The Faculty of Arts provides a broad assortment of degree programmes, each with its own specialisms. Although arts students are experts in their own academic fields they are also widely deployable. Often, they have a command of one or more foreign languages. They possess analytical and problem-solving capabilities, they know how to find information rapidly, summarise it, and report it clearly and efficiently. They are socially competent, strong in communication (both verbally and in writing), and absorb knowledge easily. Accordingly, you meet them at places you might not expect. You can make optimum use of their knowledge by, for example, allowing students to implement projects that you would otherwise simply not have time for. Or you can have them perform research for which the opportunities do not exist in your organisation. Arts students are increasingly learning to take a more market-oriented approach. They are choosing subsidiary subjects in economy, law, business studies, and psychology. In this way, they expand their knowledge and are becoming widely deployable in large sections of the labour market. And, thus, also within your organisation.
Objectives
The placement is a recognised programme component in the last (thirt bachelor or first or second master) year of the degree programme, and enables students to gain experience in an extra-university environment.
The advantages of doing an placement in the study course are:
- Students are able to gain practical experience at academic level, in which an outlet is sought for the knowledge and skills they have obtained during their study.
- It allows an orientation to possible future areas of professional activity.
It will be self-evident that the placement should support or assist the aims of the placement provider.
Formal Aspects
On average, a placement lasts three months, although it may vary between six weeks and six months. The student receives 10 and sometimes 15 EC-credits for completing a placement. The Faculty of Arts Placement Office has standard contracts in which agreements are laid down concerning the responsibilities, the supervision, and the duration of the assignment. Of course, you can make use of your own contracts. Normally, you will pay the student for his or her work, or, if that is not possible, at least his or her expenses. The actual amount should be determined by mutual consent prior to the beginning of the placement. You should nominate a placement supervisor who can help if any questions or problems arise. The student on placement will also be supervised from the University by a specialist teacher.
