Work-Based Placement information2016-17For Host Organisations

What is a work-based placement?Selected MSc students can apply to undertake a research project in collaboration with external host organisations, as an alternative to a traditional desk-based dissertation. Students will be based with the host organisation (in the UK or overseas) for 8-10 weeks, then will analyse and write up their findings for a further 6 weeks. The resulting research paper will be submitted to both the host organisation and the University.

What are the aims of a work-based placement?For organisations, WBPs offer the opportunity to host a student with specialised knowledge in the field, who will contribute to a pre-arranged research project in order to advance organisational objectives. These projects provide excellent opportunities for students to think through theoretical ideas in ‘real world’ contexts and to gain transferable skills through applied, practical experience with host organisations. The commissioned research paper will address a real need within the host organisation, while improving the employability of our graduates; it is key that placements are of mutual benefit to the host and the student.

As the project forms an integral part of the student’s degree there is no requirement to provide any form of remuneration. Students may be asked to undertake some limited work not directly related to their research, but this must not detract from the agreed research project nor take up significant time or resources.

Output: the research paperThe research paper must not exceed 12,000 words and will use data collected during the placement. The paper will be an extensive piece of academic writing; the exact format will be decided between the host organisation, the student, and the University prior to the start

of the placement. The format will be formally agreed via a Memorandum of Understanding signed by all parties. Students will also submit a 2 page executive summary with the main report.

Which students can take part?Placements are assigned on a competitive basis, ensuring that the most relevant and qualified student is assigned to each project. Students are concurrently enrolled on courses which expose them to the most recent and relevant literature and debates on relevant topics pertaining to one the following degree programmes:

MSc Africa and International Development MSc Childhood Studies MSc International Development MSc Global Environment, Politics and Society MSc Global Health and Public Policy MSc Health Inequalities and Public Policy MSc Health Systems and Public Policy MSc International & European Politics

MSc Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance

MSc Medical Anthropology MSc Nationalism Studies MSc Science and Technology in

Society MSc Social Research MSc Sociology and Global Change Master of Public Policy

Candidates will first be assessed by a panel of academic staff and it is highly recommended that organisations then interview the proposed candidate to ensure a mutually agreeable fit.

What is the timeline?Date ActionAugust – November 2016

Project proposals constructed by host organisations in liaison with the University. If organisations can host more than one student, a separate proposal form should be sent for each project

Friday 16 December 2016

Completed project proposal submitted to Student Development Office (ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk). The project form is attached in this document.

January 2017 Projects advertised to students. Mid-February 2017 School Selection Panel meets

Proposed student CV and motivation letter sent to host organisation. Host organisation asked to approve student or request an interview (via Skype if located outside Edinburgh)

Late February / Early March 2017

Students notified by the University of application outcome

March 2017 Memorandum of Understanding signed by student, host organisation, and University Programme Director

Late April /May - June 2017

Students on Placement: The University will provide academic supervision, as well as

administrative oversight, throughout the placement; The host organisation will be asked to provide a named

contact for the University to liaise with on all placement

matters.August 2017 Paper submitted to host organisation, dissertation submitted to

University

Work-based Placement: Project Outline Form 2016/17 This form should be completed by the key contact in the host organisation and returned to ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk by Friday 16 December. Thank you for your interest in the WBP scheme and we look forward to working with you.

Name of your organisation:

Project Details

Research Question:Please tell us: What are the motivating questions? What is it, specifically, that your organisation would like to know?

Objective and research output:Please explain what you hope to get from resulting research paper, the context of the research and how you might use the student’s work to advance your organisation’s objectives?

Methodology:Please detail how the students will be expected to answer the research questions, for example, desk research, interviews, survey, review of internal document, etc.

Contact Details

Name of the key contact in your organisation:

Key contact email address:

Key contact telephone number:

Location of project: This should be the physical street address where the student will be based, not a PO Box

Further Details

Proposed start and end date of project:Projects normally take place during May and June

Additional requirements Specific skills the student should have, e.g. proficiency in a particular language, familiarity with a particular area of work, or any other useful attributes.

Local requirements Including Protecting Vulnerable Groups [PVG disclosure], other checks required to be carried out on the student’s background, or any paperwork required before the student can undertake their research at your organisation

Please get in touch if you have any queries or wish to discuss the Work-based Placement scheme in more detail. Once complete, please submit the form to the Student Development email address ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk

Pre-placement Health and Safety Checklist The pre-placement Health and Safety Checklist to be completed by the Organisation if the Student will spend time on-site or conducting fieldwork in relation to the WBP

Yes No

Do you have a written Health and Safety policy?

Do you have a policy regarding health and safety training?

If so, will you provide all necessary health and safety training for the Student?

Is the Organisation registered with Health and Safety Executive or the Local Authority Environmental Health Department?

Insurance

Is Employer and Public Liability Insurance held?

Risk Assessment

Do you carry out risk assessments of your work practices?

Are the results of risk assessment implemented?

Accidents and Incidents

Is there a formal procedure for reporting and recording accidents and incidents?

Have you procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to people at work?

Will you report to the University all recorded accidents involving students?

Will you report to the University any sickness involving students which may be attributable to their work?