The two-part Portfolio consisting of:

(1) materials generated from various independent study tasks set to students on a week-by-week basis [Learning Outcomes 1-5]

(2) a certificate of attendance of health and safety training [Learning Outcome 6]

Both parts of the portfolio must be submitted for students to pass this module.

The Drama Studio
The Performance Centre Workshop
The Faculty Laboratory
Computers with Microsoft Office, Speaktext and Accessibility Software
OHP and audio-visual aids
Tape recorders
Ladders, manual handling aids, handtools and PPE
Technical support.

Bailey, V. et al (1995) Essential Research Skills, Hammersmith: Collins Educational 0003223566
Cottrell, S. (2nd ed. 2003) The Study Skills Handbook, Basingstone, Palgrave 1403911355
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success, Basingstone, Palgrave 1403911320
Northedge. A. (1994) The Good Study Guide, Milton Keynes Open University Press 0749200442
Solomon, R. & Winch, C. (1994) Calculating and Computing for Social Science and Arts Students, Milton Keynes Open University Press 0335192327
Health and Safety Documents
"The Drama and Theatre Arts Health and Safety Code of Practice"
HSE "Working at heights in the broadcasting and entertainment industries"
HSE "General access scaffolds and ladders"
DPTA "Manual Handling guidance"
"Read The Label - How to find out if chemicals are dangerous"

The module will be taught through a mixture of staff-led or supported workshops (30 hours) and independent study guided by structured learning materials and activities (120 hours). Workshops will introduce students to particular independent learning skills, and will include a series of practical exercises designed to allow students to practice, develop and demonstrate their writing and research skills. Workshops will also provide a means for preparing students for their assessment and identifying and supporting weaknesses in student learning through one-to-one tutor intervention. Practical Health and Safety workshops will give students training in safe working practices. Students are also encouraged to seek tutorial support outside of scheduled class hours as required. A member of staff is also normally available to help with problems that might occur in the Faculty Laboratory when students are engaged in independent learning activities. Students are expected to practice their independent learning skills throughout the module by focusing on a particular substantive topic as a member of a work/research group. The delivery of this module is in part supported by the use of electronic learning environments.

This module introduces students to a range of independent learning skills required to pursue the undergraduate course in Drama, Performance and Theatre Arts generally. Topics covered include:
- using computers as a research and learning tool
- undertaking secondary research
- undertaking aspects of primary research including interviews and observations
- writing for essays including bibliographic skills
- undertaking presentations
- how to write a CV and maintain a personal development portfolio
- Health and Safety Risk Assessment
- safe manual handling of loads
- safe use of ladders
- safe use of hand tools and battery power tools
- safe and appropriate use of substances hazardous to health and personal protective equipment