What will I learn on this module?
The aim of this module is to equip you with some of the skills that are necessary for securing success whilst studying at university. The module comprises three main skill areas:
Personal Skills – this area will support the identification of your skills and abilities through targeted activities that highlight both your strengths and weaknesses, looking at ways to maximise your presence within both a university context and the wider workplace. This identified skill-set will be mapped against a matrix that illustrates an idealistic set of skills for future succes and personal development planning (PDP).
Academic Skills – this area will include guidance and tutorials on academic writing, critical analysis, introductory referencing and research support.
IT Business Skills – this area will explore the subject area of Information Technology within a business context, identifying what it means in relation to the needs and requirements of an organisation.
You will be expected to reflect on the approach that has been taken and evidence your understanding through presentations and portfolio building.
How will I learn on this module?
The module provides the opportunity for students to be introduced to a range of teaching and learning methods that support your individual personal development. These will include lectures for introducing topics and issues, allowing new ideas and different ways of thinking to be developed, and lab based workshops/seminars which will be used to facilitate the application and development of your IT skills and competencies that support your personal development. You will be able to learn from others who are studying this module, as well as from your tutors who will guide and advise you, moving you steadily forward in your development. Undertaking some research relating to your own personal development will be an integral part of your learning, together with the appropriate early-stage researcher skills that you might need . You will be encouraged to manage your own learning, using a PDP timeline to track your development, and to foster independence.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
At the beginning of your studies you will be given guidance on how to set up your own PDP ePortfolio for assessment purposes and individualised self-development. Throughout the semester you will be given both written and verbal feedback and guidance on your work and the progress that you have made during the semester by your tutor, with managed milestones and expected outcomes. This will be given through the provision of extensive opportunities for dialogue and engagement with your tutor who will be a primary support person for you as you start your studying. In addition, the eLP (electronic learning portal module) blackboard is used to provide extensive support materials and supplementary materials to support your personal development. This will also provide an opportunity to familiarise you with styles and approaches that are used across other modules that use the eLP within the university to help you as you progress with your studies in the wider sense.
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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
On completion of this module you will:
MLO1 Demonstrate understanding and awareness of the desirable personal and academic skills relevant for employment in relation to your own personal development..
MLO2 Identify effective technological approaches to preparing and delivering effective presentations that show knowledge and understanding of business information systems in context.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
On completion of this module you will be able to
MLO3 Develop and deliver effective presentations that evidence a range of skills and attributes that employers desire
MLO4 Demonstrate the acquisition of initial academic writing skills through engagement with literature, sources of reference and the related writing structure and citation conventions that apply.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
On completion of this module you will be able to
MLO5 Articulate your strengths and weaknesses in relation to IT and business.
How will I be assessed?
You will engage in practical activities directly related to the module topics, some of which will require you to produce a number of specific tasks for inclusion in your individual eportfolio. – for example
- researching a topic, confidently delivering effective presentations, time management and problem solving
- successfully complete a number of tasks that articulate your own strengths and weaknesses in relation to your employability using suitable reflective language
- apply knowledge and understanding of Harvard referencing and research skills through the successful completion of a range of research based activities..
You will be given written and verbal feedback throughout the semester by tutors, either face to face or via the eLearning Portal or your individual portfolio.
Summative assessment will take the form of a composite portfolio. This is worth 100% of the marks for the module.
The Portfolio will assess all of the MLOs.
Students will be given written feedback for the summative assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
*TBA
Course info
UCAS Code I200
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 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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