Module: BM7032-15 Advanced Academic & Business Skills

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: Hugh Osborne

Module Tutor Contact Details: h.osborne@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This module is designed to support students whose first language is not English and who may not have studied Business and Management at undergraduate level to develop the skills and understanding that will allow them to study Business and Management at Master’s level. The module will support your learning in each of the other Level 7 modules.

The aims of the module are to develop your skills and confidence in relation to academic skills, employability skills, business and academic English language skills, and life skills.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following Graduate Attribute:

• Employable: equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in, and lead, teams;
• Able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change;
• Digitally literate: able to work at the interface of creativity and technology;
• Internationally networked: studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas;
• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy.

2.Outline syllabus

The syllabus will cover:

• Key academic skills required for successful study at Master’s level (critical thinking, communicating effectively and professionally, presenting, working collaboratively etc.)
• Primary/secondary data collection/collation/reporting skills
• Key personal development skills development (timekeeping, autonomy, actively contributing to tasks, developing confidence, record keeping etc.)
• Raising awareness of the significance of cultural context
• Development of the 4 key language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
• Development of language accuracy
• A focus on Language range specifically in relation to business and academic English contexts (Marketing, HRM, Strategy etc.)

Students will work collaboratively on projects throughout the semester that directly relate to other Level 7 modules. They will conduct research outside the classroom and will reflect on their learning.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The approach to teaching and learning in this module is based on an interactive communicative model that encourages deep learning. Teaching/learning activities will include interactive lectures, seminars, research activities and out of class project work. Students will work both individually and in teams. Appropriate technology will be used to enhance learning and as a communication platform both between tutor and student and student to student. All teaching and learning activities will aim to develop student autonomy, engagement and critical thinking skills.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: An individual reflective essay of 2,500 words
• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: A group poster presentation
• % Weighting: 40%