MODULE TITLE: POL1006 Introduction to Study and Research Skills
MODULE PROVIDER (AOU): Politics
LEVEL: HE1
SUBJECT (3 LETTERS): POL
NUMBER OF CREDITS: 20
MODULE CO-ORDINATOR: Maxine David
MODULE AVAILABILITY:
Year Long
ASSESSMENT PATTERN
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Essay (2000) words
40%
Literature Review (2000 words)
30%
Portfolio
30%
Qualifying Condition(s)
PRE-REQUISITE/CO-REQUISITES
None
MODULE OVERVIEW
This module introduces students to a range of basic study skills. Particular emphasis is
placed on essay writing and all that entails – structure, planning, critical thought, good
research skills etc. Students are encouraged to understand the link between these basic
skills and their Personal Development Planning activities. Some attention is paid to the
introduction of research matters.
MODULE AIMS
This module will equip students with some essential skills for their UG degree. Particular
emphasis is placed on essay writing as a vital area that is too often under-emphasised by
students. Focus is also placed on helping students acquire key skills necessary to a successful
academic and professional life, such as time management, critical thinking and reflective learning
techniques. The module also serves as an introduction to a range of research issues, including
literature reviews and qualitative and quantitative methods used when investigating the political
world. This part of the module serves as an introduction to issues considered in more depth in the
level 2 module, Research and Evaluation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Cognitive Skills
 Understanding of the necessity for and expectations
of the course.
 Application and development of skills studied
throughout the course.
 Critical and analytical skills.
 Critical reflection of learning process.
Transferable skills




Learn effectively and communicate effectively and
fluently in speech and writing, including the use of
ICT.
Deploy a range of relevant research skills.
Use research methodologies appropriately
Critical thought
Practical Skills
 Apply self organisation and time management.
 Make appropriate use of information and communications technology.
 Demonstrate
MODULE
CONTENTthe ability to present work orally.
 Employ relevant research skills to investigate a politics- or policy-related
Study Skills
area.
 Seminars
and presentations
Access relevant
politics- and policy-related datasets and be able to retrieve
 Essay
writing
– nature, organisation and planning
data from them.
 Essay writing skills – structure and style
 Critical thinking and critiques
 Time management
 Note-taking and making
 Reflective learning
 Revision and exam techniques
Research Skills
 Researching and resources
 Referencing and plagiarism
 Reviewing literature
 Understanding theory and method
 Quantitative and qualitative methods
 Questionnaires, interviewing and sampling
METHODS OF TEACHING/LEARNING
Lectures, seminars, independent study
SELECTED TEXTS/JOURNALS
Study Skills:
 Becker, L. (2002) How to Manage your Arts, Humanities and Social Science Degree,
Basingstoke: Palgrave
 Dunleavy, P. (1986) Studying for a Degree in the Humanities and Social Sciences,
Basingstoke: Palgrave
 Kirton, Bill & McMillan, Kathleen (2007) Just Write. An Easy-to-Use Guide to Writing
at University, London: Routledge
Research Skills:
 Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods 2nd Edition, Oxford: Oxford University
Press
 Burnham, P. Gilland, K. Grant, W and Layton-Henry, Z. (2004) Research Methods in
Politics, Basingstoke: Palgrave
 Flick, Uwe (1998) An Introduction to Qualitative Research London: SAGE
 Punch K (2005) Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative
Approaches London: SAGE
Date Last Revised:
March 2009