Employability | EDUC2028 | University of Southampton

Module overview

This module explores the concept of employability both from a conceptual and practical perspective. It explores the many definitions and approaches to this issue, why it has gained significance in light of educational and employment changes and what this means for individuals and society. In this module you will:

Be Introduced to a variety of conceptual approaches to employability and how this concept has emerged and why it is important;
Explore a range of salient topics around employability and a range of related research, including how the issue relates to skills, class, equality, gender and people's career transitions and outcomes;
Be encouraged to think strategically and reflectively on your own emerging career development, planning and orientation.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the complex political and socio-economic surrounding individuals' transitions to, and integration, into the contemporary.
Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and factors that shape individuals' employment progression and outcomes and how employability is socially and personally constructed.
Display evidence of critically examining how wider social and economic changes impact on education systems and education policy relating to skills, professional and economic development.
Develop an enhanced reflection and practical awareness in relation to the management of your own employability and early career planning.

Syllabus

The meanings and definitions of employability;
Theoretical approaches to understanding employability;
Resources relevant to employment, including skills and capitals;
The relationship between employability and equality, including class, gender and disability;
The changing relationship between higher education and the job market;
The perspectives of employers and the recruitment process;
Practical tools in relation to employability, including CV management, job search and interviews

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module will use a combination of lectures and interactive learning approaches, the latter largely based on prior reading before each session. You should expect to do a significant amount of research and reading outside of class contact time - some reading or activities will be directed by those who are teaching on this module, however, you should also expect to undertake research and exploration of the topics yourself. You will also have a 1:1 tutorial towards the end of the module to discuss your topic with the module tutor and plan ahead for the coursework.

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	22
Independent Study	128
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Review of Vocational Education - The Wolf Report. Report to the Department of Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. London: HMSO.

Journal Articles

Studies in Higher Education.

Wilton, N. (2012). The impact of work placements on the skills development and career outcomes of business. Studies in Higher Education, 37(5), pp. 603-620.

Higher Education Research and Development.

British Educational Research Journal.

Howieson, C. and Semple, S (2013). The Impact of Career Websites: what's the evidence?. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 41(3), pp. 287-301.

McGowan, T (2015). Should Universities Promote Employability. Theory and Research in Education, pp. 1-19.

Tomlinson, M (2012). Graduate Employability: a review of conceptual and empirical themes. Higher Education Policy, 25(4), pp. 407-431.

Fugate, M (2004). Employability: a psycho-social construct, its dimension and application. Journal Vocational Behavior, 65(1), pp. 14-38.

British Journal of Sociology of Education.

Holmes, L. (2013). Competing Perspectives on Graduate Employability: possession, position or process?. Studies in Higher Education, 38(4), pp. 538-554.

Education and Training.

Journal of Education and Work. Journal of Education and Work.

Textbooks

The Global Auction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The mismanagement of talent: employability and jobs in the knowledge economy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Education, Work and Identity. London: Bloomsbury.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	70%
Reflective account	30%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External