Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims:

1.To raise students’ awareness of the study skills required for success in UK higher education.
2.To develop students’ skills in researching, planning and writing an extended academic essay.

Outline Of Syllabus

• UK academic culture – differences in approach and expectations, constructivism
• Research methods – the nature of research, library and information skills
• Referencing – underlying principles, the nature and seriousness of plagiarism
• Narrowing your research focus – research questions, selecting sources, reading critically
• Incorporating sources – synthesis, analysis, evaluation
• Planning – the elements of an essay, constructing a line of argument
• Time management – effective strategies
• Acting on feedback – different types, understanding its purpose, how best to utilise it
• Collecting and interpreting primary data – questionnaire design, IT skills (Excel)
• Proof-reading and editing – being self-critical, effective strategies
• Writing abstracts – their purpose, different components
• Revision and exam techniques – efficient and effective strategies suitable for UK HE exams

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1.Recognise differences in expectations and approaches to teaching, learning and assessment between their home country and UK academic culture.

2.Interpret and evaluate primary and secondary research and the methods used.

3.Structure a critical line of argument in academic writing.

4.Apply effective techniques for improving time management, proof-reading and revision skills.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1.Use terminology appropriate to the fields of business and humanities.

2.Locate and research a range of academic sources including proficiency with the library search, subject specific guides, academic databases and newspaper databases.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures (weekly at first and then fortnightly) are used to introduce material to students and explain concepts, methodologies and techniques.

Seminars are used to develop skills through discussion, group-work and other guided tasks, whilst two Workshops at the Robinson Library early on in the module help to expose students to practical problems and address queries.

Study Clinics are available to students throughout the module to answer queries relating to the content covered or deal with issues identified by staff. Supervision Meetings are held (one prior to the completion of Assignment 2 and the remainder during the completion of Assignment 3) to provide guidance during the process of researching, planning and writing an extended academic essay.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment covers the main elements of the research process and requires the utilisation of the key skills developed on this module and others on the Graduate Diploma. The Annotated Reference List assesses the selection, analysis and evaluation of academic sources and the raising of research questions. The Research Proposal assesses the synthesis of ideas, the identification of a research focus and the outlining of an appropriate structure. The Extended Essay assesses the development of a strong, critical line of argument that demonstrates analysis, synthesis and evaluation and follows correct referencing conventions.

General Notes

N/A