QA0S004 - Applied Academic Skills 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: QA0S004
Module Title: Applied Academic Skills
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: FBCI Faculty
Faculty Sub Group: FBCI Faculty
Module Leader: Neil Roberts
Module Team: Sonya Killip, Annabel Ryan, Tracey May, Ian Chisholm, Emily Powell, Laura Harridence, Hannah Jones, Rachael Gidney, Gabrielle Albertelli, Rachael Leitch, Shane Galvin
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to develop the necessary skills for academic learning and study and in doing so provide students with the tools needed to be successful in a Higher Education environment. In addition, the module will develop confidence and skills in being able to reflect on learning and to think critically, core skills required to produce and complete coursework and assignments.

Content Summary

To meet the above aim, the scope of the module and its content is wide and varied. The module is structured to help students gradually develop learner independence – a combination of practical and interactive sessions and independent tasks will help students to gain and practice skills in:
• Personal and study skills (e.g. time management, assessment planning)
• Learner training: developing independent learning skills/learner autonomy
• Digital literacy - basic IT skills including the use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, email communication, etc.
• Academic seminar discussions
• The importance of good academic conduct – referencing, citation & avoiding plagiarism
• Preparation for assessment

On successful completion of this module, students will have enhanced their existing ICT skills, developed competences in research and study, ability to work independently and with others and learned how to maximize their opportunities as a student at a UK university.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 60
Tutorial 10
Directed Study 102
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 8
Formative Assessment - Independent 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Evidence understanding and awareness of a range of academic skills, including time management, group work and organising resources to prepare and produce academic work in readiness for study at Level 4.
LO2 Recognise own personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to a range of academic study skills, through the process of self-reflection, and identify strategies to further develop these skills.
LO3 Identify and apply effective digital literacy skills in the context of academic study.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 Students complete a number of tasks which will each contribute to the development of a Reflective Journal 0 1500 40 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Students complete a number of tasks which each contribute to the development of a portfolio: MS Outlook (Email and Calendar) / MS Word task / MS PowerPoint task 0 1000 30 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Oral Assessment (Internally assessed, Onsite) 1 Students participate in an academic seminar discussion on a given topic 20 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Self Reflective Assessment 1
Portfolio 1
Oral Assessment (Internally assessed, Onsite) 1

Reading List

Teaching material for this module will largely be developed in-house by QAHE academic staff but may also draw from some of the following sources:

Academic English UK (2020) [various resources]. Available from: https://www.academic-englishuk.com/
Cottrell, S. (2019) The study skills handbook.?5th ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
Cottrell, S. (2011) Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Gillet, A. (2018) Using English for Academic Purposes. Available from: http://www.uefap.net/
Levin, P. (2007). Skilful time management. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Metcalfe, M. (2006). Reading critically at university. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Pears, R. & Shields, G. (2019). Cite them right: the essential referencing guide. 11th ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Smith, S. (2021) EAP Foundation. Available from: https://www.eapfoundation.com/vocab/academic/awllists/
Rogers, L. & Willoughby, D. (2013) Numbers – Data and statistics for the non-specialist. London: Harper Collins