Introductory description

This module enables participants to develop an overview of the wider context in which higher education careers work takes place. The module is designed to develop reflective practice in HE careers work focusing on: the student experience; the evolution and current development of higher education; the management of career and employability work; roles, organisations and policies; professional ethics, theoretical perspectives and values.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Articulation of participants’ prior experiences in higher education careers work.
Relevant government policies in higher education and careers work, for example, the employability discourse, quality and performance indicators.
The student experience, for example, diversity, internationalisation, postgraduate students, and career education.
Professional ethics, theoretical perspectives and values associated with higher education careers work, for example, client-centredness, impartiality, client learning and respect for diversity.
Changing roles and organisations relevant to CEIGHE work.
Reflective practice: theories-in-action.
Models of delivery, CEIGHE systems and resources.
The nature and extent of change in labour markets.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Subject knowledge and understandingKnowledge and understandingBy the end of the module, the student should be able to: identify current and historical issues in higher education; describe ethics and values associated with higher education careers work; and identify models of delivering career education, information and guidance services in higher education.
• Cognitive skillsAnalysis and evaluationBy the end of the module, the student should be able to critically analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding listed above in relation to the challenges of higher education careers work, and focus on one of these challenges in depth.
• Subject-specific and professional skillsApplication and integrationBy the end of the module, the student should be able to: integrate theory and practice in higher education careers work; form responses to the issues identified; develop actions on the basis of the evaluation and analysis undertaken; and apply knowledge and understanding broadly and to one issue in depth.
• Key skillsPresentationBy the end of the module, the student should be able to communicate in written form by integrating, analysing and applying key texts and professional practices.Problem-solvingBy the end of the module, the student should be able to solve problems in relation to higher education careers work by applying knowledge, understanding and evaluation.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module, the student should be able to: identify current and historical issues in higher education; describe ethics and values associated with higher education careers work; and identify models of delivering career education, information and guidance services in higher education.
By the end of the module, the student should be able to critically analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding listed above in relation to the challenges of higher education careers work, and focus on one of these challenges in depth.
By the end of the module, the student should be able to: integrate theory and practice in higher education careers work; form responses to the issues identified; develop actions on the basis of the evaluation and analysis undertaken; and apply knowledge and understanding broadly and to one issue in depth.

Transferable skills

By the end of the module, the student should be able to communicate in written form by integrating, analysing and applying key texts and professional practices.
By the end of the module, the student should be able to solve problems in relation to higher education careers work by applying knowledge, understanding and evaluation.