Outline

Overview

This unit is based around a 120-hour supervised industry or research internship undertaken in an Australian or international context. Placements are typically within start-ups, small to medium enterprises, NGOs, and research projects within universities. Students attend 5 workshops covering the following topics: Comparison of workplace cultures, intercultural-communication skills, enhancing relationships at work, goals and motivation, management styles, and critical self-reflection. The workshops provide tools and theories that students apply to their placement to enhance their learning and performance whilst also facilitating the discussion and sharing of challenges within their internship.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Arts and Social Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jane Andrews, jane.andrews@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Internship Hours Pass/Fail Component	0%	Formal exam period Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:59	Evidence of required internship hours	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop 1 Attendance and contribution to discussions	4%	Week 01 Due date: 01 Mar 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Discussion Post 1 Reflecting on the application of a workshop theory to the workplace	4%	Week 02 Due date: 08 Mar 2026 at 23:59	200-250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop 2 Attendance and contribution to discussions	4%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Journal 1 Record, reflect, and analyse internship experience	6%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59	450-500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop 3 Attendance and contribution to discussions	4%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Discussion Post 2 Reflecting on the application of a workshop theory to the workplace	4%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Apr 2026 at 23:59	200-250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop 4 Attendance and contribution to discussions	4%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Journal 2 Record, reflect, and analyse internship experience	6%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59	450-500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop 5 Attendance and contribution to discussions	4%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	2 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Discussion Post 3 Reflecting on the application of a workshop theory to the workplace	4%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	200-250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Journal 3 Record, reflect, and analyse internship experience	6%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59	450-500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Report Final Report	50%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Internship Hours: students will be required to intern for a minimum number of hours as outlined in the program.
Canvas Discussion Posts: students will be required to answer a question related to some of the key theories explored in workshops.
Reflective Journals: students will be required to record, reflect, and analyse their internship experience.
Workshops: students will be required to contribute to workshop discussions.
Final Report: students will be required to submit a final report about their internship experience

Students from NYU

Please note that NYU students taking this unit are required to attend an additional 11 hours of workshops throughout the semester on top of the schedule outlined above. The additional 11 workshop hours will complement the material covered in the USYD workshops. This will satisfy the equivalent instructional hours of coursework required at NYU.

NYU Sydney staff will reach out prior to the start of semester with further information about when these workshops will be scheduled.

Assessment criteria

HD	85-100% Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating an excellent standard of written English and of criticism, logical argument, interpretation of materials or use of methodology. Evidence of extensive research and use of primary sources, a thoughtful structure, substantial additional work and independent learning. This grade may be given to recognise particular originality or creativity.
D	75-84% Work of superior quality, demonstrating a command of language, sound grasp of content, efficient organisation and selectivity. Evidence of relevant research, additional work and independent learning.
C	65-74% A sound performance, competent and appropriate. Work that is well written and demonstrates good research skills. Demonstrates a clear grasp of the basic skills and knowledge. Work of good quality, showing more than satisfactory achievement.
P	50-64% A satisfactory attempt to meet the demands of the assignment. Demonstrates understanding and command of basic skills and core knowledge. The assignment may have significant weaknesses, or may not be wholly successful or coherent, but shows at least satisfactory achievement in more important aspects.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late or no submission of your timesheet, or timesheet that does not show minimum required number of internship hours, will result in your being deemed not to have fulfilled requirements for the unit of study. Late submission of Journals and Discussion Posts will result in no marks awarded. This includes late submission due to technical difficulties. Marks may be deducted for not meeting the word limit by more than 10%. Penalties for late submission of final report (where no extension has been granted or late following the expiry of any extension granted) is 5% per day with zero marks granted if 11+ days late. Technical difficulties are not an acceptable reason for late submission and the late penalty (5% per day) will be applied. The word “day” means “calendar day”, that is: including weekends or public holidays. “1 day late” means “up to and including any part of the 24 hours following the due time of submission” and so forth.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction, the Australian Workplace & Goals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Intercultural Communication, Kolb's Model of Critical Reflection & Reflective Journals	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Challenging assumptions using the Ladder of Inference, and behavioural styles using DISC. Professional email communication.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Self and other awareness using the Johari Window and clarifying work using Commitment Conversations.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Identifying role fit using the GAPS Grid, and exploring motivation using Skills/Will Model. Final Reports scaffolding.	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Absence from more than one of the five workshops, regardless of the reason for the absences, may result in the student being deemed not to have fulfilled requirements for the unit of study. For more information on the

For the Faculty's policy visit: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Student Attendance at Classes Provisions 2025

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Workshop 1:

Assigned reading:

Parcells, Nathan 2016, The perks of interning at an emerging startup may surprise you
Reed, Eric 2016, Should You Study Abroad This Year? Your Resume Says Yes

Workshop 2:

Assigned reading:

Jeske, D. and Linehan, C. (2020) "Mentoring and skill development in e-Internships", Journal of Work-Applied Management, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 245-25

https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-09-2019-0028

Workshop 3:

Assigned reading:

Helyer, R. (2015) Learning through reflection: the critical role of reflection in work-based learning (WBL) Available from: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JWAM-10-2015-003/full/pdf (Links to an external site.)

Optional reading:

Jackson, D. (2018). Developing graduate career readiness in Australia: shifting from extra-curricular internships to work-integrated learning. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 19(1), 23-35.

Workshop 4:

Assigned reading:

Nari S. K & Naik, S. N. “The Johari Window Profile of Executives of a Public Sector Undertaking” Management and Labour Studies 35(2)
Kofman, F. (2010), Commitment Conversations: Getting Results with Impeccability, Trust and Integrity [online], Axiliant Conscious Business, Retrieved: http://www.axialent.com/uploads/paper/archivo/Commitment_Conversations_by_Fred_Kofman.pdf

Optional reading:

Keogh, T.J. (2018) What Do You Unknowingly Communicate? Lessons from the Johari Window, American Association in Physician Leadership, Newsletter 9th Feb 2018

Workshop 5:

Assigned reading:

NHS London Leadership Academy (2017) Skill/will matrix. Retrieved: http://b1ca250e5ed661ccf2f1-da4c182123f5956a3d22aa43eb816232.r10.cf1.rackcdn.com/contentItem-8900950-78811537-kqcoyqt80b8wf-or.pdf

Optional reading:

Jimenez, A., Boehe, D.M., Taras, V. & Caprar, D.V., (2017) Working Across Boundaries: Current and Future Perspectives on Global Virtual Teams, Journal of International Management, 23 (4), 341-349, ISSN 1075-4253, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2017.05.001.

Other optional readings:

Kapareliotis, I. (2019). Internship and employability prospects: assessing student’s work readiness. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 9(4), 538–549. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-08-2018-0086
Ling, YL. & Soon, GLH. (2019) Feedback Environment in the Workplace: Implications for intrinsic motivation. Asian Journal of Social Science Research, 2019 - ajssr.unitar.my
Eyler, J. (1993) Comparing the Impact of Two Internship Experiences on Student Learning. Journal of Cooperative Education , 29 (1) 41-52 Fall .

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. To develop an understanding of variations and diversity in workplace culture
LO2. To develop an understanding of variations in workplace policies and procedures in the country of internship
LO3. To develop the ability to relate theoretical models and approaches to authentic work environments or situations
LO4. To enhance written, oral and interpersonal communication skills for study and work
LO5. To develop skills in reading, critically analysing, evaluating and summarising information
LO6. To develop the ability to think critically about own assumptions and workplace issues
LO7. To develop the ability to communicate and behave professionally in a business context
LO8. To improve capability in observing others and reflecting on own skills and experiences to inform future behaviour

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since the unit was last offered. Primary changes have been made such as updated assessment deadlines and weeks.

Additional information

Completion of an Early Feedback Task is not required by this unit.

Expectation of students:

Students enrolled in ARTS2600 - Internship 1 are expected to:

Contact the placement supervisor immediately if unable to participate in work activity as scheduled
Give the placement supervisor due notice about any holiday or vacation periods
Submit a timesheet containing the hours worked and signed by both the student and placement supervisor by the specified deadline
Submit all assessment items by the specified deadlines
Attend all 5 compulsory workshops
Complete the agreed hours of the work placement according to minimum requirements
Communicate any issues or concerns that arise to the unit coordinator in a timely manner. This includes concerns relating to any WHS issues with the placement
Be contactable by the Sydney Abroad Internship Team via email and telephone for the duration of the semester
Abide by any reasonable conditions of participation stipulated by the host organisation, including (without limitation), rules addressing issues of confidentiality, workplace health and safety, treatment of intellectual property and any reasonable human resources requirements
Not terminate the internship without prior discussion with the unit coordinator
Act in a professional and ethical manner at all times. Unprofessional or unethical behavior, including (without limitation) failure to comply with the work schedule, this agreement or the host provider’s reasonable conditions of participation, may constitute “just cause” for immediate termination of the internship by the host organisation or the University
Understand that if the host organisation or the University terminates the Internship for “just cause”, or if I terminate the internship without prior discussion with ARTS2600 Internship Coordinator, the Sydney Abroad Internship Team is under no obligation to source an alternative internship opportunity for me and I will be unable to pass the ARTS2600 unit of study
Dress appropriately for work and to meet the standards the host organisation sets for regular employees
Remain unpaid for the internship placement
Notify the ARTS2600 Internship Coordinator prior to signing this form if I have any pre-existing relationship with the host organisation
Ensure they have read the conditions of assessments in Canvas, including the responsible use of AI

Work, health and safety

Each student is responsible for ensuring that their work environment is conducive to good work health and safety.

You should:

Ensure you have read the University standards and guidelines if working in situations such as, but not limited to; lab work, remote set ups, offices, psychologically demanding work, undertaking travel or working with animals
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of others
Comply with instructions about work health and safety from host supervisor
Use personal protective equipment and clothing if instructed
Promptly report work related hazards, injuries and incidents, including near misses; and co-operate with emergency procedures
Ensure you have an ergonomic set up, especially if your placement is remote in nature and has working from home capabilities. Read more about setting up your workstation and discuss any concerns with the Study Abroad Coordinator
Ensure you take regular breaks from keyboard and mouse work
Seek information or advice before carrying out new or unfamiliar work practices

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Students from NYU

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARTS2600: Internship 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Students from NYU

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links