ED1S013 - Academic Skills Development 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2031 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ED1S013
Module Title: Academic Skills Development
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: ITE and Education Practice
Faculty Sub Group: Early Years
Module Leader: Amanda Thomas
Module Team: Philippa Watkins
First Intended Intake: SEP 2025 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100463 - early years education
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2031

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, the module content is broad and varied , which will help students to develop learner independence. Students will practice the skills needed to meet the needs of academic study. This includes:  

  • Personal study skill – managing time  

  • Skills for academic writing  - eg structure, essay writing , academic tone , critical writing, reflection, report writing  

  • Ability to use turn it in and be aware of issues of plagiarism and copyright law 

  • Referencing skills 

  • Effective use of library resources 

  • Basic techniques in research methods 

  • Digital literacy  -  Skills in using word, powerpoint & presenting skills ,  email communication , professional use of communication platforms.  

  • How to prepare for assessments  

  • Importance of using feedback

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Seminars 10
Tutorials 4
Independent Study 118
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 50
Formative assessment - Independent 5
Groupwork 5
Total Hours Selected 202

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Evidence understanding and awareness of a range of academic skills, to prepare and produce academic work at the required level of study.
LO2 Reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to a range of academic study skills, and identify strategies to further develop these skills.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Write a report which includes: Your journey to HE , Aspirations and a Personal Development plan identifying current strengths/weaknesses and areas for further development and actions to support your progress 0 2000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1

Reading List

Bassot, B. (2015) The reflective practice guide: an interdisciplinary approach to critical reflection. Abingdon: Routledge. 

Burns, T. and Sinfield, S. (2016) Essential study skills: the complete guide to success at University. London: SAGE 

Cottrell, S. (2011) Critical thinking skill; developing effective analysis and argument. 2nd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan 

Day, T. (2013) Success in academic writing. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 

Helyer, R. (ed.) (2015) The work-based learning student handbook. 2nd edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave. 

Paige-Smith, A. and Craft, A. (eds.) (2011) Developing reflective practice in the early years. 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press. 

Pritchard, A. (2018) Ways of Learning: Learning Theories and Learning Styles in the Classroom. 4th edn. Abingdon: Routledge. 

Schon, D. (2016) The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action, London: Routledge 

Tarrent, P. (2013) Reflective practice and professional development. London: SAGE.