Applied Research & Internship Project
Full course description
In this project students will apply their academic knowledge and skills to a case presented by an external client (e.g. a company, a NGO or a governmental organization). The student produces an academically-grounded, but practically useful work-product that satisfies the needs of the client and UCM’s academic requirements. The nature of the work-product differs depending on the discipline, client and case. The research in this module is practice-based and catered to the needs of an external client. At the same time, the work for the client is research-oriented. The core of the project is the research the student conducts based on the case the client presents. In order for the student to gain knowledge about the client’s professional
environment, the context of the case and stakeholders involved, the module includes a four-week period of on-site work at the client’s workplace (the internship). Additionally, the project contains two periods of 7 weeks in which the student works on the project one day per week independently. The precise set-up of the project and the tasks per period depend on the individual assignment the student gets. At the end of the semester, the
student presents his/her work to both the client and the academic supervisor.
Similar to MaRBle and The Documentary, the Applied Research & Internship project takes a full semester and encompasses two skills courses and one project. No general literature is assigned. Students need to select literature and conduct research that applies to their case.
Course objectives
- To enhance the learning experience of students by providing an opportunity to apply academic knowledge and skills acquired at UCM to a real-life case from a client that is active in the work-field of the student’s interest.
- To prepare students for applied problem solving and applied research outside academia.
- To provide students with an opportunity to gain insights in a professional context in their field of interest.
- To reinforce the awareness of how academic work relates to society and how academic knowledge and skills can be used to address practical, societal issues.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
This project asks for highly motivated students, who are willing and able to work hard, and represent UCM at an external client.
Students who are interested in participating are invited to consult the list of clients in the Student Portal to find out if a case is offered that fits their background and interests. Specific prerequisites in terms of courses and skills apply for each case. Eligible students must have a clear idea of how the client’s case relates to their curriculum and future plans. To apply for one of the cases, students need to follow the instructions in the case-description carefully. The selection procedure includes submitting a CV and motivation letter and attending a personal interview with the client and the academic supervisor.