Students will engage in both taught and on-line learning through the University¿s virtual learning environment.

Ten hours of face to face contact delivered at DSPA Worthy Down will be followed by 140 of independent study which will include 24 hours of on-line activity.

Students are expected to regularly engage with the on-line learning material. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the module tutor via email and phone.

This module aims to provide students with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to engage on HE study.

Students will be introduced to topics such as:

- a personal SWOT analysis
- 360 degree feedback
- analysing subjective & objective feedback
- Personal Development Planning
- SMART objectives
- report and assignment writing
- effective communication skills
- academic writing
- academic referencing

An essay of no more than 1000 words which assesses learning outcomes 1 and 2 and weighted at 70%

An informed Personal Development Plan of no more than 500 words (equivalent) which assesses learning outcome 3 and weighted at 30%

More detailed direction to contemporary literature can be found in the module handbook.
Useful sources include:
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

Cottrell, S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook 3rd edn Palgrave Macmillan London
ISBN-13-978-0-230-57305-5

Megginson, D. and Whitaker, V. (2007) Continuing Professional Development 2nd edn CIPD London
ISBN-13-378-1-843-98166-4

Lee-Davies, L. (2007) Developing Work and Study Skills Thompson Learning London
ISBN-13- 978-1-84480-225-8