This module is intended to replace EF6001, which provides language support at Proficiency Level for students on the MA TESOL programme whose L1 is not English. This modification requires broadening EF6001 to offer support to all international students undertaking PG programmes with the aim of enabling students to adapt better to their new learning environment. The University's strategic goal is to increase the number of International students coming to UL and the number of UL students who have an overseas experience as part of their degree. With an increase in international students comes a new set of challenges such as different educational structures, teaching and learning styles, as well as social and cultural differences. This module is intended to assist international students undertaking PG Programmes with the aim of enabling students to adapt better to their new learning environment. In order to ensure that the transition from their home system to UL is as smooth as possible and the student's maximum academic and social potential is met, this module aims to: • Equip International students with the practical skills necessary to succeed in UL • Enable International students to become critical thinkers and researchers • Equip International students with the written and oral communication skills necessary to participate effectively in the academic community • Encourage students to become autonomous/independent learners • Enhance the learning experience of students

There are many challenges facing International students (culture shock, language shock and academic shock), and this module offers strategies for managing this experience and for providing a rich and engaging learning environment for such students. This module will raise students' awareness of the academic support systems, cultures, and protocols within UL; provide students with information sourcing and management skills; and provide students with strategies for successful integration and learning in UL. This module will also offer practice in skills such as academic reading (reading methods; reading abstracts; fact versus opinion; critical thinking; assessing internet sources critically), writing (the planning process; analysing titles; brainstorming; outlining) and presenting (learning and practising how to write an outline of a project presentation; learning how to give an oral presentation of a research paper by using PowerPoint (or other software). Proposed Content: 1 x 12 hour Pre-Sessional Block - Session 1: Academic Support Systems and Cultures - Session 2: Information Sourcing - Session 3: Information Management - Session 4: Academic Protocols (Plagiarism) - Session 5: How to Become a Successful Learner 1 x 12 hour Training (Weeks 3-8) - Weeks 3&4: Academic Reading Skills - Weeks 5&6: Presenting Skills - Weeks 7&8: Introduction to the Research Project

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: • Identify and apply the ancillary supports with regard to Sulis, academic support centres, library and ITD • Demonstrate effective information management skills and the ability to identify, select, evaluate and analyse information from a number of sources, including the library and online resources • Manage the learning process more independently and effectively while demonstrating the ability to keep to deadlines • Critically evaluate research and decide upon the appropriate types of evidence to be used in their discipline • Develop effective reading, selecting and note-taking skills, and interpret and analyse texts through an established process of close reading • Apply the necessary study skills and confidence in the writing of assignments, exam answers, presentations, project work and thesis writing • Demonstrate and practise the skills of academic reading, analysing concepts and independent thinking

• Participate in project and group work within the classroom • Value the UL academic and support structure • Integrate into the campus community • Illustrate cross cultural awareness within and outside the classroom

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Through a series of lectures, and tutorials, delivered by experts in each of the respective literacies, namely academic and support systems in UL, and academic study skills, students will develop core academic literacies necessary to succeed in UL. Equipped with such skills, the overall learning experience of students will be enriched. Graduate attributes of critical thinking and collaboration will be enhanced; students will be encouraged to proactive in their approach to their studies, and in their areas of research; and students will be given the necessary skills and strategies to coherently articulate themselves in both verbal and written English.