BSc Speech and Language Therapy

Skills for academic success runs throughout the first year of study with content timed appropriately to the demands of the programme at that time (e.g. academic writing and revision techniques prior to assessment periods). This will provide a strong foundation for the rest of their years of study.

This course unit will provide key knowledge, understanding and skills required for students to develop and enhance their academic skills. These skills will be utilised across the programme and into clinical practice but are directly relevant for the 2nd year critical thinking unit and 3rd year leadership unit.  

The unit will consider how to approach University study, exploring practical strategies for optimising study and adopting a self-regulated approach to learning. Students will work through activities designed to develop key academic skills (for example, acknowledging source materials to avoid plagiarism and academic writing skills). Students will be encouraged to actively reflect on their learning development throughout.

Topics covered include:

• Academic writing
• Referencing and academic integrity
• Digital literacy
• Revision skills and strategies 

The unit aims to:

• Help students make the transition to University and support their development as independent learners  
• Introduce students to key academic skills essential for success in higher education, regardless of educational background and experience
• Support students to develop effective organisational skills for academic study and revision and identify how these apply to their career aspirations
• Enhance students’ ability to write academically including appropriate referencing to maintain high standards of academic integrity
• Provide opportunities for students to build digital literacy skills essential for academic and career success  
• Equip students with effective revision strategies and skills 

Learning and teaching processes will include tutor led lectures and workshop sessions. Online resources will be used to support directed asynchronous teaching and learning. To support independent study, learning materials will be provided on the unit’s online learning environment.  

• Understand the importance of appropriate referencing and how to reference common sources appropriately
• Understand the principles of academic integrity and apply them to their own work
• Describe published research findings clearly  

• Present a clear discussion of the topic, which is accurately expressed with appropriate referencing.
• Engage in self-directed learning that will promote professional development
• Understand the structure and layout of an academic journal article and referencing conventions. 

• Write clearly and concisely in an appropriate formal style in order to communicate information accurately and reliably.
• Use the library to access original research papers.
• Engage with online learning materials to support personal and professional development
• Cite sources and construct a reference list in APA style 

• Develop the ability to write clearly and concisely and using appropriate terminology.
• Develop digital literacy skills using appropriate software, e.g. word processing  
• Reflect and comment on their own performance or work, identifying strengths and areas for improvement where appropriate.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills in written work suitable for a range of audiences.
• Utilise library and electronic resources to support and extend learning. 

Feedback will be provided through in class discussions, via peers and tutors. Self reflection will be encouraged through the provision of structured exercises and directed independent study resources. Students will be able to self-evaluate their performance through quizzes linked to structured activities. Students will receive formative qualitative feedback on their formative assessment and an indicative mark.  A summative mark will be provided for the summative assignment accompanied by detailed feedback from the marker.  

Students will be directed to resources as appropriate including My Learning Essentials resources.