Faculty of Arts

Internships

The Faculty of Arts offers a number of internship programs with government, community, corporate and industry organisations. These specialised study programs serve as a bridge between study and work. All internship programs require students to participate in industry-based placements, as well as completing a significant research project under the supervision of an appropriate academic staff member from the respective department.

Internship programs offered:

Application requirements and dates

Special entry requirements apply for the limited number of places available: a quota is set for each internship program. Applications for the internship programs should be lodged with relevant school, check with each school for closing dates.

International, Study Abroad and Exchange Applicants

International students are advised to speak to a student advisor in the Arts and Music Student Centre.

Sociology Internship

The Sociology Internship, offered through the Sociology Program in the Department of Political Science, allows students to undertake a sociological research project in an organisation outside the university - such as trade unions, social movements, women's organisations, welfare service providers, government or non-government organisations or business organisations in the private sector. It is an opportunity for students to experience the culture and challenges of the workplace. The project will be determined jointly by the student and the organisation concerned. Examples of internships students have undertaken include:

The Sociology program is currently widening options to include internships with some of Australia's most important consulting companies, in areas ranging from business to public sector consulting. The internship is also being extended into new areas of employment, in particular Information Technology. Students wishing to enrol in this subject must be majoring in sociology, and have completed or be currently undertaking quantitative and qualitative sociology research strategies subjects (or equivalent). Students wishing to undertake the Internship are also advised to complete the Professional Skills Program offered by Careers and Employment prior to undertaking this subject. Student undertake an internship off-campus for equivalent of 1.5 days per week, and participate in a three hours seminar on campus each week. Assessment will consist of an issues paper and internship report totalling 8,000 words. This is a quota subject with limited enrolments and is offered at Third Year (senior) level.

Further information about the Sociology Internship

Public Affairs Internship

The Public Affairs Internship, offered through the Department of Political Science, provides students with an opportunity to have active experience working for a senior person with a policy-making and management role in the organisation in which they are placed. The central task will be to complete a policy report of relevance to the organisation. Academic support and supervision are provided by the Department. Local government, non-government and community-based organisations which have a public affairs focus or interest will provide placements. Students who complete this subject should have well-developed analytical, research, interviewing and report writing skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services; and have high level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people involving several tiers of government and a plurality of interests. This is a quota subject with limited enrolments and is offered at Third Year (senior) level.

Further information about the Public Affairs Internship

Parliamentary Internship

The Parliamentary Internship, offered through the Department of Political Science, allows students to gain work experience in a political setting. Students will work with a Member of Parliament in the settings of the VictorianParliament, the Parliamentary Library, Parliamentary Offices and electorate offices. Each student will complete a research project for the Member of Parliament on a topic of concern and interest to the MP. Academic supervision and support is provided by the Department. Students should develop their research and interpersonal skills while learning about the representative role of MPs and Parliament and their tasks of policy-making and legislation. Students who complete this subject should: have well-developed analytic, research, interviewing and report-writing skills; have practical skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services; and have high-level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people, including Members of Parliament. This is a quota subject with limited enrolments and is offered at Second and Third Year (senior) levels.

Further information about the Parliamentary Internship

Media & Communications Internship

The Media & Communications internship is only offered to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communication) degree. Students will acquire hands-on experience in a media and communications industry environment, under the guidance of a workplace mentor. Academic supervision and support will be provided in the form of a two-hour weekly seminar, during which students will develop communications skills relevant to their placement, and exchange evaluative reports on their workplace experience. This subject is designed to expose final-year students to work practices in a media and communications industry setting, and to provide opportunities to enhance their communication and research skills.

Further information about the Media & Communications Internship

Criminology Internship

The Criminology Internship, offered to Honours and Postgraduate students through the Department of Criminology, is designed to provide students with hands-on research experience in a criminal justice related agency. The internship involves students undertaking a specific research project for the agency, culminating in a 5000 word report. The purpose of the subject is twofold. First, to expose students to the operation of a government or community-based agency, where, in the course of an agreed research project, students have the opportunity to enhance their skills of data collection, analysis, report writing, observation, listening, and cooperation, as well as to develop appropriate professional contacts. Second, to facilitate an understanding of the relationship between social and criminological theory and the practical operation of a criminal justice agency.

The following is a brief example of some of the many agencies which have interned students in the past:

The Criminology Internship is run over two semesters and is worth 25 points in total. The equivalent of 150 - 170 hours will be spent on the agency internship itself, including establishing and conducting the research project and preparing the report (worth 70%). In addition, up to eight two-hour seminars are run throughout the year and students must also prepare a theoretical essay (25%) and give a short seminar presentation (5%).

Further information about the Criminology Internship

 

Fieldwork options available in 2006:

Australian and Indigenous Studies

Geography and Environmental Studies

History

Art History

 

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