The aim of this module is to introduce students to the range of skills and techniques essential for planning and developing their own future learning and career strategy, and managing their own engagement with the Apprenticeship programme and its resources.

• Setting SMART objectives
• Report and assignment writing
• Effective communication skills
• Academic study skills, including using e-library and other on-line resources
• Personal learning styles
• Time management
• Credibility and personal presentation
• Reflective learning
• Learning in the context of the workplace

A Personal Development Plan identifying appropriate areas of professional and academic development (1,500 words) (25%). (Learning Outcome 1)

A written assignment locating and engaging with original academic sources from given informal sources (1,200 words) (75%) (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).

Cottrell, S (2013) The Study Skills Handbook (4th Edition), Palgrave
McMillan, K and Weyers, J (2012) The Smarter Student, Pearson
Peder M. et.al., (2013), A Manager’s Guide to Self Development 6th Edition, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities.
Module website
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – www.cipd.co.uk
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform - www.berr.gov.uk
ACAS – www.acas.org.uk (incorporates useful links to business and regulatory sites covering module content)

1. ASSESS OWN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis
Reflection

2. DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO LOCATE, IDENTIFY AND USE APPROPRIATE SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Learning
Application

3. DEMONSTRATE APPROPRIATE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication
Application

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 150 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 111 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.
The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.