1. Develop and evidence self-reflection skills, identifying areas for personal development, using feedback to inform future learning plans
Reflection, Learning, Application, Communication

2. Develop academic skills and recognise how to apply these to enable independent learning
Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

3. Critically analyse key issues in relation to policing topics, recognise complexity and make informed judgements on the merits of particular arguments
Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Application

1. Presentation – 15 minute pre-recorded Powerpoint presentation designed to assess students’ critical self-reflection skills in professional and academic context (Learning Outcomes 1 & 2)

2. Essay - 1000 word essay designed to assess academic skills including research, referencing, evaluation and construction of a structured argument (Learning Outcomes 2 & 3)

This module is designed to develop students’ academic skills to provide a foundation for degree-level study in a policing subject. Through lectures and workshops, students will be introduced to key skills required for successful study in Higher Education. Topics covered will include; personal learning style, self-reflection, time management, referencing, feedback and research. To enable application and development of these skills, policing-specific context will be included.

All new Police Officers are now required to have a degree-level qualification. This module will equip you with the skills required to succeed at degree-level study. You will be supported by expert academics and ex-police professionals who will help you develop the skills and confidence required for modern-day policing. This course is delivered online with live interactive sessions and recorded content which you can access in your own time, enabling you to complete the qualification around your current commitments.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 400 hours of activity, split between 80 hours scheduled teaching and learning activities and 320 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks. Online group discussions, tutorials and formative feedback will give students the opportunity to reflect upon progress and discuss strategies for developing skills and knowledge.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject and are provided with an introduction to each individual topic. Teaching materials, including the use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding.

SMALLER GROUP SESSIONS
These are preceded by a period of independent learning. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop critical thinking and analytic skills, and to learn how to apply these skills to different situations. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among students and between students and tutors. A variety of teaching methods is adopted in order to encourage the development of essential skills such as intellectual rigour, communication, research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, judgement and the appropriate use of IT.

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, are provided to enable students to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues concerned with contemporary policing. Module information including module handbook, timetable, class notes, practice activities, feedback, links to external resources, assessment details and additional resources to support study will be on the VLE. Students may also be expected to post comments and have on-line discussions through the VLE.

McMillan, K & Weyers, JDB (2013) How to Improve Your Critical Thinking and Reflective Skills, Pearson, Harlow
Drew, S & Bingham, R (2016) The Guide to Learning and Study Skills: For Higher Education and at Work, Routledge, Abingdon
Additional resources will be recommended throughout the module.

Module Handbook
Access to appropriate online resources via the Library databases such as Box of Broadcasts
IT facilities to access online materials including Blackboard VLE

Admissions requirements GCSE Maths and English grade C/4 or higher
Disqualified combinations Step-Up to HE