What is HE? Developing an understanding of this level of study and supporting transition to degree level learning
Reflective Practice
Emotional Intelligence
Personality Styles
Relating theory to practice
IT and Academic Skills
Independent learning skills – library/research/academic referencing
Assessment support and preparing a reflective written assignment
UCAS, Personal Statements, Student Finance, your next progression support

A SELF-REFLECTIVE ASSESSMENT WEIGHTED AT 100%

A self-reflective assessment with supporting appendices of elements undertaken throughout the module workshops as evidence of the skills gained. 1,500 words.

The focus of this module is to provide a broad introduction to the range of learning strategies and techniques employed at University via an interactive, experiential workshop format. The workshops within this module via lectures, seminars, tutorials and online learning will enable students to embark onto developing key skills appropriate to Higher Education, such as personal refection, critical thinking and communication while developing a student’s academic skills-set, enabling active reflection on skills gained to date and any areas for future study skills and personal development.

1. Reflection upon current strengths and areas for further skills-development through the active engagement with a range of learning activities and Higher Education topics. (Reflection)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the different theories appropriate to subject topics, applying these concepts to personal practice and existing experience. (Application)
3. Demonstrate a comprehension, ability and learning acquisition of the range of academic and study skills associated to University level study. (Learning)

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.

Bassot, B. (2016). The Reflective Practice Guide. An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical Reflection. Abingdon: Routledge.
Bolton, G and Delderfield, R. (2018). Reflective Practice. Writing and Professional Development. London: SAGE.
Burroughs, C. (2018). The Return to Study Handbook. Study Skills for Mature, Distance and Workplace Learners. London: Kogan Page Ltd.
Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical Thinking Skills. Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection. London: Macmillan.
Cottrell, S. (2019). The Study Skills Handbook. 5th Ed. London: Macmillan.
Godfrey, J. (2020). The Student Phrase Book. Vocabulary for Writing at University. 2nd Ed. London: Macmillan.
Goleman, D. (2020). Emotional Intelligence. 25th Anniversary ed. London: Bloomsbury.
Johns, C. (2017). Becoming a Reflective Practitioner. 5th Ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

See Module Handbook for full list of reading texts.

Pre-requisites N/A
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 a standard of verbal and written English equivalent to ESOL Level 2.


Disqualified combinations N/A

This introductory module will help you as a learner to reflect on your existing life and learning experience to date, crucially enabling you as a learner to develop a firm sense of self-belief and crucially to support your transition to study. This module will get you to grips with key Higher Education topics such as reflective practice, critical thinking and analysis, emotional intelligence amongst many more. In support of your learning development, as a student you will also be gently introduced to the processes of carrying out research, reading and referencing at a University level. The overarching ethos of this introductory module is to help you understand yourself more as a learner, while allowing you to aptly apply various theoretical concepts to your own personal practice. At its heart, this module will enable you to see the links to your own past experiences in relation to learning, alongside realising the importance your past experiences play in enabling your future success at University. In terms of assessment, you will be supported in writing a 1,500-word self-reflective assessment which will hone your writing skills ready for University-level study. You will also be supported and guided on the effective use of IT in a digitally focused Higher Education environment.