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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title INTRA Placement
Module Code MCO1012 (ITS: CM5016)
Faculty Communications School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

In this module students are placed in temporary employment in a Public Relations / communications role. During this time it is intended that they gain the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned during the course and the opportunity to reflect both on their performance and learning during the placement. They will be required to report on their experience.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality and application in the relevant placement setting.
2. Apply practical experience and skills to given tasks in Public Relations.
3. Apply university-acquired knowledge to the work placement.
4. Reflect on learning outcomes from a critical event(s) during the INTRA placement.
5. Critically evaluate their contribution to the work placement.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Integrated training (INTRA)125INTRA formally integrates the student's academic study with closely co-ordinated realistic jobs, based on the work abilities of the student and the objectives of each programme. The student develops an understanding of the professional, practical world of industry. Also, the blending of theory and practice increases student motivation and allows a clearer view of a career path. Students who do not obtain a company placement may be offered the possibility of working on a research project in DCU.
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN11689Part of TermSemester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade ScaleINTRAPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC2Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMadeline BoughtonModule TeacherMartin Molony
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reflective journalReflective Learning Diary: Students are required to complete weekly entries in a learning diary. These entries should reflect upon the duties performed, the knowledge gained and the application of theory learned to practice in the work place. While this journal is the basis on which the mark for this module will be determined, it is informed and validated by the academic site visit, the employer's report and the student's final report.97%As required
Performance evaluationAcademic Site Visit: A site visit by an appointed academic tutor to the placement location, where the tutor will complete a form detailing the workplace performance of the student, the conditions of employment and the employer's perception of the student's performance.1%As required
Performance evaluationEmployer's Student Appraisal: Using a prescribed template, the employer will complete an appraisal of the student's performance during the work placement.1%As required
Report(s)A final report based on students work placement diary and their overall experience. The report follows a clearly defined template and is submitted after the completion of the placement. The purpose of the INTRA Report is to provide students with an opportunity to evaluate and document their experience in the work place. This report is graded by the student's academic INTRA tutor and feedback is provided to the student.1%Once per semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Intra Work Placement
Students will spend three months on a Public Relations or Communications placement in a company or organisation in Ireland or abroad. This will typically be in either an agency or in an in-house communications department.

In some instances, the placement may be shorter, but must not be less than eight weeks. In exceptional cases, where it has not been possible to secure such a placement, students will be expected to work (part-time or full-time) on a research project in DCU under the supervision of a member of DCU academic staff. The experience gained in the latter case should allow all of the normal INTRA learning outcomes to be achieved.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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