PO1DCC: Degree Core Competencies

Module code: PO1DCC

Module provider: Politics; School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Credits: 0

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Amanda Hall, email: amanda.hall@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module will introduce students to key strategies and academic skills necessary to support their undergraduate studies. Students will engage with a series of key competences that will underpin three years of steadily more independent academic progression, including writing, referencing, presenting, teamwork and engaging with feedback. It will include the development of key skills to facilitate transition and adjustment to developing independent learning and building personal and academic strengths. The module will also explore a range of challenges frequently encountered by students along with coping strategies and advice on accessing the network of support available. There will also be opportunities for students to develop an understanding of how skills developed throughout their degree transfer to the workplace. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Use independent learning time for effective research 
2. Demonstrate competency in academic conventions, including referencing and bibliographies 
3. Understand marking criteria and the use of feedback, including rubrics and marking scales 
4. Identify a range of skills that transfer to the workplace and how to explore their different applications 

Module content

Writing skills, research techniques, academic expectations, presentation skills, feedback, personal challenges and strategies for overcoming them, transferable skills 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

After an introductory lecture, seminars will allow students to develop key competencies through a mixture of discussion and small-group work.  

Study hours

At least 7 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

There is no assessment on this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

There is no assessment on this module.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will be required to complete the University’s “Study Smart” self-directed webinar in their independent study time. 

Reassessment

Additional costs