HEFC Study Skills (HE Tool Box) (I) Mon 11-12

HEFC Study Skills (HE Tool Box) (I) Mon 11-12 AAA0043

Is it for me?
The Toolbox is a compulsory unit of the HEFC Diploma, it is will prepare you with the necessary study skills to work successfully in Higher Education. The unit contains a mixture of activities and assignments to enable you to develop existing skills, knowledge and understanding in areas such as:

• Note-taking
• Academic writing for essay and report writing
• Reading and research techniques, learn how to concentrate
• Time management
• Successful presentations

HEFC Diplomas attract students from a wide variety of backgrounds and subject areas who want to go on to study for a higher education degree. The Diploma consists of 3 different HEFC units and the Toolbox. Passing the Diploma will give the candidate enough UCAS points to apply to higher education and guidance on applying to university will be given during the tutorial element of the Diploma.

What do I need to know?
The Diploma is a level 3 course and contains a high level of independent learning. You will carry out research, write reports and essays, deliver presentations and sit exams. Therefore you will need to have an interview and an initial assessment.
Depending on the results of your initial assessment you will either be offered a place on the Diploma or offered a place on other courses that will enable you to progress onto the Diploma. You will need to attain, in your initial assessment, level 2 in literacy and/or numeracy to enrol on the Diploma.
If you are studying (or are about to start) the HEFC Diploma, you should enrol on the Toolbox course.

What will I study?
The subjects covered in the Toolbox are study skills to enable you to study more independently when you start your higher education course.

• Note-taking
• Academic writing for essay and report writing
• Reading and research techniques, learn how to concentrate
• Time management
• Successful presentations

Where will I study?
Baltic Campus
You'll be based at our fantastic £39million Baltic campus on the quayside. The campus has a prime location on Gateshead quayside, and state-of-the-art facilities including a Jacuzzi, gym and sauna, a 200 seat theatre, state-of-the-art classrooms, training kitchen and restaurant, refectory, bistro and vending areas.

How will I be assessed?
You will create a portfolio of evidence to show that you are able to carry out specified tasks. Most of these tasks are done as part of your main HEFC units and so the only assessed work that is extra is the Reflective Diary and Study Action Plan, part of the evaluation assignment and preparing the portfolio:

• Assignment 1, 15% of marks, consisting of a Reflective Learning Diary and Study Action Plan, 1000 words
• Assignment 2, 20% of marks, consisting of a Presentation that is 15 minutes long
• Assignment 3, 25% of marks, consisting of a Research and Evaluation Assignment, 2000 words maximum
• Assignment 4, 40% of marks, consisting of an Integrated Assignment Report 2000 to 2500 words.

To pass you must:

• Complete all assignments
• Gain a pass mark of 40% for the unit
• Achieve 40% or over for at least three assignments and a minimum of 35% for one

How will I be taught?
The course will run for 1 hour per week for 30 weeks and will be a mixture of group and individual activities to build up your confidence in your skills. Most of the research and written elements of the course will be independently carried out.

Can I go onto further study?
The full HEFC Diploma is a full level 3 qualification which is accepted by universities and colleges as entry qualifications for degree level studies. See the UCAS website.

Financial information
We aim to make studying at college as easy and stress free as possible. We can offer you information, advice on guidance on the different loans, grants and financial assistance available. Visit our financial information pages for more information.

How do I apply?
You can drop in to our Baltic Campus to complete an application form.
An interview is required for this course.