Employability

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.

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	20
Independent Study	128
Total study time	148

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.

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

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

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

Education and Training.

British Educational Research Journal.

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

Higher Education Research and Development.

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.

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.

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

British Journal of Sociology of Education.

Textbooks

Education, Work and Identity. London: Bloomsbury.

The Global Auction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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

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%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	70%
Reflective account	30%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Reflective account	30%
Coursework	70%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External