BA Professional Studies

Year 1

(Award available for year: Certificate of Higher Educ)

Learning outcomes

Level 1 On completion of level 1 students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
1. The key concepts, theories, academic and professional perspectives which have been drawn upon to examine contemporary social issues such as equality, diversity, identity and oppression; health and society; employability and the changing world of work
2. The initial principles of how to apply theory to real world issues to start constructing own analysis of contemporary issues, case studies and cultural texts
3. Ethical issues in academic research and in academic and professional contexts

Skills Learning Outcomes
They will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Reflect on their own personal and professional development and start to develop action planning skills
2. Start putting their own experience and knowledge into an academic context and to understand how their life experience can impact upon and help them contribute to relevant academic discussions
3. Develop a structured argument supported by academic research
4. Articulate an initial understanding of what social research involves and how to start engaging with different kinds of research and research methodologies, including becoming aware of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods
5. Demonstrate an initial understanding of what constitutes reliable research evidence which will involve starting to learn how to evaluate different academic standpoints and research outcomes.

Transferable (key) skills

On completion of level 1 they will be able to:
1. Communicate information, understanding, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms including written, verbal and visual; this will include a consideration of different academic and professional audiences
2. Learn in a self-directed way and in collaboration with others
3. Undertake the digital skills needed to engage with university study
4. Start to identify own areas of interest based on contemporary social issues, to then engage in creative problem-solving

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include opportunities to:
- produce a variety of written, verbal and visual work which is informed by the analysis of contemporary issues, case studies and cultural texts, by academic research and theory, and by professional practice
- undertake self-reflection and action planning, informed by reflective models and professional careers and skills guidance
- work with others and develop team working skills
- develop digital skills to engage in academic study
- learn to identify their own areas of interest and expand understanding of them through research
- connect life and work experience to academic research