Staffordshire University Free Masters Degree Internship

Master’s Degree Internships
Creative Communities Unit
Faculty of Arts, Media and Design
Staffordshire University

The Creative Communities Unit (CCU) at Staffordshire University is able to offer two internships for Masters Degree students. You will undertake the MA on a full-time basis (fees waived) and undertake a work placement on a flexible, part-time basis (equivalent of 45 days through the year) to research, develop and lead a range of community engagement activities on behalf of the CCU. (Please refer to the second part of this document.)

As part of this work placement, you will be engaging with community groups and organisations to find out about how they would like to work with the University and collating information and case studies from community projects which can be used as part of the Creative Communities curriculum.

In return, the CCU will waive all fees for a Master’s degree in one of the following:

• Community Practice
• Community and Participatory Arts
• Regeneration
• Youth and Community Work

Application: Complete an on-line application form for the chosen Master’s degree. This can be found at: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/postgradform/start.php.

Please indicate on your application form that you will be applying for the internship.

In addition, a letter of application for the bursary (not more than 2 pages) and a CV should be sent to: Samantha Rushton, Creative Communities Unit, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design, College Road, Stoke on Trent. ST4 2XW or samantha.rushton@staffs.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 10 January 2011
Interviews: 20 January 2011
MA Induction: 27 January 2011
Teaching starts: February 2011
Length of Study: Studies will be completed within an 18 month period from the start of the internship
More information about these Master’s degrees can be found at:
www.staffs.ac.uk/community
Tel: 01782 294659
Email: creativecommunities@staffs.ac.uk

Faculty of Arts, Media and Design - Creative Communities Unit Internships

Purpose:
To undertake a work placement on a flexible part time basis – for the equivalent of 45 days through the year to research, develop and lead a range of community engagement activities on behalf of the Creative Communities Unit (CCU). As part of this work, you will be engaging with community groups and organisations to find out about how they would like to work with the University and collating information and case studies from community projects which can be used as part of the Creative Communities curriculum. Coverage of reasonable expenses incurred whilst undertaking activities will be provided.

In return for undertaking this activity, two interns will receive a bursary of a 100% fee waiver for a Master’s degree in one of the following:

• Community Practice
• Community and Participatory Arts
• Regeneration
• Youth and Community Work

Responsible to: Faculty Director for Recruitment and Marketing

Working with: Creative Communities Unit

Role Description:

• Work with the CCU to develop an engagement strategy to engage with local community groups and organisations to find out more about their training needs and how they would like to work with the university.
• To raise the profile of the CCU, and to be involved in activities to promote the work of the unit in the local community and within the faculty, such as local conferences and fun days.
• To coordinate activities and partners to develop specific events which engage community partners, such as World Community Arts day, National Playday, Takeover day, the Big Draw.
• Research and document community projects and develop them for teaching and training resources for the CCU.
• Initiate and support community involvement in CCU activities and teaching.
• Post material, research and case studies on the University website, the creatingcommunities ning, other websites linked to specific topics , and send to the local media.
• Contribute to evaluation of effectiveness of work developed and delivered in promoting the work of the CCU in the community, and aligning the CCU’s programme to community needs and interests.

Person Sought:

Qualifications:

• A BA or BSc or equivalent
• The candidate will have to have been offered a place on the Masters programme at the time they take up the post (these decisions will be made on the same day)

Skills:

• Experience of working (paid or voluntarily) in a community context [E]
• An understanding of forms of community practice- such as youth work, regeneration, community arts, community engagement [E]
• Experience of engaging community groups [D]
• Interest in issues associated with community practice and how they relate to the local and national context ( E)
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise way both verbally and in writing. [E]
• Understanding of the current HE environment and policies and needs/demands of HE sector [D]
• Understanding of how to identify and engage with groups and individuals in the community whom are seldom heard [D]
• Ability to use online resources as promotional and engagement tools e.g. social media [D]

Personal Qualities

• Flexible attitude to role [E]
• Self motivated and self starter [E]
• Capable of working on their own and taking initiative when required [E]
• Ability to work with and engage a diverse range of contacts – including people in the community, community organisations, academic colleagues and current and prospective students [E]
• Friendly and engaging personality [E]
• Confident in a range of different settings [E]
• Committed to non-discriminatory practice and inclusivity in all aspects of work (E)
• Ability to work as part of a team [E]