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The Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate (SIGC)

Overview

The Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate (SIGC) is an eight month long course combining a six month internship with career planning modules.

SIGC FAQ for Applicants

SIGC FAQ for Employers

SIGC Powerpoint Presentation

University of Dundee Postgraduate Prospectus

Aims of the Programme

SIGC aims to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience necessary to enhance your employability. It is aimed at graduates with all levels of work experience, whether you are looking to launch your career, seeking ways to further develop your career path or gain experience in a new area / sector.

The modules which comprise the programme are designed to help you to:
  • Make sense of UK working cultures and practices and your role within the world of work.
  • Be able to undertake career planning to manage your career and to participate successfully in graduate recruitment processes.
  • Undertake a meaningful period of work experience in a relevant field and undertake an original piece of work (project) which is of benefit to both you and the placement provider.
  • Develop and use skills, knowledge and experience in a practical setting.


    • Programme Content

    The programme consists of three credit-bearing modules:

    Preparation and Planning (15 credits):
    This module, commencing in October, is a one month intensive University-based course taken prior to the internship. This module aims to enhance your self-awareness and prepare you for your internship. Sessions include project management, team working and presentation skills. Knowledge of Scottish employers and recruitment will be further enhanced by a cultural and employer visit programme. Learning and teaching will be based around intensive, highly interactive face-to-face lectures, seminars and tutorials.

    Internship Placement (30 credits):
    Internship placements will commence in November. Students will be carefully matched to an internship opportunity which relates to their degree and/or compliments their career aspirations. Internships last year included those from the management, IT, engineering and marketing sectors. During their internship, students will undertake a project which is beneficial to their placement host and which also helps them to develop or make full use of their skills, knowledge and experience. Training allowances of a minimum of £200 per month for each month of the placement are attached to all internships, however, some employers may offer more than £200 a month. Throughout their internship, students will be given appropriate support from workplace supervisors and university tutors. This module will be delivered by a mix of distance learning and on-campus 'call-back' days.

    Analysis and Career Planning (15 credits):
    In May, students will undertake a Placement Reflection and Sector Analysis project, essentially a reflective account of their internship experience and related sector analysis. Areas covered include professional CV building, mock interviews and supported job searching.

    Methods of Teaching and Assessment:
    Throughout the course learning and teaching will be based around intensive, face-to-face highly interactive and participatory lectures, seminars and tutorials. Additionally, students will use PDP (Personal Development Planning) to foster career management and action planning skills.

    Module 1 - Preparation and Planning
    Learning and teaching will be based around intensive, face-to-face highly interactive and participatory lectures, seminars and tutorials:

    Per Week -
    Module 2 - Internship Placement
    This module will be delivered by a mix of distance learning and on-campus 'call-back' days:

    Assessment will be via:
    Module 3 - Analysis and Career Planning
    Learning and teaching will be based around intensive, face-to-face highly interactive and participatory lectures, seminars and tutorials. The module will include:
    Entry Requirements
    Who is eligible to apply for the Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate?

    There are two application deadlines - 31st March 2011 and 28th July 2011. For an application form and information about course fees click here.

    Number of Places on the course: 10-25.

    Application Timeline 2011/2012
    Application Timeline 2011/2012

    Funding
    All placements attract a training allowance of a minimum of £200 per month for each month of the placement.

    You may be eligible for additional funds from the Individual Learning Account (ILA). For more information visit http://www.ilascotland.org.uk/

    Please note, this programme is not eligible for SAAS funding.

    Career Opportunities
    As the UK employment market becomes ever more competitive, internships provide a vital route to graduate recruitment. SIGC suits graduates with all levels of work experience from those looking to launch their careers to those seeking ways to further develop their career path or alternatively gain experience in a new area / sector.

    It is anticipated that the internship will give students a real advantage in terms of being noticed by Scottish / UK graduate employers. Through the programme, international students specifically will enhance their employment prospects in the UK and abroad by gaining valuable hands on experience within a Scottish business whilst developing a real insight into the UK business climate and culture.

    The exact nature of career opportunities will be dependent on previous qualifications and experience of individual students. However, it is expected that SIGC will significantly boost student employability and career prospects in a variety of sectors including finance, Information Technology, Management and Engineering amongst others.

    Previous internships have included projects in Design, Human Resource Management, Information Management, Engineering, Marketing, Events Management, Sales and Social Research.

    Course Fees
    The fees for 2011-2012 are 1,800 for UK and EU students and 2,700 for International students.

    Contact Details
    Course Contact:

    Reception
    Careers Service
    University of Dundee
    1 Airlie Place
    Dundee
    DD1 4HN
    Scotland

    Telephone: 01382 384 017 (from the UK)
    Telephone: +44 1382 384 017 (from outside the UK)
    Fax: 01382 384 116 (from the UK)
    Fax: +44 1382 384 116 (from outside the UK)

    Email:cs-sigc@dundee.ac.uk

    Admissions Contact:
    Postgraduate Admissions
    Admissions and Student Recruitment
    University of Dundee
    Nethergate
    Dundee
    DD1 4HN
    Scotland

    Telephone: 01382 384 162 (from the UK)
    Telephone: +44 1382 384 162 (from outside the UK)
    Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)
    Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)

    Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk
    Website: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/sigc