Subject: Work Placement/Service Learning module FM6113 
Department: Huston School of Film and Digital Media 
Participants: Students of 1-year taught Postgraduate programme - MA/Postgraduate Diploma in Public Advocacy and Activism. 
Pedagogy: Service learning/Community based learning 
Method: Classroom preparation to introduce the concept of service learning. During the first semester with the help of the Course Director, the students research and identify a work placement relevant to their own interests. The placement itself usually takes place in a block at the end of the second semester or spread out over a longer period of time during the second semester. 
Participants: Elective module - up to 15 
Hours: Flexible, equivalent to about 4 weeks full-time. 
Credits: 10 ECTS for written report (reflective learning journal) 
Materials: 2500-3000 word report 
Length: Varies according to needs. Usually after the taught modules have been completed, but may begin during the second semester. 
Optional/Mandatory: Optional 
First piloted: 2005-6 
Community Partners: Various: local, national and international organisations identified by students (e.g. COPE, TrocaireSpunout, Age Action, Galway One World Centre, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Enable Ireland, Vincent de Paul). 

The Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism offers an advanced programme for those working, or intending to work, in international or local advocacy; including community organization, development, labour, rights, health and environment. The placement is a valuable aspect of the one-year course, providing the students with the opportunity to apply their new skills in a relevant workplace and to experience the practical aspects of the advocacy environment. Students identify a placement relevant to their interests and negotiate what their role and work will be, taking into account their learning needs as well as the needs of the organisation. 

Students are assessed on the basis of a report (2500-3000 words) which is submitted after the placement. They are advised to keep a log of their daily work as a basis for this final report. In the report, they are expected: 

  • to provide some background on the organization in which they do their placement. 

  • to describe the type of work they were involved in, and the contribution made to the organization. 

  • to include information, reflection and analysis on how the subjects they had studied during the year were relevant and useful in the ‘real world'. 

  • to provide reflection on and analysis of the experience: how did the placement affected them personally? Did it change their ideas? What impact did the experience have on their future plans?