Study Skills for Professional Practice
Key facts
Course code
CPD6007
Start dates
September 2027
Application deadline
1st August 2027
Location
Course length
Part time: One semester
School(s)
Academic level
6
Academic credits
15
More details
Applicants must be qualified healthcare professionals with at least one year of relevant clinical experience.
Overview
This module is designed to help you develop the academic and study skills needed for successful higher-level study and ongoing professional development. You will build a strong foundation for future academic learning by strengthening your core study skills, numeracy, digital literacy, critical thinking, and academic writing.
Throughout the module, you will explore contemporary approaches to learning, including the effective use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to support your learning and communication. You will develop your ability to find, appraise, and apply evidence to professional practice, critically analyse healthcare practice, communicate evidence effectively, and use data to inform decision-making in healthcare settings.
Learning activities are grounded in practical healthcare contexts, enabling you to apply your knowledge and skills to your current role and future career development.
How to apply
Entry requirements
You must be a qualified health care professional with a minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience.
This course is not available to international students who require a student sponsor to study in the UK.
Terms and conditions of enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Apply through our Moodle Portal.
You will need to register for the portal prior to proceeding with an application.
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods, please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds, please visit our Refund policy page
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
The module is delivered through face to face seminars focused on key study skills topics, supported by relevant specialist experts and opportunities for peer learning. Students undertake both structured teaching and independent learning activities. Directed and independent study materials are provided through the University's Virtual Learning Environment.
Teaching materials are designed to support inclusive learning and help you apply your learning to your own professional context.
Assessment consists of three components which must all be passed in order to pass the module.
Learning and teaching
All classes are delivered at Headington Campus during Semester 1.
Students learn through taught seminars (28 hours), guided activities (2 hours) and independent study (80 hours). Module staff and specialist experts facilitate learning and assessment preparation. Learning materials are available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle).
Topics Covered
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Time management and study planning
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Digital study skills
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Ethical use of generative AI
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Finding and evaluating evidence
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Critical appraisal of evidence
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Critical thinking and academic writing
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Critical reading and analysis
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Referencing and use of sources
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Integrating evidence into academic work
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Numerical and statistical skills
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Interpretation of research data
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Presentation of results
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Communicating evidence
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Presentation design
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Communication with different audiences
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment 1:
Interactive Computer Marked Maths Test. Assesses students' ability to apply numeracy skills to practice-based calculations using digital assessment tools. Weighting: 10%
Assessment 2:
Descriptive Statistics Summarise Evidence (200 words). Assesses students' ability to summarise, interpret and present evidence using descriptive statistical techniques. Weighting: 10%
Assessment 3:
Critical Analysis of an Area of Practice (1,700 words). Assesses students' ability to critically analyse practice, evaluate evidence and apply AI responsibly within academic enquiry. Weighting: 80% .
Students must pass all three assessment components to pass the module. All assessments are coursework-based and undertaken in class.
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.
Careers and professional development
This module supports the development of academic literacy, digital and information literacy, research literacy and critical thinking skills required for higher-level study and continuing professional development. Students develop transferable skills in evidence appraisal, academic communication, data interpretation and the responsible use of digital technologies and AI.
The module is intended to prepare healthcare professionals for future Level 6 and Level 7 study and support evidence-informed professional practice.
This module forms a compulsory part of the BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up) programme.