Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

The Personal Development module is an integrated and holistic part of the MSc programme at Henley Business School. It seeks to support and challenge future leaders in all aspects of their growth while studying and is a catalyst for reflection on learning from all other modules and aspects of the MSc. The module aims to equip the programme members to reflect upon their own learning, performance and achievement, and plan for their personal, educational and career development. 

Intended learning outcomes: 

The module is part of other structured activities to develop the skills and competencies necessary for career development, life-long learning and organisational success.  

The module aims to enable each programme member to: 

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  Understand the role of personal development in their career and performance; 

  
  


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  Raise self-awareness and contextual awareness; 

  
  


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  Engage in open self-enquiry;  

  
  

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  Act with integrity to obtain maximum benefit for self and organisation from the learning opportunity; 

  
  


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  Understand their impact on the development of others and the organisation; 

  
  


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  Reflect upon their learning, performance and achievement; 

  
  


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  Plan for their personal, educational and career development; 

  
  

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, programme members should be able to:  

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  Develop a structured and critical approach to self and career development; 

  
  

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  Explain the importance of leadership skills and competencies in the workplace;  

  
  


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  Evaluate areas of priority in their development plan; 

  
  


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  Recognise personal values and their role in leading others;  

  
  


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  Identify strategies and resources for career and personal development; 

  
  


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  Critically reflect on self, others and context to inform development and performance; 

  
  

Additional outcomes:

The programme members will also learn to;  

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  Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively; 

  
  

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  Use reflection to continue evaluating personal and professional development;  

  
  


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  Develop the skills to instil confidence and lead by example; 

  
  


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  Take personal responsibility for their development and actions;  

  
  


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  Assess how to tackle complex and ambiguous situations; 

  
  

Outline content:

This module is delivered throughout the two stages of study; each stage address specific areas of personal development: 

Stage 1 – Leading Self 

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  Understand the role of personal development and personal development planning in their career. 

  
  


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  Gain self-awareness by exploring their values, personality, skills and competencies.   

  
  


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  Reflect on their development and performance. 

  
  


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  Commit to own development and leadership behaviour. 

  
  

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  Understand context and systems exploring their role in the broader organisation. 

  
  


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  Understand the role of well-being and a healthy work environment in performance and career development.  

  
  

Stage 2 – Leading Others  

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  Reflect on their impact on others, their roles and responsibilities.  

  
  

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  Appreciate individual differences and diversity at work, discuss how to engage others. 

  
  


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  Practice advanced communication skills including coaching, mentoring and feedback skills. 

  
  


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  Explore an authentic professional brand as a future leader.  

  
  


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  Understand the conditions to develop agility and adaptability in a changing environment. 

  
  


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  Reflect on the programme’s learning and next steps. 

  
  

Global context:

N/A

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Blended learning: Workshop (1 day for each stage) and online learning on Canvas 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

At the completion of part two of the module, programme members will be required to submit an individual written assignment of 2500-words and a -10% to + 20% word count tolerance margin is allowed.  

Formative assessment methods:

At the end of stage 1 (MNM1PDFL1) programme members will be required to submit a formative reflective essay to improve their performance (e.g. through feedback provided) and reinforce the learning. 

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx  

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The assignment / project / report must achieve a minimum mark of 50% to achieve a pass. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of the same assignment based on formative feedback. One resubmission-allowed, capped at 50%. Resubmission periods will be advised by the Examinations Manager following the relevant Programme Examiner’s Meeting.  

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

The cost of textbooks and study aids for apprentices are met by the University of Reading as per the Education and Skills Funding Agency Regulations. 

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT’S CONTRACT. 

Last updated: 30 March 2023