Module Directory

This module supports foundation-year students in developing the academic, research and communication practices required for successful study in business related subjects. Students will explore contemporary issues affecting businesses, consumers, markets, organisations and economies, using these topics as a basis for developing confidence in academic writing, source evaluation, evidence-based argument, academic integrity, collaborative learning and reflective practice.

The module introduces students to university-level inquiry by helping them ask focused questions, locate and evaluate credible sources, use evidence ethically, communicate ideas clearly, and interpret visual data such as graphs and tables. Students will engage with subject-specific materials relevant to their chosen degrees, including academic texts, business and economics case studies, market and policy reports, data sources, and contemporary media examples.

The aims of this module are:

• To develop students’ ability to communicate effectively, in both written and spoken language, in a range of academic, business, and research-informed formal settings.


• To develop students’ basic research skills, supporting the development of a critical approach to source materials and appropriate use of sources as supporting evidence.


• To encourage independent learning strategies and develop students’ confidence to make judgments and be evaluative.


• To equip students with appropriate and effective academic language and University level study skills applicable to their various disciplines.

By the end of this module a student will be expected to be able to:

1. Develop time management strategies, employ self-directed learning and show an ability to reflect on one’s own goals and progress to support continuous improvement.


2. Apply search skills when using the University library resources and internet search engines to find relevant and appropriate sources to inform academic work.


3. Develop a focused topic or research question and use selected sources to support a clear, structured and appropriately referenced academic response.


4. Produce written academic work which communicates ideas, information and arguments with clarity, is well-structured and context relevant, and integrates students’ own ideas with those of academic and professional sources.

Syllabus

Students will develop academic success skills through engagement with contemporary business and social issues. The module will introduce students to the practices of university-level inquiry, supporting them to become more confident, independent and research-informed learners.

Indicative areas of study include:

• Becoming a university researcher: understanding assessment expectations, academic standards and how university work differs from school or college work.


• From curiosity to research question: developing focused topics and research questions linked to contemporary business, consumer and social issues.


• Finding the evidence: searching for, selecting and evaluating academic, professional, media and data-based sources.


• Source detective work: judging credibility, bias, relevance and usefulness across different types of sources, including academic articles, reports, statistics, websites, news media and social media content as well as AI.


• Academic integrity and ethical evidence use: referencing accurately, avoiding plagiarism, using sources responsibly, and understanding the role of evidence in academic argument.


• Reading critically: identifying key arguments, evidence, assumptions and limitations in academic and professional sources.


• Comparing perspectives: recognising agreement, disagreement and debate between different sources and viewpoints.


• Reading business and society through data: understanding and interpreting visual data such as graphs, tables, charts, infographics and market statistics.


• Understanding how evidence can mislead: exploring misinformation, selective data use, misleading visuals, unreliable sources and unsupported claims.


• Building an evidence-based argument: using sources to develop clear, structured and well-supported academic writing.


• Writing for business-related disciplines: developing academic paragraphs, introductions, conclusions, signposting and appropriate academic style.


• Communicating research visually: presenting research findings through posters, visuals and concise academic communication.


• Using feedback to improve academic work: applying feedback to strengthen research focus, source use, writing, structure and visual communication.


• Working with others as researchers: developing collaborative learning, peer discussion and feedback skills through seminars and group activities.


• Preparing for undergraduate study: developing confidence, independence, planning strategies and research habits for progression to degree-level study.

Case studies and examples will be drawn from topics such as:

• Consumer behaviour, identity and everyday spending.


• Influencer culture, digital marketing and online trust.


• Artificial intelligence, automation and the future of work.


• The cost-of-living crisis and student financial decision-making.


• Sustainability, greenwashing and responsible business.


• Fast fashion, supply chains and ethical consumption.


• Global brands, local cultures and emerging markets.


• Inequality, social mobility and access to opportunity.


• Platform economies, gig work and digital entrepreneurship.


• Behavioural economics and decision-making in everyday life.


• Business responses to climate change and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.


• Data, evidence and misinformation in business and socio-political debates.

Sources will include academic texts, business case studies, market research, policy reports, statistical data, media sources, podcasts, documentaries and other relevant materials. Students will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of perspectives, including sources from the global South, to support a more inclusive and international understanding of business and economics.

Teaching and learning on this module offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competences to study at undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

The module will be delivered through a range of seminars, open access support sessions, and tutorials:

• AU and SU Terms: 2 x 2-hour seminars
• SP Term: 1 x 2-hour seminar and 1 x 2-hour group tutorial