Reading, Writing and Research Skills for University Students

Unlock Academic Success: Essential Reading, Writing & Research Skills

Are you starting a new degree and feeling unprepared for university assessments? University assignments often involve in-depth research and writing – skills you may not have been explicitly taught. This course equips you with the crucial skills needed to confidently tackle essays and empirical research projects, ensuring you complete your work efficiently and effectively.

Who is this course for?

This course is beneficial for students at all levels, offering a valuable refresher on the core requirements of both essay writing and empirical research.

• Scientists: Particularly those who don't regularly write essays will gain the most from Sections 1, 3, 4, and 5. Section 2 provides useful paragraph structuring tips.
• Essay-Focused Students: Sections 1, 2, and 5 are most relevant. Section 3, covering elements of empirical studies similar to essays, is also highly beneficial.
• Social Scientists: Benefit from exploring methodological approaches, potentially sparking fresh insights.
• Anyone seeking to improve their research and writing abilities.

What will you learn?

This course covers the fundamental skills for successful academic work:

• Efficient Reading Techniques: Master strategies for quickly and effectively absorbing information from various texts.
• Effective Note-Taking: Learn proven methods for capturing key information during reading and research.
• Source Finding & Evaluation: Discover how to locate reliable sources and assess their credibility.
• Essay Structure & Construction: Develop a clear understanding of essay organization and paragraph development.
• Empirical Research Writing: Learn to structure the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion of an empirical study.
• Referencing & Citation: Understand the difference between bibliographies and reference lists, and master various referencing styles (e.g., footnotes, endnotes, APA, MLA).
• Appendix Creation: Learn what information to include in an appendix.

Course Format:

This interactive course features:

• Narrated Slideshows: Information is delivered through engaging, visually-rich slideshows with relevant images.
• Video Transcripts: Access transcripts for each video to aid comprehension and improve spelling.
• Interactive Activities: Reinforce learning with activities throughout each section.
• Multiple Choice Quizzes: Test your understanding after each section.
• "Mai's Round-Up": Gain insights and summaries from a fictional former student.
• Additional Resources: Explore further topics of interest in the additional resources section.
• Discussion Group: Connect with fellow learners to discuss concepts and ideas.

About the Instructor:

Drawing on a lifelong passion for education and extensive academic experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge to this course. With 8 GCSEs, 6 A Levels, 4 degrees, and numerous short courses, I've taught students worldwide, from undergraduates to PhD candidates. I've presented research at national and international conferences and completed my PhD in eighteenth-century literature in under 3 years. My background includes managing transferable skills courses at the University of Warwick, focusing on note-taking, reading techniques, and critical thinking. I'm dedicated to providing you with the reading, writing, and research skills you need to excel in your chosen academic program.