Personal Effectiveness and Study Skills (Online Self-directed)
Study mode: You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Learning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally.
Duration: Part time: 12 weeks in duration requiring a weekly commitment of 3-4 hours
How: You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
This bridging/access award is designed for both school leavers transitioning from school to college or university, and adult returners looking to re-enter education. The course provides the upskilling needed to build confidence, develop academic skills, and support successful progression into Further and Higher Education opportunities in island communities and beyond.
Delivered fully online, the unit has been developed in HTML5 to a high showcase standard and includes weekly formative quizzes to help learners test their knowledge and track their progress throughout the course. Flexible tutor support is also available, making it an ideal and accessible bridging programme for a wide range of learners.
This access unit is designed to support young adults and adult learners returning to education after a period away from study, providing a supportive pathway into further learning. There are no formal entry requirements for these learners, ensuring the course remains accessible and inclusive.
The unit can also be used as a bridging programme for senior phase pupils preparing to progress from school into college or university, with no specific pre-entry requirements for this group either.
The course content is as follows:
- Digital Literacy
- Independent and Self-Directed Study
- Reading and Note Taking
- Academic Writing
- Group Work
- Presentations
- Using AI Responsibly
- Exam Skills
- Referencing
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Research and Evaluation
How will I study my course?
- Part Time
This single-unit course runs over 12 weeks and requires a weekly commitment of approximately 3–4 hours.
You will learn online through our virtual learning environment. Study is self-directed and you choose when to complete your work. You'll use our virtual learning environment to access resources complete assessments, and chat to your lecturer or classmates. Most 'online, anytime' courses will include some optional timetabled classes in a virtual classroom, which are recorded.
Fees
£90
Equipment
Students need access to a broadband internet-connected PC/laptop with a webcam and headset (or microphone and speakers).
What can I do on completion of my course?
This college-approved award consists of a single access unit designed to support learners seeking a route into further and higher education. It is particularly suited to young adults and adult learners returning to education, while also serving as an effective bridging unit for senior phase school pupils preparing to progress to college or university.
The course focuses on developing the key academic, digital and study skills needed to succeed beyond school, providing learners with the confidence and preparation required to advance into further or higher education.
Apply for Personal Effectiveness and Study Skills (Online Self-directed)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.