Module Narrative

Module Title: Practical-Based Placement
Module Code: THE601
Level: 6
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Compulsory
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: None
Mode of attendance: Mixed

Rationale:
This module aims to complement students’ academic studies by providing vocational insight through practical experience in a church, community or ministry environment. It also aims to provide an insight into the administration, management and financing of the placement ministry or setting, whilst forging positive partnerships between the college and ministry placement organisations.
One of the key focuses of the course is that academic study and workplace experience will be integrated. The workplace placement experience forms a basis for a reflective journal. This practicum will provide students with opportunities to pursue and extend their knowledge and practical experience within an approved organisation. The placement is supported by supervision and continuous project report.

Learning Outcome
Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
1. apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the class to handle practical issues of ministry
2. analyse the values, aims and purposes of the organisation where the placement has taken place;
3. plan, perform, evaluate and record in a ministry environment

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate:
4. an ability to communicate, work with others, and solve problems.

Syllabus
Students on all pathways are required to do a work placement as part of the programme. This is compulsory and takes place in churches, charities or media agencies where the student has not previously been a member, volunteer or employee. They are supported on their placement by a personal tutor. These placements can open up career opportunities and provide valuable experience.

A placement in approved ministry environments aids learning from direct experience and observation; working with ministers in a practical situation; planning ministry programmes; analysing and reviewing the efficiency of relevant ministry projects. This presents an opportunity to contextualise aspects of study in action.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

This module begins with Tutor guidance enabling the student to select an appropriate placement. This takes place in year 2 and placements must be approved by written consent of the tutor. Placements may not be taken in any organisation for which the student has previously worked, or has friends or family members there or where oversight is by fellow students.

For students with disability who have problems of access alternative arrangements can be made in consultation with the Tutor. This may include an on-site placement at the college premesis where necessary.

The placement supervisor is responsible for the placement induction and for explaining to the student required tasks to be undertaken on the placement. Discussion enables students to apply an appropriate structure to their portfolios.

Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the Portfolio.

Assessment Scheme

• Portfolio and Supervisors report (summative assessment)

Assessment Weighting

Structured Portfolio and Supervisor’s report 100%

Core

Croft, S and Walton, R. (2005) Learning for Ministry: Making the most of study and training. London: Church House Publishing.

Essential

Walton, H. (2014) Writing methods in theological reflection. London: SCM Press.
Neugebauer, J. and Evans-Brain, J. (2009) Making the most of your placement> London: Sage.
Gilham, B. (2008) Observation Techniques: Structured to Unstructured. Michigan: Continuum International Pub.

Recommended

Avis, P. (2008) A ministry shaped by mission. London: T&T Clark.
DeWalt, K. and DeWalt, D. R. (2011) Participant Observation: A Guide for Field Workers. 2nd, Plymouth: AltaMira Press.
Gula, R. (1996) Ethics in Paulist Press. London: Paulist Press.
Litchfied, K. (2006) Tend my flock: sustaining good pastoral practice. Norwich: Canterbury Press.
Spadley, J. P. (1980) Participant ObservationThe developmental research sequence: Anthropology. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Swinton, J and Mowatt, H. (2006) Practical Theology and Qualitative Research. London: SCM Press. (2nd Edition due 2016).
Ward, F. (2005) Lifelong Learning: theological education and supervision. London: SCM

Online Application
Download Application – PDF
Download Application – DOCX