This module will promote the development of students’ academic practice skills and will support their professional growth as they transition to study in Higher Education. It is ideal for students who wish to undertake an academic award, return to study or for those who need to refresh their academic skills. The module content will cover study skills, academic writing techniques, presentation skills, critical thinking, reading and writing. The module will also enable students to develop reflective practice and lifelong learning skills. The module will particularly suit applicants who intend to study in the UK higher education system for the first time. 

If you are a student already enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Top Up programme, you have the opportunity to enhance your academic writing skills by choosing this dynamic 15-credit module as one of your optional modules.

 

Aims

To enhance the student’s academic writing capability, and their critical appraisal and reflective skills applied to professional practice, in preparation for academic study within a higher education environment.

 

What and how you will learn on this module

How you will learn:

 

This module is delivered using a blended learning approach which integrates a variety of on-campus and online activities, supported by Canvas, the University’s virtual learning environment. A complementary range of activities are employed to engage you in the critical exploration of key topic areas, and the completion of formative tasks during the module also helps to keep you on track with the learning and gain feedback on your understanding of the content. A sense of community is developed and maintained with frequent opportunities for peer learning, enabling you to share your practice experiences and to learn from each other. Level 6 and level 7 students taking this module may be taught together.

 

Academic writing and critical thinking skills are developed through ‘The Critical Thinking Skills Toolkit’ and other academic practice activities embedded within the module, that have been designed to nurture the skills needed to facilitate you to become a thoughtful, objective and reasoned thinker. This will help you tackle the assignment(s) confidently, understand marking criteria, use evidence, take a reasoned approach, make structured arguments and engage with other points of view. 

 

What you will learn:

Evidence-based practice

• Database/literature search strategies

• Digital and media literacy

 appraisal of literature: reading critically; evaluating sources, assessing evidence; Synthesising sources

• Effective use of sources of evidence 

• Application of research and critical perspectives to professional situations

• Referencing (in-text citation, reference lists, referencing software).

 

Academic writing and study skills

• Planning directed and self-directed study time; time-keeping;

• Note taking

• Writing at level 5/6; descriptive vs. critical/analytical writing 

• Key features of academic style; academic vocabulary 

• Organisation of written work - coherence and cohesion, paragraphing, linking concepts 

• Writing clearly and concisely

• Summarising and paraphrasing

• Finding your voice

• Proof reading and editing

• Oral and visual presentation skills; use of PowerPoint

• Academic integrity; use of AI.

 

Reflective practice

• Reflexivity

• Self-appraisal of own professional development needs

• Models of reflection

• Critical reflection and reflective writing.

 

Assessment

Reflective journal 1500 words