Step Up to Higher Education

The Step Up to Higher Education (HE) course is perfect for students who want to return to education and develop the key academic skills needed for university level study. This course has been specifically developed for pre-degree learners who are joining us on a range of our undergraduate level courses here at Staffordshire University.

From day one you will get to grips with the crucial skills needed in HE, including attending and preparing for lectures and seminars, gathering research, note-taking and personal reflection.

The course is designed to develop your academic writing, referencing, research and critical thinking skills, all of which are key to success in HE. At the same time, the course develops the individual confidence of each learner. Our specialist and friendly course team have extensive experience helping students achieve their academic potential, working with hundreds of students over the years. Many learners who complete the course progress on to foundation or degree level study at the University. Past students have gone on to study photography, law, business, social welfare, sociology and many more.

This course also gives you the opportunity to try taster sessions in various subjects, and our tutors will provide you with the guidance and support needed when making a decision on your next step.

This course is taught by friendly and experienced tutors including subject-specialist academic staff, study skills tutors, library and IT specialists, ensuring that you develop the key skills needed for HE. Within your first week, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will nurture you, provide feedback and develop your academic skills throughout the programme.

The course leader for the Step Up to HE programme will be your main personal contact throughout, helping you find your feet and offering guidance, advice and tuition on your learning development and possible future study routes that may be open to you.

This course consists of two separate modules which are designed to introduce you to a variety of skills and provide a firm academic foundation to build on.

Module 1: Skills Review and Development

This module will introduce you as a learner to key themes such as reflection, communication, critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving among others. During this module you will also find out how to carry out library research effectively, which is invaluable for independent learning. This introductory module will direct you to the concept of linking theory to practice while developing your confidence and self-awareness as learner. In terms of assessment, you will be supported in writing a 1,500-word self-reflective assignment which will develop your writing skills for university-level study. You will also be supported and guided on the effective use of IT in a digitally focused higher education environment.

Module 2: Subject Choice

Within this module, you will refine and polish the skills you have already learned within Module 1. You will be introduced to a variety of workshops and seminars on the development of your grammar, punctuation, essay structure and presentation. In terms of assessment, you will write a 1,000 word assignment on a topic category of your choice alongside a 500 word self-skills audit. On this module you will also start to underpin the critical thinking and objective writing skills that will help you to progress on to university-level study.

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 an HE setting.  

We have course intakes taking place on the following dates in 2021-22:

• Monday 20 September 2021 – Tuesday 30 November 2021
• Monday 17 January 2022 – Tuesday 29 March 2022
• Monday 25 April 2022 – Tuesday 5 July 2022

Attendance is required on a Monday and Tuesday, 10am-2pm.