Developing Skills in Academic Writing

Course overview

This short course is designed to help learners build the core academic writing skills needed for successful study at college. Whether you are returning to education, progressing to a higher-level qualification, or simply wanting to feel more confident in your writing, this course provides clear guidance, practical strategies, and personalised support.

What you will learn

Across four focused sessions, you will develop the key building blocks of effective academic writing, including:

1. Effective Study Skills

Learn how to organise your time, manage workload, take clear notes, set goals, and create a study environment that supports independent learning.

2. Foundations of Academic Writing and Referencing

Develop confidence with academic conventions, writing clearly in your own words, structuring paragraphs, and using referencing to acknowledge sources and avoid plagiarism.

3. Understanding Critical Evaluation

Build the skills to read academic texts with purpose, identify strengths and weaknesses, evaluate evidence, and make informed judgements.

4. Understanding Critical Analysis

Learn how to move beyond description by analysing ideas, linking concepts, exploring relationships, and presenting well-reasoned arguments.

Every session will be easy to understand and follow, with clear explanations and supportive activities that help you build confidence step by step.

Placement information

• There is no placement requirement for this course.

How the course is assessed

• There is no assessment requirement in this course. Instead, you’ll be encouraged to use personal tools—such as notes, reflection prompts, and practice tasks—to apply the techniques and build a strong base of skills and information.

Number of days per week

• The course will run for 4 weeks, one session per week on a Tuesday evening, 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM.
• Starting on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, and continuing to Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
• The course is fully online using Microsoft Teams.

Entry requirements

• No entry requirement. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

There will not be an interview for this course, so please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement. This helps us understand your goals, your background, and how we can best support you.

You may wish to include:

• What course are you hoping to join in August
  (e.g., HNC, or another programme)

• Whether you have studied at college before
  Mention any previous courses, even if you didn’t complete them.

• If you are leaving school or are an adult returner
  Tell us a little about your current situation and what has motivated you to study now.

Providing this information ensures we can place you on the right pathway and offer the correct level of support from the very beginning.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

What You Will Gain From This Course

As a student, you will gain a strong foundation in the academic skills that support success at college. By completing this short course, you will:

Build confidence in your academic writing
Develop the skills to write clearly, structure your ideas, and express yourself in an academic style.

Improve your study skills
Learn practical techniques for time management, organisation, note-taking, and assessment preparation.

Understand academic expectations
Become familiar with key terms, command words, referencing, and the standards expected at SCQF Level 7 and above.

Develop critical thinking abilities
Learn how to evaluate sources, question information, and begin to analyse ideas rather than simply describe them.

Gain tools you can use across all subjects
The skills taught in this course support every type of coursework—from essays and reports to presentations and research tasks.

Build a personal toolkit for independent learning
Create notes, study aids, and techniques you can continue to use throughout your studies.

Prepare for progression
Whether you’re moving from school to college, returning to education, or heading towards an HNC or above, this course helps you feel ready and supported.

Career options

Working in Childhood Practice can include a range of different settings with children and young people, including:

• nurseries
• after-school clubs
• schools
• playschemes
• playgroups
• youth clubs
• Primary school

Childhood Practice Career Growth

From 2025-2028, the number of people in childcare employment is forecast to grow by 3.1% (1,000 people) in the Childcare sector. (2.5% national average)

• This means, in total, 4,600 new staff will be needed to meet demand in this period.

Growth in the Childcare sector is forecast to continue, with an increase of 7.8% (2,600 people) over the long term (2028-2035). (4% national average)

• In total, 11,300 new staff will be needed to meet demand in this longer-term period.

• Sectoral Skills Assessment Childcare 2025