Developing Employability Knowledge and Skills - Sharing Good Practice from Sociology, Criminology and Terrorism
Emma Temple-Malt - Course Leader for Undergraduate BA (Hons) Sociology, Criminology, Deviance, Terrorism and Criminology
The Departmenthave a number of undergraduate modules on their awards thatthey deliver that combine both theory and practice in attempt to support students in becoming more work ready. The assessments include practical elements and reflecting upon their performance in relation to literature and feedback.Below aresome examples of modules that relate to employability in this way.
Sociology of Education
Combines knowledge impartation on sociology perspectives of education policy and delivery with practical teaching skills for inclusive practice. Students are assessed through conducting a micro-teach session and a reflective report. This module was developed because of students wanting to go on to become teachers and not having lots of experience and knowledge of teaching practice when applying to do a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Students are then given the opportunity to deliver their micro-teach on a sociology subject to local college students via our links to Further Education institutes to further their experience of teaching practice and to promote our awards.
Mentoring Theory & Practice
Having conducted a small scale research project with local employers it was apparent that students entering the labour force have knowledge but don't always have great people and communication skills. Our mentoring module gives students theoretical knowledge on communication skills and helping others to address issues and achieve goals. It also provides space to practice skills inside the classroom and get feedback to improve performance. Students are encouraged to peer mentor other students outside of the classroom to further develop skills and we are just developing a peer mentoring scheme to make this element of the module more structured. Mentoring and coaching skills are great for developing people and leadership skills which give our students an advantage. A recent graduate gave us feedback that he had been promoted at work really swiftly because of the mentoring skills he was demonstrating and he had been asked to train colleagues in the approach he was using as it was proving to be successful in working with vulnerable young people. He thanked us for training him in mentoring skills and viewed the module as significant in his promotion and success.
Working with Drug Users
This module builds upon a theoretical module exploring drug using behaviour and cultures by offering students a skills development module exploring techniques to support a drug user in reducing and abstaining from drug misuse. Practical work placement: this module connects students with local employers where they complete 30 hours of work and reflect upon their experience within their assessment. We recognised that students that have had relevant voluntary work experience as well as their degree have managed to secure employment more easily than students with no experience. This module aims to give students the opportunity to gain work experience that gives them employment advantage. Our team use our social capital with local organisations to gain good placement opportunities.
Research Methods & the Crime & Society Research Group
Thedegree programmes includes research methodology modules that prepare students wanting to study the discipline and gain a career in research. Students learn research ethics and skills that they put into practice with support from the lecturer. We also pursue research opportunities with local organisations whereby students can gain paid work alongside lecturing staff on professional research projects that cultivate their research skills and their ability to connect with local organisations.
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