Bath Spa University: Applied Project

This example features in 'Bath Spa University Careers - Embedding Enterprise and Employability in the Curriculum' - Download the full document HERE.

Introduction:

In the Year 2 core module (Darshana, Dharma and Dao: Philosophy in the Indian and Chinese Traditions) students undertake an ‘Applied Project’ assessment – demonstrating how they can apply their philosophical knowledge and understanding to ‘real-world’ settings, whilst developing many credible and practical skills.

Activity:

Students must choose from one of the following project briefs (or negotiate a different project brief with the module coordinator if they have an alternative idea):

• Project Brief A: Application for research funding
• Project Brief B: Position paper for a meeting of primary school governors, staff and parents
• Project Brief C: Position paper for an ‘A’ level examination board
• Project Brief D: Book proposal for a popular philosophy title
• Project Brief E: Feature article for a magazine or colour supplement
• Project Brief F: Prepare a pitch for a new set of resources/new campaign for a Not-for-Profit Organisation.

They are given detailed guidance for each project brief, including headings, structure and some suggested resources.

A separate seminar run by the linked Careers Consultant is timed in advance of the assessment deadline, to help students engage with the project by enhance their understanding of how academia can ‘connect’ to the outside world and to help them recognise the value of completing these projects in preparation for future employability. The session uses real-life job adverts/descriptions from a range of specific careers sectors / organisations / roles that align closely to these projects (e.g. academic, research, think tanks, charities, local authorities, teaching, journalism, publishing, media, marketing), but also helps students to develop but also helps students develop the techniques for recognising the skills gained in a wider ‘transferable’ sense, and how to articulate these via written and verbal means.

The added benefit is that students begin to get a sense of the complexity of graduate job descriptions / job titles and the element of ‘decoding’ that needs to take place – in comparison to what they have likely experienced so far for part-time / casual work this is often a shock to the system, so the earlier this can be introduced the better.

Impact:

The ‘translation’ of the curriculum in this way has resulted in some fantastic pieces of work and effectively brings together the inside world of academia with the outside world of work.

Learner Outcomes:

Feedback from two students who took the option to write a journalistic piece;

"The Applied Philosophical Project conducted within our course, Religions, Philosophies and Ethics, was a fantastic opportunity to apply religious and philosophical knowledge and research to a real life scenario. I chose to create an article in the house style of a popular newspaper's colour supplement. It was a new and challenging experience which tested my ability to construct a relevant and fascinating article, which could also be easily understood by the readership. This project allowed us all to be creative and, most importantly, transfer skills outside of university, which will be hugely beneficial for the future."

"I really enjoyed the variety provided by the Applied Philosophical Project, the opportunity to use humour to put my views across and at the same time test my ability to write in a journalistic style was a welcome innovation. The interesting choices of medium gave me a real insight into my personal preferences, something that could prove very useful in making future career decisions."

Graduate feedback;

"I very much enjoyed studying Philosophy and Ethics at Bath Spa
University. The modules I studied encourage all students to develop
their critical thinking skills and display open-mindedness. As someone
interested in pursuing a career within the education sector, I found
the Applied Project particularly valuable. As part of the task, I
prepared a paper proposing the introduction of Philosophy in the
primary curriculum."

References:

• Bath Spa University - Schools - School of Humanities and Cultural Industries. 2016. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/schools/humanities-and-cultural-industries. [Accessed 11 January 2016].