Human Geography MA, Graduate Internship 30 credits

Aim

The main purpose of this course is for students to apply the theoretical knowledge relating to human geography (including but not limited to the geographical dimensions of tourism), which they have acquired during their studies to solve real-life problems in a working environment setting. Through an internship placement with an employer (e.g., company, governmental agency or non-governmental organization), students will have an opportunity to work on practical assignments and, thus, strengthen their skills and professional competence. Tasks to be performed must be aligned with the educational program guidelines. The final project should be developed in close cooperation between the employer and the program. In addition to the required work tasks for the employer, the student must produce a written professional report, which will be presented at a university seminar.

Course objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be in a position to:

- Demonstrate a deeper knowledge and understanding of working-life conditions
- Understand and critically examine various problem areas dealt with by enterprises or organizations.
- Use theoretical knowledge gained through their studies to solve real-life problems both within the working environment and beyond.
- Investigate and analyze a particular problem, especially as it relates to matters such as community or regional development and generate suggested solutions to representatives within the working environment.
- Gain competence by managing various tasks within a busy working schedule
- Write a professional report and present this to peers both within the working environment and at the educational department.

Content

During this course, the student has the opportunity to work as an intern in either a private company, a public organization or a non-profit entity. The student will work under supervision both by an advisor based in the department and by a mentor at the work place. Each student must prepare a detailed working plan under supervision by her/his tutor and this should be in accordance to the needs of the mentor at the workplace. The plan is a roadmap for the student’s needs in terms of negotiating the working environment on a day-to-day basis.

Entry requirements

In addition to holding a bachelor' s degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) and English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent, the students must have completed all the previous courses – except for the thesis - in the Masters’ Program before enrolling for this course.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course will be carried out through the student’s placement at a workplace. In addition to performing tasks for the employer, which have to be aligned with the course requirements, the student must remain in touch with the designated tutor and report at regular intervals her/his progress.

During examinations, attendance is compulsory.

Teaching and feedback can be in English.

Teaching will be through the Mid-Sweden web-based system.

Examination form

0009: Log-book, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

0011: Work placement, 17.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

0012: Oral presentation, 5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

The examination is done through the development and submission of weekly log-book entries as well as a major written report relating to the work performed at the workplace. Additionally, this work must be presented orally at a seminar.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University's disabilities adviser.

At home examinations or other written assignments, a complementary oral presentation may be requested by the teacher. The student should hence demonstrate the necessary knowledge to ensure that the student is the actual sender and the author of the written work.

Grading system: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

Examination restrictions

Students admitted to the previous version of this course have the right to graduate 3 times within 1 year according to that syllabus. Thereafter the students are transferred to this syllabus.

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G)

Other information

It is the responsibility of the student to find an appropriate workplace for the internship and to finance associated costs for travel, accommodation etc.

For registration in the course the student needs approval of the work placement from the course responsible.

By agreement, a local supervisor has the primary responsibility for instructions and support in the operational work in the internship organization. Teachers on the course are responsible for following up the students during the internship period, as well as supervising them in the implementation of the individual study.

The internship can be done either in Sweden or in another country. The final report must be written in English. However, in certain cases, supervisors can provide permission for a student to be able to write the final report in Swedish. The course constitutes parts of the 2-year master's program in tourism with an exam in human geography.

Course certificates, credits, appeals etc. are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.