What will I learn on this module?
This module aims to provide you with an experiential learning opportunity in a workplace setting that utilises skills and knowledge acquired during the first half of your study on the programme. Indeed the Internship module is designed to deepen your knowledge and enhance employability in your specialist field. Specifically you will develop resilience and flexibility as you adapt to a different learning environment, and gain a new perspective in comparison with your taught studies. Computing and Digital Technologies is a wide discipline in which professionals can find themselves working within a number of different roles and specialisms, each requiring a specific technical skillset. This module builds on the skills developed so far to provide an opportunity for you to tailor the learning conducted so far in your programme towards acquiring those skills that will help you develop towards becoming a professional specialising in Computing with Technology/Computing with Cybersecurity Technology/Computing with Data Science and Big Data Technology/Computing with AI technology/Computing with IT Management.
Indeed, the skills and knowledge demonstrated within this module will vary on an individual basis, dependent on the area of work experience gained through placement. It is expected, however, that this is utilised as an opportunity to develop yourself within an area that is relevant to the BSc (Hons) Computing with subject specialisms, and which is an area of priority given your planned professional development.
This is an optional module, and you will be guided about the options available by your programme and career teams during semester 2 of your level 4 studies and again in semester one of your Level 5 studies. You will confirm your option to choose either Internship or consultancy project or professional practice. working with the careers team, module academic team and your personal tutor, you will conduct a skills audit to identify internship opportunities and roles that can be undertaken within the area of your subject specialism. If you are a part time learner you may also be able to use your existing workplace. Indeed, to support securing your internship you will attend workshops throughout your degree. You will also have access to careers portal hosting a wealth of employability and careers development resources.
You will be given guidance on how to identify suitable internship opportunities. The successful internship is subject to rigorous selectin process by the relevant employer. The careers and employability team will provide guidance on CV writing, interview techniques and build an attractive employability profile. While careers and employability team will assist you to find a suitable internship for you, however this is not guaranteed.
Your Internship will vary according to your specialist pathway programme of study and the host organisation, but each Internship undertaken will meet the following general requirements:
• that you will undertake work in an organisation that will last one semester in duration;
• that you will undertake work, where appropriate or necessary for professional body requirements, which are directly relevant to your programme of study.
• that the Internship will be approved by the University
Indicative syllabus:
• On the job training and work experience dependent on your role as an internee. Some examples could include, but are not limited to:
o Cyber security, Data Analytics and Big Data, Machine Learning, AI, DevOps, Enterprise Architecture, Ethical Hacking, Networks, Business Analysis.
• Refining a personal development plan.
• Reflective frameworks for evaluation
You will be encouraged to critically engage with outside practices, and to reflect on your educational development in the context of the challenges posed by an unfamiliar social, cultural and economic environment. The assessment consists of evidenced based portfolio Report (2000 words), weighted at 70% and a Poster Presentation, weighted at 30%.
How will I learn on this module?
The internship module is delivered across a 12 week period, based in the workplace, and which will provide you with the opportunity to:
• Experience the environment of a real workplace which will help you decide the type of career you would like to follow after graduation
• Develop your organisational and interpersonal skills required to enable you to work efficiently as a member of a team
• Acquire and develop relevant technical skills associated with the nature of your work
• Identify, analyse and discuss with experienced practitioners how theoretical concepts are adapted and applied to suit practical requirements
• Apply knowledge that will help you to plan and evaluate future study and career development.
You will gain hands-on experience of the working world which will be invaluable to entering into your chosen career. You will learn more about how organisations operate, especially their culture and values; you will enhance your existing skills and develop new ones, in particular team working, communication and problem solving. You will develop a better understanding of how your studies fit in to the real work environment and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the industry that you are keen to work in on graduation.
The learning and teaching methods will be dependent on the placement. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by the you, your internship provider and your internship tutor.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
A range of approaches are adopted to accelerate your learning in this module.
Prior to your start of Internship semester, you will attend relevant presentations (including a compulsory Health and Safety briefing) given by the internship manager and Module Tutor and other Faculty staff as appropriate.
During the internship support will be provided by the host employer. Additionally, you will be provided with supervisory guidance from a member of the Faculty’s academic staff who will act as a mentor providing academic and pastoral support, and the Internship Module Tutor who will maintain contact with you throughout the semester.
The formative and summative assessment strategy will be outlined as will a refresher on key academic skills and resources critical to your success as a learner on this module. You will work closely with your academic supervisor who will visit you at least once whilst your are on work placement and also make a contact with your work supervisor and you very early during your work placement.
In summary, during this module you will get support including:
• Academic supervisor support
• Module tutor guidance in relation to assignments via VLE
• Development of key resources, made available through the VLE
• Formative feedback on your work by your academic supervisor and also general feedback on your work by your work supervisor.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically reflect upon, challenge and extend existing personal knowledge and technical learning of your discipline.
2. Demonstrate and evidence an in-depth understanding of your discipline through the application of existing knowledge in unfamiliar learning environments and through developing new knowledge and perspectives derived from experience out-with your formal taught programme.
Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
3. Demonstrate critical awareness and self-direction of your own learning by identifying and managing tasks individually or as a member of a team in order to achieve your personal goals.
4. Critically analyse and communicate complex ideas in a professional environment.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate self awareness of your personal development.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment:
You will be able to get feedback from your academic supervisor especially during their visit to you at your work placement or online via weekly meetings.
Summative assessment
1. Portfolio Report:
You will provide a 2,000 word portfolio report along with evidence of your learning during your internship activity. This will clearly articulate and evaluate achievements related to goals identified in your personal learning contract (MLO1,2,3,5). (70%)
Guidance will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected in your portfolio of evidence and how your reflective account will be assessed.
2. Poster
You will deliver a 10 minute poster presentation to staff, including your academic mentor. The poster will focus on the core learning derived from your internship but should also detail the experiential learning journey (MLO4). (30%)
You will be provided with written, electronic, feedback on your work which you can use to improve your future assessments in this subject area.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In an increasingly competitive graduate recruitment market you’ll need more than a good degree to get the job you want. Graduate employers are increasingly looking for evidence of relevant work experience as well as academic achievement in candidates. A semester internship enhances your employability prospects, making you more appealing to graduate employers.
You’ll get practical experience in your chosen field whilst developing many of the skills that you will need in the workplace. You will also gain a better understanding of how organisations operate and you will be able to apply this knowledge directly to your studies.
Course info
UCAS Code G417
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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