This course offers students Masters-level academic and professional training to students enrolled in Masters programmes in the School of Critical Studies. In it, students develop their skills in research, oral and written communication, and professional academic practice.

10 x weekly two hour seminars as schedule on MyCampus

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ A 2000-word portfolio of four reflective reports about online or in-person academic events attended by the student, including but not limited to research seminars, symposia, workshops, conference panels, and lectures. - 40%

■ An oral presentation of 10-15 minutes, set by the relevant Masters programme conveners, focusing on subject-specific research skills. - 60%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ A recorded presentation OR one-to-one presentation (if presentation would normally be in class) and Q&A with staff as alternative to the presentation.

■ There is no alternative to the portfolio, but an extension to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to research techniques relevant to Masters-level research in the School of Critical Studies;

■ facilitate the acquisition of relevant employability-related skills;

■ provide a forum for the critical discussion of key issues related to the development of professional academic skills including: research planning and management; project funding; ethics; conference presentation and networking; writing for publication; and public engagement and the use of social media.

■ enable students to effectively assess their research skills progress within their Masters course.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ plan their research effectively;

■ present their ideas effectively to a professional cohort engaged in advanced research in subjects in the School of Critical Studies;

■ actively participate in workshops designed for their academic and professional development;

■ critically reflect on the development of their skills from the perspectives of research preparation, employability and personal development.