A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT WEIGHTED AT 70% with a FINAL REFLECTIVE VERBAL DISCUSSION WEIGHTED AT 30%.

(1) CRITICAL ASSESSMENT (60%).

A 1000-word objective, research and evidenced based Critical Assessment based on an area related to the students’ chosen area of study. Learning Outcomes: 1-2.

(2) REFLECTIVE VERBAL DISCUSSION (30%).

A 10-minute verbal reflective discussion, identifying any areas of growth and future areas for personal and learning development. - LOS

(3) REFLECTIVE WRITTEN DIARY (10%)

500-word reflective learning diary as supporting evidence. LOS

The focus of this module is to build upon the skills developed in the introductory module, enabling the application of skills learnt alongside undertaking independent research in relation to a specific essay question. By developing academic skills via an interactive, experiential workshop format, learners will solidify and build confidence and further understanding in relation to the requirements of Higher Education study. Planning your future is a key part of this module and active self-reflection on your journey and engagement will inform your next steps before further study.

1. Demonstrate an ability to apply and problem solve complex academic approaches through a range of techniques within a chosen subject area.
(Problem Solving)
2. Demonstrate an ability to independently research using a range of published and researched sources in an appropriate manner to aid further enquiry into chosen subject area.
(Enquiry)
3. Evaluate areas of study relating to individual interest, evidencing a heightened understanding of acquired academic knowledge and understanding.
(Knowledge and Understanding)

Appropriate teaching rooms, access to University library, IT and online learning facilitates such as Blackboard VLE and Microsoft Teams. Access to study support materials to supplement learning.

Coleman, H. (2019) Polish Your Academic Writing (Super Quick Skills). London: SAGE.
Cotterill, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. 5th Ed. London: Red Globe Press.
Day, M (2018) Success in Academic Writing. London: Palgrave.
Egege, S. (2020) Becoming a Critical Thinker. London: Palgrave.
Godwin, J. (2019) Planning Your Essay. 3rd Ed. London: Macmillan.
Hopkins, D. & Reid, T. (2018) The academic skills handbook: your guide to success in writing, thinking and communicating at university. London: SAGE.
Redman, P. and Maples, W. (2017) Good Essay Writing: A Social Sciences Guide. London: SAGE.
Roberts, J.Q. (2017) Essentials of Essay Writing. London: Palgrave.
Thomas, G. (2017) Doing Research. London: Palgrave.

See Module Handbook for full list of reading texts.

Pre-requisites Skills Know-How: Review and Development
Co-requisites N/A
Admissions requirements The ethos of the Step Up to HE certificate is to provide a learning and development opportunity to those who do not possess standard entry qualifications to HE Awards. The potential and desire to develop skills in order to progress into HE in the future is an essential element of entry onto this programme and therefore, there are no set admissions criteria. However, all applicants are interviewed, and this provides a good opportunity for Academic Tutors to ascertain past learning and life experiences as well as the future goals of learners. For example, many applicants will have extensive work experience in which they may have worked with complex and detailed information and yet possess no formal academic qualifications. In order to meet the assessment requirements, all applicants should possess and be able to demonstrate a standard of verbal and written English equivalent to ESOL Level 2.

Disqualified combinations N/A

Within this final module, you will build and sharpen the skills you have gained within Module 1. In doing this, the overarching ethos of this module is to enable you to think critically and enquire with confidence on a range of complex areas. In addition, you will be guided on how to research, read analytically and reference using reliable and evidenced based information. Through engagement, your writing ability will grow more readily as you tackle the assessments with the support and encouragement of Course Tutors. You will be introduced to a variety of workshops and seminars on the development of grammar, essay structure and presentation, academic writing and critical thinking. As the weeks progress, your level of autonomy as a student will grow, with an increased level of confidence developing as you become accustomed to the nature and conventions of objective and evidenced based writing. In terms of assessment, you will be supported in writing a 1000 word Critical Assessment alongside preparing for a 10 Minute Reflective Verbal Discussion with a supporting 500-word diary as supporting evidence which will enable you to reflect on your journey to date, thereby allowing you as a learner to identify any areas for further development, improvement and areas which you have excelled in over the duration of the course. You will also be supported and guided on the effective use of IT in a digitally focused Higher Education environment.
Throughout the programme, students will be able to attend timetabled assignment support sessions. There you will get one-to-one support, feedback opportunities with experienced course tutors; these sessions will improve and develop your academic skillset and confidence to succeed within a Higher Education setting.

• Introduction to Module 2
• Essay Planning, Brainstorming and Structure
• Critical Thinking, Critical Writing
• Academic and Objective Writing
• Writing to Communicate
• Grammar
• Researching at University Level.