This course is taught by subject-specialist academic staff, study skills tutors, library and IT specialists, ensuring you develop the key skills needed for HE. Within your first week, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will nurture you and provide feedback.
You will have timetabled assignment support sessions, where you will get one-to-one support and feedback. We will also help you to find your feet and offer advice and guidance on future study routes that may be open to you.
You will complete two modules designed to introduce you to a variety of skills and provide a firm academic foundation to build on through future study.
Module 1: Skills Know-How: Review and Development
You will be introduced to carrying out research, reading and referencing. The overarching ethos is to help you understand yourself more as a learner and reflect on your experiences. You will apply theoretical concepts to your own personal and professional practice.
You will be supported in producing a 1,500-word reflective assessment, which will hone your writing skills. You will also be guided on the effective use of IT.
Module 2: Research and Evaluation
You will be encouraged to think critically and will be guided on how to research, read analytically and reference using reliable, evidence-based information. You’ll take part in workshops, seminars and tutorials on the development of grammar, essay planning, structure and presentation, and academic and critical writing.
As the weeks progress, your level of autonomy as a student will grow, so you gain confidence in tackling objective and research-based writing.
You will guided on writing a 1,000-word critical assessment, as well as preparing for a 10-minute reflective verbal discussion. You will also be expected to write a 500-word reflective diary as supporting evidence for your learning journey.
Upcoming Course Dates
Monday 22 September – Tuesday 2 December 2025
Monday 12 January – Tuesday 24 March 2026
Monday 20 April – Tuesday 30 June 2026