assessments, ethics
application etc.
Students on Placement:
 The University will provide academic supervision, as well as
administrative oversight, throughout the placement;
 The host organisation will be asked to provide a named contact
for the University to liaise with on all placement matters and to
provide the student with organisational supervision
Report & executive summary submitted by student to host
organisation, dissertation submitted to University
Work-based Placement: Project Outline Form
This form should be completed by the key contact in the host organisation and returned to
[email protected] by 1 March 2017. Thank you for your interest in the
WBP scheme and we look forward to working with you.
Name of your organisation:
Project Details
Research Question:
Please tell us: What are the motivating questions? What is it, specifically, that your organisation
would like to know?
Objective and research output:
Please explain what you hope to get from resulting research paper, and how you might use the
student’s work to advance your organisation’s objectives?
Methodology:
Please detail how the students will be expected to answer the research questions, for example,
desk research, interviews, survey, review of internal document, etc.
Contact Details
Name of the key contact in your organisation:
Key contact email address:
Key contact telephone number:
Location of project: This should be the physical street address where the student will be based, not a PO
Box
Further Details
Proposed start and end date of project:
Projects normally take place during May and June
Additional requirements
Specific skills the student should have, e.g. proficiency in a particular language, familiarity with a
particular area of work, or any other useful attributes.
Local requirements
Including Protecting Vulnerable Groups [PVG disclosure], other checks required to be carried out
on the student’s background, or any paperwork required before the student can undertake their
research at your organisation.
Please contact the Student Development Office if you have any queries or wish to discuss the
Work-based Placement scheme in more detail. Please submit the form to the Student
Development Office: [email protected]
Pre-placement Health and Safety Checklist
This checklist is to be completed by the Organisation if the Yes
Student will spend time on-site or conducting fieldwork in
relation to the WBP
Do you have a written Health and Safety policy?
Do you have a policy regarding health and safety training?
If so, will you provide all necessary health and safety training for
the Student?
Is the Organisation registered with Health and Safety Executive
or the Local Authority Environmental Health Department?
Insurance
Is Employer and Public Liability Insurance held?
Risk Assessment
Do you carry out risk assessments of your work practices?
Are the results of risk assessment implemented?
Accidents and Incidents
Is there a formal procedure for reporting and recording
accidents and incidents?
Have you procedures to be followed in the event of serious and
imminent danger to people at work?
Will you report to the University all recorded accidents involving
students?
Will you report to the University any sickness involving students
which may be attributable to their work?
No