Module Information
Module Identifier
GS09320
Module Title
How to be a Student 2
Academic Year
2026/2027
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Project Presentation 5 Minutes | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Independent Project 2400 Words | 80% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Independent Project 2400 Words | 80% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Project Presentation 5 Minutes | 20% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Ability to reflectively synthesise a range of competing interpretations and approaches.
Competence in a diverse range of communication modes.
Understand and respond effectively and creatively to a range of assessment types.
Reflect on own their skills and progress.
Manage time effectively.
Apply appropriate methodological approach to research objective.
Brief description
This module follows on from GS09520 – How to be a Student 1. It is designed to help students embed skills they have already learned, whilst acquiring confidence and new skills around independent study. This is focused on completing a semester long, self-directed research and writing project tailored to the specific expectations of their degree discipline.
By the end of the module students should feel they understand how to:
• identify a project appropriate to their chosen degree scheme
• conduct a small research project / critical analysis of written or performed text
• design an appropriate research or analytical framework
• Present a proposal for research / creative project
• find appropriate academic sources and implement semester 1 skills in writing a literature / critical review
• manage time effectively
• organise and analyse research material and present this in an extended piece of writing
• understand core approaches to independent research and their links to methods
• find their academic voice
Students maintain a portfolio of work contributing to the preparation of the research project. They will be assigned a supervisor during the module.
By the end of the module students should feel they understand how to:
• identify a project appropriate to their chosen degree scheme
• conduct a small research project / critical analysis of written or performed text
• design an appropriate research or analytical framework
• Present a proposal for research / creative project
• find appropriate academic sources and implement semester 1 skills in writing a literature / critical review
• manage time effectively
• organise and analyse research material and present this in an extended piece of writing
• understand core approaches to independent research and their links to methods
• find their academic voice
Students maintain a portfolio of work contributing to the preparation of the research project. They will be assigned a supervisor during the module.
Content
Taught module content (delivered via lectures, workshops and formative assignments) focuses on ideas development, research design, ethical considerations, engaging with secondary sources, an introduction to different research methods, a practical introduction to specific methods of textual, archival and secondary data analysis, how to prepare their report.
Content is delivered as follows:
• Six two-hour lectures across the semester
• Three two-hour workshops across the semester
• An individual presentation in week 7 of term
• Three group and individual tutor meetings
Content is delivered as follows:
• Six two-hour lectures across the semester
• Three two-hour workshops across the semester
• An individual presentation in week 7 of term
• Three group and individual tutor meetings
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Adaptability and resilience | Adapting to communicating to different audiences (in the presentation). Includes recognition that abilities grow over time; learning through mistakes; accepting feedback positively; constructive criticism - these will come through project supervision |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Students working on an independent project will need to choose appropriate readings, methods and data analysis to their chosen topic |
| Digital capability | Students will need to make use of VLE as well as other software, including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint and Excel. They will need to present their project findings in the most appropriate format. |
| Professional communication | Students will learn to communicate appropriately and effectively to an academic audience. They will learn to utilise subject-appropriate terminology in their independent project. |
| Real world sense | Students will learn effective communication, time management and self-motivation. They will develop their skills in planning, coordinating and organising, and recognising the transferability of skills through targeted sessions from Careers. |
| Reflection | Students will reflect on their own skill development and readiness to transition into Year 1 of the programme. Careers sessions will support students in learning on how to reflect on what they learned in semester 1 and from their independent project. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 3