What will I learn on this module?
This module will refine academic literacy—essential for effective engagement in academia. You will develop skills to comprehend, analyse, and critically evaluate complex academic texts, refining written expression within formal discourse. The emphasis will be on elevating your English language skills to an upper-intermediate (B2) level to allow independent engagement with scholarly work once on your degree programme. By the end of the module, you will possess foundational skills for successful engagement with textual discourse and for effective written communication within your chosen field.
How will I learn on this module?
This module adopts an interactive approach to cultivate critical reading and writing skills aligned at upper-intermediate (B2) level. Through engagement in practical activities, workshops, and discussions, you will learn to identify main ideas, critically evaluate academic sources, and express ideas coherently in written form. You will receive personalised feedback on your progress and benefit from one-to-one sessions with tutors to enhance your language proficiency.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will have access to texts and materials on the module Blackboard site.
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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Identify main ideas and details in complex written discourse
2. Interpret, describe and evaluate information from various sources, including articles and reports.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Clearly communicate knowledge and thoughts through planned and well-structured written responses that are supported by evidence
4. Demonstrate linguistic range, accuracy and control at B2 level proficiency.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate a global awareness by exploring key challenges and their implications
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment process
You will complete a combination of self-assessed and submitted tasks that help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement throughout the module, which will be supplemented by peer and/or tutor-led feedback.
Summative assessment process
You will complete a separate portfolio of tasks for each of the key skills involved in the module, reading and writing.
These portfolios will comprise in-semester tasks that give an indication of your mastery and engagement at key points in the module, as well as end of semester examinations under timed conditions that determine your overall achievement against the module learning outcomes.
[All MLOs]
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will advance your English language and academic literacy skills in preparation to study on programmes requiring upper-intermediate (B2) language level. You will learn essential reading skills to identify main ideas and details in complex written discourse, vital for engaging with academic content. In addition, there will be an emphasis on fostering critical thinking for interpreting and synthesising information, enhancing your ability to navigate study within a UK university. The writing skills you will develop will allow you to demonstrate critical engagement and structure academic work coherently using evidence-based arguments, preparing you for study on your chosen degree programme.
Course info
Credits 0
Level of Study NotDefined
Mode of Study 7 months Full Time
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start January 2025 or June 2025
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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