1. Demonstrate skills in the use of appropriate resources to locate primary/secondary literary sources. Application, Learning

2. Demonstrate a structured approach to studying, written work and referencing content. Application, Knowledge and Understanding

3. Review, assess and synthesise literature and research in order to develop critical arguments and draw conclusions. Analysis, Enquiry, Application, Problem solving

4. Critically assess developed skills and identify the further skills needed to undertake future professional challenges and development. Reflection, Analysis

5. Develop effective communication and presentation skills. Communication

1. A 1,000 word referenced literature review on a Policing topic of the student’s choosing from an approved list of topics (50%). This work should demonstrate a range of source types, all of which are appropriately referenced, addressing outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

2. Students can choose to produce a 10 minute video or a 1,000word written reflective piece about their skills, experience and how these relate to their career plan (50%), addressing outcomes 4 and 5. There will need to be three entries over the course of the semester related to specific tasks completed as part of the module.

This module is designed to equip the student with the necessary skills required to successfully complete this university degree. The module will focus on a mix of core academic skills, introducing students to social science research, personal development, and employability. The module will provide students with the ability to resource and synthesise appropriate material; reference accurately; and think, read and write in a critical manner. The module will include a focus on future employability and encourage students to engage with skills audits, self-reflection and career planning from an early point in their university education. Students will be introduced to models of reflection and encouraged to begin their journey to becoming reflective students and eventually, reflective practitioners. This module will enhance students' academic writing, presentation and communication skills in order for them to succeed in their educational and professional roles. Students will be supported on this module through their PDP group sessions and their dedicated academic mentor.

This module is designed to equip the student with the necessary skills required to successfully complete this university degree. The module will provide students with the ability to resource and synthesise appropriate material; reference accurately; think, read and write in a critical manner; as well as becoming avid problem solvers. The module will include a focus on future employability and encourage students to engage with skills audits, self-reflection and career planning from an early point in their university education. This module will enhance students' academic writing, presentation and communication skills in order for them to succeed in their educational and professional roles. Assessment for this module will be a through a literature review and a reflective assignment.

Learning for this module will be based around students committing a total of 200 hours, split between 68 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 132 hours independent learning. Students will have a mixture of lectures which will comprise of taught content as well as interactive discussion or tasks to complete to apply and consolidate their learning. Each semester, students will be offered the opportunity to attend assignment support workshop tutorials to guide and assist students with their assignments for the module. In addition to this module content, PDP will be included four times per semester. PDP sessions will encompass a mixture of pastoral support and professional development material as well as enhancing the knowledge and understanding of topics covered during the module.

Bottomley, J., Pryjmachuk, S. and Wright, M. (2019) Studying for your Policing Degree. St Albans: Critical Publishing.

Bottomley, J., Pryjmachuk, S. and Wright, M. (2020) Academic Writing and Referencing for your Policing Degree. St Albans: Critical Publishing.

Cottrell, S. (2013). Palgrave Study Skills. The Study Skills Handbook. 4th Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Shields, G. and Pears, R. (2016) Palgrave Study Skills. Cite Them Right. The Essential Referencing Guide. 10th Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Additional reading available from the online reading list.