The duration of the placement is 15 weeks. Students and organisations are selected and evaluated on the basis of their respective needs and capabilities. Organisations and students are matched and a detailed job/project specification is developed with the assistance of Wexford Campus personnel. The programme will have an academic member of staff in charge of the placement and supervision of students on the programme. This person will be the contact for both the student and the employers. Students will research the jobs market place and prepare applications for positions including CV development, personal statement and letter of application. They will also consider possible selection criteria and will develop their interview skills. Professional behaviour, skills and communications in the work place will also be explored. While on placement the students will receive a visit from their academic supervisor who will be a member of the course board. These visits are designed to facilitate meetings with the employer as well as the student. Full details of the operational elements of the module are outlined in the Professional Placement Manual. The students will have the option of finding their own placement or being placed by the Institute. However the placement must offer a position that is relevant to the programme. The employer will be asked to submit a job description for approval and the visits will ensure that the students are undertaking those tasks outlined in the job description. Should it be discovered that the student is not being given responsibilities in accordance with the agreed job description the Institute supervisor will either resolve the situation with the employer or else find an alternative placement for the student. Likewise if an employer deems a student unsuitable for the position alternative arrangements will be made for the student. The following areas will be focused on throughout the year in the preparation of students for work placement: CV preparation, interview skills/mock interviews, personal development and career planning. Marks for the module are awarded on a PASS/FAIL basis based on students successfully completing the placement and submitting the required documents.

Students are required to satisfactorily undertake the placement element of the module. In circumstances where a student is unable to undertake the Professional Placement, appropriate alternative arrangements will be put in place in consultation with the Course Board. All such arrangements will be outlined in the Professional Placement Manual in a clear and transparent manner. Each student is assigned an academic supervisor during placement. The supervisor monitors the student during the placement, discusses the work assignment and maintains contact with the employer representative. When on placement, students are regarded as employees, integrated into the employer organisation and subject to typical employment conditions. During placement the student will complete an assignment to be agreed between the student and their supervisor. In circumstances where placement restrictions apply owing to personal limitations, or external factors, alternative educational and practical programmes will be arranged for the benefit of students. This would be seen as a most exceptional situation and every effort will be made to ensure that students avail of the Professional Placement Programme.