PIM1: Advanced Academic Skills

Module code: PIM1

Module provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies

Credits: 0

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Kerry Goettlich, email: k.goettlich@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce new students, especially those studying in the UK for the first time, to the academic expectations associated with postgraduate study.  It will identify common challenges, suggest strategies for overcoming them, and facilitate the development of advanced study skills.  In particular, it will focus on the requirements for successful academic writing at postgraduate level.  It will also identify the key sources of support available to postgraduate students at the University of Reading. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Manage their time wisely 
2. Read strategically 
3. Use library resources effectively 
4. Understand how to approach essay-writing 

Module content

Topics covered include: 

• Time management 
• Strategic Reading 
• Library Resources 
• Essay-writing 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught in two two-hour seminars in the Autumn semester. 

Study hours

At least 4 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

There is no assessment on this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

There is no assessment on this module.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs