1. Demonstrate an ability to apply and problem solve complex academic approaches through a range of techniques within a chosen subject area
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.
3. Demonstrate an ability to apply verbal, written and digital communication skills to evaluate academic and personal skills gained, alongside recognising any areas for future development.

(1) CRITICAL ASSESSMENT (60%).
A 10-minute, 10 slide, research and evidenced based animated Powerpoint presentation, on an area related to the student’s chosen area of study: Computer Science, Cyber Security, esports, Concept Art, Games. Learning Outcomes: 1-2

(2) REFLECTIVE VERBAL DISCUSSION (20%).
A 10-minute verbal reflective discussion, identifying any areas of growth and future areas for personal and learning development. Learning Outcome: 3

(3) REFLECTIVE WRITTEN DIARY (10%)
500-word reflective learning diary as supporting evidence. Learning Outcome: 3

-Introduction to Module 2
-Planning, Brainstorming and Assessment Structure
-Critical Thinking, Critical Writing
-Academic referencing
-Communication Skills
-Adobe PowerPoint
-Presentation skills
-Visual design skills
-Researching at undergraduate degree level
-Your next steps – undergraduate degree level study.

Within this concluding module, you will build upon and hone the skills you have gained and developed within Module 1 in a subject area of your choice. You will get the chance to choose one of the subjects taught at degree level at our London campus and explore the discipline in order to help you decide what to pursue as an undergraduate. The areas for specialism are: Computer Science, AI, Cyber Security, Concept Art, esports or Games. As part of this module you will get the chance to meet some of the academics who deliver the content and will have specific lecturers tailored to your choice. You will also be introduced to the digital library team who will show you how to use the resources to research your chosen subject area, giving you some insight into what will be expected of you as an undergraduate.

Through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops we will demonstrate the skills needed to think critically and by the end of the module you will feel confident in your approach to enquiry and feel comfortable with a range of complex theoretical areas. We will teach you how to use data to support an argument, how to cite academic sources, how to research effectively, how to be objective and how to present this information visually to a target audience. You will learn how to respond to an essay question via an animated Power Point presentation. You will learn about the importance of design, the use of colour and the concepts of page hierarchy in being able to deliver a clear message.

Our London campus caters for professional level digital skills so you will be working on high spec computers, and as a student on our Step Up to HE programme, you will have access to all our facilities and equipment housed in our games labs, in our esports arena, in our art studio, and in our data junction.

You will be assessed in three areas: a 10-minute presentation, a 10-minute verbal reflection and a 500-word diary of learning. The diary will be a record of your learning and will be used to identify areas for further development, improvement and areas which you have excelled in over the duration of your studies, all of which should help you in your decision about applying to join us as an undergraduate in September.

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.

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 question on a topic related to the subject of interest. By developing academic skills via an interactive, experiential workshop format, learners will solidify and build their 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 progressing into undergraduate level study.

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.
Hopkins, D. and Reid, T. (2018) The academic skills handbook: your guide to success in writing, thinking and communicating at university. London: SAGE.
Thomas, G. (2017) Doing Research. London: Palgrave.
Stephen, M., (2016) Presentations with Powerpoint. 1st ed. Routledge.

See Module Handbook for full list of reading texts.

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.

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.