Experiential Learning

For most Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects, you will be required to apply for permission to enrol. Please ensure that you check the Handbook entry for the subject you are interested in to find eligibility requirements and application details.

Once you are sure that you meet the eligibility requirements you should apply using the application form in the Handbook entry.

You can find links to the Handbook entry for your subjects on this website.

Applications will be processed after the close of the relevant application round. These rounds will be as follows:

• Round 1 (Summer and Semester 1 availability): closing 31 October
• Round 2 (Semester 1 availability): closing 31 January (except for SSPS internship subjects which are not open for Round 2)
• Round 3 (Semester 2 availability): closing 31 May

Students will receive outcomes within two weeks of the closing date. Once students receive permission they will be able to enrol in the subject via Stop 1 and can begin approaching potential hosts.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure that students meet the eligibility requirements as set out in the Handbook entry for that subject. Students who fall below the minimum eligibility requirements may be allowed to enrol only if they receive the express permission of the subject coordinator.

Please note: There are additional eligibility requirements for Public Affairs Internship (POLS30003), Parliamentary Internship (POLS30001) and Sociology Internship (SOCI30005).

POLS30001

The Parliamentary Internship has a strict enrolment quota. The quota total is subject to change from year to year, as this decision is made by the Parliament of Victoria.

In addition to the eligibility criteria in the Handbook, places in the subject will be awarded based on academic merit. Applicants will be assessed on their average mark within their Politics and International Studies major. This mark will be calculated by looking at all of the subjects they have completed in that major.

Students intending to apply for this subject are highly recommended to complete Power (MULT10018) in addition to the compulsory pre-requisites listed in the Handbook.

Please note: This subject runs only Semester 1.

POLS30003

The Public Affairs Internship has a strict enrolment quota of 40 places for POLS30003.

In addition to the eligibility criteria in the Handbook, places in the subject will be awarded based on academic merit. Applicants will be assessed on their average mark within their Politics and International Studies major. This mark will be calculated by looking at all of the subjects they have completed in that major.

Students intending to apply for this subject are highly recommended to complete Power (MULT10018) in addition to the compulsory pre-requisites listed in the Handbook.

Please note: This subject runs both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

SOCI30005

The Sociology Internship has a strict enrolment quota of 16 places.

In addition to the eligibility criteria in the Handbook, places in the subject will be awarded based on academic merit. Applicants will be assessed on their average mark within their Sociology major. This mark will be calculated by looking at all of the subjects they have completed in that major.

Students intending to apply for this subject are highly recommended to complete Power (MULT10018) at level 1 in addition to the compulsory pre-requisites listed in the Handbook.

Please note: This subject runs both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

For the most part, students are expected to source their own placements with industry. Students will be expected to approach prospective hosts and enquire about internship opportunities. At times, the Faculty also receives positions and projects from industry partners and advertises these to enrolled students.

The Faculty of Arts has prepared helpful resources and guides to assist you with the process of sourcing an internship. Students are also encouraged to make use of the University’s Careers Services and resources.

Once you have enrolled in your internship subject you can begin looking for a placement. The WIL team will be in touch with resources to help guide you through this process.

Please note: all students are required to have secured a placement by the end of the second week of the enrolled semester. Students who have not secured a placement at this point may be asked to withdraw and enrol in an alternative subject.

Once you have secured a placement you must:

• Agree on the following details with your host organisation:
  • Location
  • Timing (start and end dates, including work days per week)
  • Whether the placement is paid or unpaid
  • Envisaged activities during the placement
• Fill in the relevant Risk Assessment Form
• If travelling overseas, it is your responsibility to register with the travel insurance office (a link is provided in the P2 Risk Assessment Form).
• Complete a VPLA (see below) and return it to the WIL office

Before the placement can commence, it is important that your host organisation signs a VPLA. In order for Faculty staff to send your VPLA out to your host organisation, the following details of your internship will have to have been agreed on:

• Location
• Timing (start and end dates, including work days per week)
• Supervisors/co-supervisor at the host organisation
• Envisaged activities during the placement
• If a stipend is provided by your host organisation, please contact the WIL Team.

The WIL team will be in contact with you to guide you through the process of preparing the VPLA. It is generally recommended that your VPLA be agreed upon four weeks in advance of your start date. You will be required to sign the deed in this legal contract.

A guide to the number of hours required to complete each subject can be downloaded below. Please note that these may be subject to change - always check the relevant Handbook entry to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Subject placement hours

Yes, however you must be enrolled in your WIL subject to undertake your placement.

You should arrange your placement at the most convenient time for yourself and your host organisation, enrolling in your WIL subject for the nearest semester to your intended start date.

Please advise your academic coordinator should your internship not coincide with the semester period of your enrolment.

A good internship will:

• expose you to your anticipated career path
• increase your professional networks
• give you experiential learning experiences and challenge you
• give you confidence in your existing skill set and tells you where you can improve
• integrate your academic with your professional learning and bring both into critical interrogation
• be relevant to the requirements of the assessment pieces as required by your internship subject

You may also develop:

• capacity to reflect and exercise professional judgement
• self-awareness to identify appropriate goals, mentors and communication methods
• a realistic evaluation of your own hard and soft skills
• increase your ability to self-assess your preparedness for a task and negotiate help
• professional writing skills (sometimes including report writing skills)

Some host organisations require students to satisfy industry-specific requirements relevant to the nature of the internship placement. These may include:

• National Police Record Check
• Working with Children Check for relevant state/territory
• White Card (construction induction training)

Students are responsible for obtaining the relevant checks required by their host organisation.