Module: BMA6112-20 Business and Academic Skills

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

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 international students whose first language is not English to develop the skills and understanding that will allow them to become active learners. The module will help you understand cultural differences in learning methods and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods.  It will also support your learning in each of the other Level 6 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 demonstrate the following Graduate Attributes:

• Employable: equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in, and lead, teams;

• Internationally networked: 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 (report writing, presentations, working collaboratively, critical thinking etc.)

• Primary/secondary data collection/collation/reporting skills

• Key personal development skills development (timekeeping, 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 6 modules.  They will conduct research outside the classroom in the local community 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.  Teaching/learning activities will include interactive lectures (1 hour), seminars (2 hours), 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 report of 2,500 words

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: A group poster presentation

• % Weighting: 40%