BA Liberal Arts with International Study / Course details

The ability to communicate with confidence and impact is one that can have a significant influence on our success in every aspect of our lives: our study, our relationships and our career.

This unit starts from the belief that we all have a unique ability to communicate with charisma and impact, and that this ability is not innate but rather, a skill which can be developed and learnt.

Drawing on theories from biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and on techniques from the world of theatre and acting, the unit will support participants in learning how to manage nerves, communicate effectively and to engage with a wide variety of audiences.

The unit is a very interactive and practical one and participants learn through active engagement, as well as through group, and individual, tuition. In addition, the learning process will be tailored to the needs and experience of the participants.

UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.

UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.

If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.

You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.

The ability to communicate with confidence and impact is one that can have a significant influence on our success in every aspect of our lives: our study, our relationships and our career.

• On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:

  • Describe the relationship between cognition, body language, speech and the audience
  • Analyse personal strengths and areas for improvement with respect to communication
  • Apply practical skills for the management of anxiety
  • Manage yourself within challenging situations such as interviews, negotiation and difficult conversations
  • Deliver a presentation with confidence and impact

  In addition, for 20 credits:

  • Identify a topic from the course, suitable for further research and exploration
  • Research and write a literature-based review, integrating material from the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology and drama

•  Body Language
•  Vocal power and influence
•  Managing anxiety
•  Telling a powerful story
•  Engaging the audience
•  Interview technique
•  Vital conversations
•  Negotiating and influencing

• 10 x 2 hour lectures
• 1 x 1 hour optional tutorial
• Research project supervised by the unit convenor

Regular feedback on communication will be given during workshops and in an individual tutorial.

Formative feedback on reflective writing will be given mid-way through course.