HS3006 - Preparation for Undergraduate Study

What will I learn on this module?

This module is designed to develop critical thinking along with writing and analytical skills for University study. You will build the foundation of these skills to enable you to prepare for the challenges of studying in a University learning environment. It will equip you to learn how to manage your workload including how to read selectively, learn techniques for reading academic texts, understanding how to reference and make useful notes from sources.

Designed to support you to think critically and consider academic theory and how it informs practice, you will examine theory and practice- based health, education and social care. Alongside this, you will work on the basic principles of writing academic work and explore academic language and how to understand it; explore the different styles and how to edit and proof-read your own work. A key academic focus on this module will be to understand the importance of research and evidence-based practice. You will develop an understanding of quantitative research and qualitative research. Quantitative method will allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and understanding data. Qualitative methods will allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.

Throughout the module, you will engage in a wide variety of learning activities to give you the opportunity to gain critical understanding of health, education and social care structures and processes. In addition, you will examine your own personal reflection of your learning and development using self-assessment tools.

How will I learn on this module?

A variety of learning and teaching strategies will be used within the module to help you prepare for undergraduate study. This will include a combined traditional teaching and learning strategy with technology driven methods, which will involve lectures, supplemented by discussion within seminars, independent learning, and group work that will be student-centred and student led. Lectures, discussion and seminars will be used to introduce concepts, reflect on personal experience and to develop relationships between concepts and human experience. Guidelines and specific exercises will provide scope for discussion and learning during group work periods. Material from individual or group work will be used within whole group discussions, but the main purpose is to provide an opportunity for you to think about the relationship between current knowledge, attitudes and ideas generated within the module and health, education and social care. Seminars and discussion groups will help integration and synthesis of the subject area. Various audio-visual aids and case studies will also be used, as well as a range of IT resources during designated timetabled sessions.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will have a named Personal Tutor, who will provide help and advice at every stage of the programme. The module leader will provide guidance on the content of the module during formal teaching time, and throughout the academic year time will set aside on a regular basis for individual and small group tutorial support should you wish to access this. You will also be provided with the contact details of key module personnel within the detailed module information and on the e-learning platform. Lecturers will facilitate seminar groups to support academic development. You will have access to lecturers at specifically designated times via online forums; email; group tutorials and one to one meetings. Formative and summative assessment tasks include ‘feedforward’ in preparation for assignments, and ‘feedback’ to identify aspects of students’ strengths and aspects which require development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available via the Electronic Learning Portal, Blackboard Ultra.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Gain knowledge of theory and why theories are important and understand how to apply theory in practice.

2. Explore the importance of evidence-based practices and collecting data and applying this to both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

3. Discuss the different approaches to self-reflection and applying this to personal development.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

4. Develop an understanding of University systems and process to support your studies and utilise resources to effectively develop academic skills and experience.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Consider and reflect on the importance of ethical considerations in research, practices and personal responsibility.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment, Learning activities, tasks and taught session

Student -led seminar: exploring evidence-based practice and research and how this can have an impact on health, education and social care sectors.
Utilising University support systems and resources with peers and as individuals.
Reflection on learning through feedback and discussion on an ongoing basis via seminars and tutorials.

Summative assessment
Critical review of academic writing (pre-prepared resources / writing) – 1000 words
Feedback will be provided via TurnItIn

(MLO 1-5)

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module will support your development of knowledge and understanding about the literature searching, referencing technique and introduction to research, through directed and independent enquiry. Your learning will be research led and you will be required to work collaboratively and individually to gather and examine a range of evidence and data to explore the theory and practice in a health, education and social care setting and consider the importance of evidence-based care in this sector. To demonstrate your understanding of each of these subjects by critically reviewing a piece of academic writing. An important aspect of this module is also how you develop personally, academically and as a student at Northumbria University. The module is also research-tutored and in lectures, seminars, workshops, and assessment activities there will be an emphasis on the active discussion and engagement with research from a range of sources (including academic research, government evaluations and independent research organisations) to explore key concepts, issues, and perspectives in relation to the professions, professional practice and the workplace. Where appropriate the module will draw upon the research carried out by module and departmental staff. Alongside the discussion of, and engagement with research, you will also develop your insight of the knowledge production process and methods of enquiry used to understand transformations in professional practice. Generally, through your active engagement with research you are expected to develop your interests and curiosity in relation to areas of health, social care, and education.

Course info

UCAS Code B760

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years full-time study

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health, Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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