Log Books - Frequently Asked Questions

Click on any of the questions below to view the answer to that question:

• Where can I get a blank log book?
• Why is the front sheet so important and urgent?
• Why does my supervisor need to sign the front sheet?
• What should I write in my log book?
• How long should the log book be?
• When is the log book due?
• What do I need to have ready for the mentor visit?
• When should I write / update my log book?
• My supervisor has left, who should sign my log book?
• My placement finishes in early September, so I will miss the submission deadline?
• What happens if my employer won't sign my log book?
• Are there any examples of completed log books?

Where can I get a blank log book?

You have to download the log-book from the web - click here.

Why is the front sheet so important and urgent?

You will not be at college during your placement, and you may not be living at home either, so it is essential that we have up-to-date contact details for you. Furthermore, we need contact details at you work, and those of your your supervisor, so that we can arrange the mentor visit.

Why does my supervisor need to sign the front sheet?

This is mainly administrative, but it gives a record that the supervisor's details are correct.

What should I write in my log book?

The primary objective of the log book is to document your work experience, and it should show what you have done and what you have learned. You may wish to look at some examples from earlier years, click here.

How long should the log book be?

In short, 'As long as necessary'. Different students will have different experiences - some performing a few tasks repeatedly over many months, others many different tasks - and the log book should reflect what you have done, and how often / how much you did this. This means that some log books are as short as 5 or 6 pages, others as long as 15.

When is the log book due?

The log book must be submitted in hard and soft format as soon as your placement in finished, to the Placement Office, but no later than the 15th of August. The hard copy must be signed by you and your supervisor (your mentor will sign the log book at the beginning of September). If the log book is submitted late, there is a risk that you will not pass the semester and then you would be prevented from entering 4th year.

What do I need to have ready for the mentor visit?

Many students wish to discuss their log book at the mentor visit, so a formal log book is not essential at this stage, but you will be expected to show your mentor something to discuss - a hand-written or typed list of tasks and responsibilities, for example, or viewing on-screen.

When should I write / update my log book?

It is up to you when you write / update your log book, but bear in mind that trying to write up 6 months' of experience at the end of August would be very difficult. You are advised to update your log books weekly (at the very least), but many prefer to update their log books every evening whilst things are still fresh in their minds.  Alternatively, some students keep a daily diary of their activities / tasks and then update the log book weekly.

My supervisor has left, who should sign my log book?

Any person from your employer's business who has some knowledge of your work and performance can sign the log book, but you should make this clear on your log book signature page if this is the case.

My placement finishes in early September, so I will miss the submission deadline?

If your placement finishes so late that you might miss the submission deadline, then you should submit the log book before your employment is finished, but no later than 15 August, ensuring that both you and your supervisor have signed it.

What happens if my employer won't sign my log book?

Ultimately, your employer must sign your log book for you to pass the semester. However, if an employer is unwilling to sign your log book, then there is usually a very good reason for this.   Your supervisor may not be aware of the significance and importance of a signed log book, so you should make sure that they are aware of this early on in your placement.  Your mentor can also discuss this with your supervisor at the mentor visit stage.  Poor performance, dishonesty, breaking your confidentiality clause, or finishing your placement early are all possible reasons why an employer may not wish to sign your log book. Any such instance must be discussed with your mentor or one of us in the placement office as soon as it becomes apparent.

Are there any examples of completed log books?

Yes there are, click here, but remember that everyone's experience is different, and it is your experience that you need to record and reflect on.