PAPERS / PUBLICATIONS

Nature and extent of undergraduates’ work experience (Dec 2002) HEFCE have produced a report examining the nature and extent of work experience activity among full-time higher education undergraduates. In addition to analysing existing sources of data, it draws on research undertaken between January and March 2001, involving a small sample of English higher education institutions (HEIs) and organisations offering work experience opportunities. The overall aim of the project was both to estimate the current level of student involvement in work experience, and to outline the different models and types of work experience available to undergraduates in England.

The QAA code of practice on placement learning provides a set of precepts, with accompanying guidance, on arrangements for placement learning that is a planned and intended part of an academic programme, which typically takes place outside the institution with the support and cooperation of a placement provider

Work Experience: Expanding opportunities for undergraduates (1998) Harvey, L., Geall, V., and Moon, S. with Aston, J., Bowes, L. and Blackwell, A. Birmingham, Centre for Research into Quality

The Impact of Sandwich Education on the Activities of Graduates Six Months Post-Graduation (2000 ) Bowes, L. and Harvey, L., A study commissioned by the National Centre for Work Experience and undertaken by the Centre for Research into Quality at the University of Central England. FDS returns (6 months post graduation) for students who had sandwich placements were compared to students on courses without work placement. The broad conclusions was that students with work experience were more likely to be in full time employment than full time students in the FDS return.

Developing Key Skills through Work Placements (1998) Brenda Little, B. (CHERI) for CIHE. Considers the role employers can play in helping students develop key skills while on work experience and suggests some good practice for higher education institutions, employers and students.

How Much Does Higher Education Enhance the Employability of Graduates? (2003) Mason, G.,National Institute of Economic and Social Research and Williams, G.,Sue Cranmer S., and Guile,D. Institute of Education, University of London HEFCE Investigates universities' efforts to enhance graduate employability and the extent to which they are successful. Focused on:biological sciences ;business studies ;computer science/studies ;design studies ;history. Provides evidence on how HE courses seek to improve the employability of their graduates, and evaluates the success of these in the light of graduates' experiences in finding their first employment and experiences in their early years of employment.

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