BA Professional Studies

Year 3

(Award available for year: Bachelor of Arts)

Learning outcomes

On completion of level 3 students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
1. How to engage critically and strategically with the key concepts, theories, academic and professional perspectives which have been drawn upon to examine contemporary social issues such as leadership; community development; creative approaches to addressing contemporary issues and opportunities within urban communities and; communication, technology and new media
2. How to synthesise a range of theoretical approaches and academic perspectives appropriate to the development of their own contribution to discussions of contemporary issues and to academic knowledge
3. How to undertake evaluation, reflection and practical application of ethical principles in academic research and in academic and professional contexts

Skills Learning Outcomes
They will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Apply reflective understanding of their own personal and professional development to undertake strategic planning and creative work
2. Develop a structured, coherent and critical argument which involves integrated interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to consider an issue holistically, supported by academic research
3. Undertake an extended research project which shows a critical, applied understanding of appropriate research design, through engaging with suitable research methodologies, and current academic research
4. Critically engage with an appropriate range of research sources within the development of the extended research project

Competence Standards
1. Communicate complex information, understanding, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms including written, verbal and visual and including a researched and strategic consideration of different academic and professional audiences
2. Develop flexibility and adaptability in relation to the ever-changing digital landscape in order to use digital platforms effectively in academic and professional contexts
3. Critically engage with their own areas of specialism based on contemporary social issues, to then engage in creative problem-solving and planning about future professional development
4. Undertake an extended project which shows a critical, applied understanding of appropriate research design and/or creative/professional practice, through engaging with suitable research methodologies or creative/professional frameworks, and current academic research and/or creative/professional frameworks
5. Demonstrate skills in critically evaluating theoretical, academic and professional perspectives in relation to contemporary social issues
6. Engage in self-directed and collaborative learning when appropriate

Transferable (key) skills

On completion of level 3 students will be able to:
1. Communicate complex information, understanding, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms including written, verbal and visual and including a researched and strategic consideration of different academic and professional audiences
2. Use initiative to engage in self-directed and collaborative learning when appropriate
3. Develop flexibility, adaptability and resilience in relation to the ever-changing digital landscape in order to use digital platforms effectively in academic and professional contexts
4. Critically engage with their own areas of specialism based on contemporary social issues, to then engage in creative problem-solving and planning about future professional development

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, which involves strategic thinking and an awareness of different academic and professional contexts
- provide and learn from peer feedback and be an active and responsive participant within a learning community
- develop resilience, adaptability and flexibility when using different digital platforms to produce academic work and potentially develop a resource responding to real world issues
- produce an extended piece of research about a chosen area of interest
- plan for future and consider how to get involved in personal, professional and social change