Top-Up programme EDUC1090

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Education
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

The Top-Up programme is a preparation course for Higher Education that is designed for students who are currently applying for, or considering applying for, higher education courses.

Timetable

The timetable consists of 1 x 1hr UCAS workshop, 1 x 1 hr Top-Up Workshop/Talk, 10x1hr in-school taught classes/tutorials and one 6hr visit to campus which includes participation in a seminar and lecture.

Requirements of Entry

Participants must attend a Focus West target school or Local Authority selected state-school, be in S5 or S6 and intending to apply to University. See the following webpage for more information on participating schools - http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/wideningparticipation/programmesummary/targetschools/#/ 

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

n/a

Assessment

Assessment is conducted using the following methods -

Submission of an essay which illustrates an understanding of the question and presents a range of arguments with supporting evidence which is properly referenced - 45% weighting

A student's preparation before and the quality of argument and contribution to the group discussion during a seminar - 40% weighting

A student's overall ability, understanding and motivation over the course is recorded by course tutors during taught classes and this is supplemented by a reflective account - 15% weighting

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

Reassessment is not available for summative assessments.

Course Aims

The Top-Up programme aims to raise aspiration and prepare applicants' for the transition to, and success in Higher Education (HE) or College by:

■ Equipping participants with the essential learning skills required to become successful independent learners

■ Providing opportunities and experiences to develop and apply key skills learned through a range of academic tasks

■ To provide an access route into HE or Further Education via admissions progression agreements HEI's across Scotland.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

■ Develop an understanding of the UCAS application process, and conduct independent research regarding HE, course options and career pathways.

■ Apply a range of note-taking strategies and recognise the importance of summarising and identifying key ideas and related issues in an academic lecture environment

■ Conduct independent research from a range of source materials to inform understanding of an academic topic/subject of choice

■ Critically evaluate source materials in preparation for taking part in a seminar/tutorial and for writing an academic essay

■ Confidently present on a given subject, using evidence based arguments, during a group discussion in an academic seminar environment

■ Understand and apply the rules and conventions of academic writing: employing a referencing system; presentation and structure; and grammar and syntax

■ Convey your research on your chosen topic/subject in a piece of academic writing which adheres to HE standards in terms of its critical approach and use of supporting evidence

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.