The transition to undergraduate study can be extremely challenging as students are expected to acquire a considerable new skill set, whilst also studying demanding material. The Study Skills module aims to support students through this transition by introducing them to new skills (such as identifying and referencing literature and different writing styles) and major pitfalls (such as plagiarism) in a supportive environment. Study Skills is not delivered in abstract from the rest of the degree; assignments and discussions will relate directly to the modules studied during the first year. Moreover, Study Skills will provide a setting within which the common threads, between relatively discrete modules, can be brought together.

The module will be delivered through small group tutorial sessions, providing an opportunity for guided peer-to-peer discussions and will be assessed via a deliberately broad range of student assignments, giving students an opportunity to develop a range of writing / communication styles:

Students should be able to illustrate key academic writing techniques by demonstrating an awareness of different sources of reference material, including books, academic journals, policy reports and newspapers through tutorial and written work.

Students should be able to avoid major pitfalls in academic writing such as plagiarism by using the Harvard referencing style in their written work

Students should be able to explain similarities and differences between different writing styles, including; essays, reports, book reviews and abstracts through tutorial discussions

Students should be able todiscuss key concepts and debates in Human Geography by through tutorial discussions

Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of key academic writing techniquesby through writing an essay

Students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of a key debate in human geography through a group presentation

Introductory lecture

Workshop and presentations

Small group seminars (c. 5 students per group). This will facilitate collegiate discussions and support

• Group discussions and debating skills
• Presentation skills
• Essay writing skills
• Develop good academic writing skills such as:
• Literature searches for different source materials; referencing; paraphrasing; annotation; note taking; avoiding plagiarism
• Critically reviewing material and writing a book review

• The purpose of Study Skills tutorials; Introduction to the tutorial handbook (tutorial dates, subjects, assessment); Using library search engines to identify literature
• Critical reading: what is the author saying?
• Critical reading: how does the author structure their argument?
• Critical reading: How do authors legitimate their arguments?
• Exam Skills: revising and doing university exams
• Advanced literature search
• Critically summarising text: abstract and key words
• Critically summarising text: Book review
• Presentations: conveying complex ideas through words and pictures
• Workshop: Guidance session for group presentations including power-point skills

Becker, L., (2010) 14 days to exam success, (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230249108 | ISBN-13:978-0230249103

Clark, G., and Wareham, T. (2002) Geography at University: Making the Most of Your Geography Degree and Courses (SAGE Study Skills Series) ISBN-10:0761940251 | ISBN-13:978-0761940258

Copus, J (2009) Brilliant Writing Tips for Students (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230220029 | ISBN-13:978-0230220027

Godfrey, J (2010) Reading and making notes (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:023024758X | ISBN-13:978-0230247581

Godfrey, J., (2011) Writing for University (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230291201 | ISBN-13:978-0230291201

Godwin, J (2009) Planning your Essay – (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230220673 | ISBN-13:978-0230220676

 Hartley, P. and Dawson, M., (2010) Success in Group work, (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230272304 | ISBN-13:978-0230272309

 Lewis, R. (1999) How to write essays London: Collins Educational

Pears, R., and Shields, G. (2008) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide Newcastle Upon Tyne: Pear Tree Books

Neville, C. (2010) The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism Maidenhead: Open University

Soles, D  (2005) The Academic Essay: How to Plan, Draft, Write and Edit, In-Focus - a Studymates Series, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset, UK. 2^nd edition. ISBN-10:1842850652 | ISBN-13:978-1842850657

Stott, R., Young, T. and Bryan, C (2001) Speaking your mind: oral presentation and seminar skills New York: Longman

Van Emden, J., & Becker, L., (2010) Presentation Skills for Students (Palgrave Study Skills) Palgrave Macmillan, 2^nd Edition. ISBN-10:0230243045 | ISBN-13:978-0230243040

Williams, K, & Reid, M., (2011) Time management, (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230299601 | ISBN-13:978-0230299603

Williams, K. (2009) Getting Critical (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230584764 | ISBN-13:978-0230584761

Williams, K., and Carroll, J., (2009) Referencing and Understanding Plagiarism, (Pocket Study Skills), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN-10:0230574793 | ISBN-13:978-0230574793