Preparing for University (FutureLearn)

Preparing for University (FutureLearn)

Build the academic skills you need for learning at university and ease your transition from school learning to higher education. Develop writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills for university study. Learning at a university level requires enhanced critical thinking skills, as well as being able to hold a supported, substantive argument and critically analyse sources or data.

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On this course, you’ll build the foundations of these skills, so that you can prepare yourself for the challenges of this new learning environment.
You’ll hear from university lecturers on what they value in students and get advice on the more difficult aspects of learning at university.
At the end of each week, you’ll receive a summary of key skills, which you’ll find useful to refer back to as you start your university journey.

Syllabus

Week 1: Asking questions
Week 2: Independent study
Week 3: Structuring Writing
Week 4: Persuasive writing
Week 5: Textual analysis
Week 6: The power of data
Week 7: Academic currency
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Understand the skills needed to do well at university
  • Practice the key skills required for success at university
  • Understand what lecturers value in their students, and what skills their students excel at and struggle with
  • Locate top tips for coping with the university learning environment
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