Students will be expected to engage with independent reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative text:

How to Research - 3rd Edition, Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes, Malcome Tight. Open University Press, 2006. ISBN 9780335229536. Availalble on Staffordshire University's Digital Library (ebrary).

Creme, P. & Lea, M.R. (2003) Writing at university. Open University Press, McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2006) The smarter student skills and strategies for success at university. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall

Reflective learning in practice. Publisher: Aldershot, Hants, England, Burlington, VT : Gower, c2002 available as e-book form University library ISBN/ISSN: 0566083779

Internet, Blackboard VLE, Skype, DropBox, Google Docs.
University Digital Library

Careersweb at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/careers

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Teleconferencing meetings will occur as appropriate to provide additional support.

This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge to help support your learning as a remote/off-campus student. There are three aspects to the module. The first aspect develops your appreciation and understanding of academic research and how this underpins your programme of learning and knowledge development. Typical areas within this include: research methodology, scoping and setting a research question, developing aims and objectives, ethics, undertaking an outline literature review.

The second aspect of the module focuses on the applied/practical skills that are necessary to perform effectively as a remote and independent learner. Typical areas within this include: navigating and searching digital libraries, effective methods and tools for academic referencing, concept/mind mapping tools and techniques, collaborative/remote working: principles, practice and how to make the most of the student-tutor relationship.

The third aspect will involve career exploration in the context of their service career and beyond and career management by production of a career action plan.


The third aspect will involve career exploration in the context of their service career and beyond and career management by production of a career action plan.

This consists of:

A research paper (1500 words) weighted at 50%
The paper will be based on a negotiated topic (negotiated between you and your tutor) and will demonstrate the application of your research and study skills (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3).

Development of a career action plan (equivalent to 1500 words) weighted at 50% (Learning Outcome 4)

Must be enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Intelligence and Security (Top-up).