The Introduction to Academic Writing course is designed for those embarking on an academic course who wish to prepare for their assessments by working on the quality of their academic writing. All aspects of academic writing and assessment are covered, to ensure you start your studies with increased confidence.
Fantastic preparation for study in Higher Education, the 14-week course consists of different targeted topics to help you prepare for writing and assessment as part of a wide range of Higher Education courses. You will gain a solid grounding in the writing skills needed for university study, which includes looking at the fundamentals of good writing and a revision of basic overview of grammar and structure.
The course also covers a number of academic writing techniques and how to incorporate these into your own work. You will go beyond studying the main aspects of how to write, and go on to look at what to write, particularly in terms of how to present your argument.
You will explore a range of different writing approaches including reflective writing, how to improve analysis, and what makes a good essay. There are also sessions on related topics including ways to improve the quality of your reading and note taking. Time is also devoted on the importance of reading your feedback, and how to understand what your feedback means for the development of future writing.
Course highlights
- You will have access to online resources that enable you to complete weekly readings and tasks when suitable for you.
- You will have materials that make use of the latest AI technology and enable you to interact with the topics.
- You will receive guidance through the topics with a personal tone, accompanied by tailored podcasts.
- Boost your confidence and prepare for your next study steps in Higher Education.
Course breakdown
The 14-week course consists of several hours of writing, reading and interactive quizzes and tasks that can be completed at your own pace. You will receive access to an online app where all of the materials and assessments will be shared with you.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching is conducted through interactive weekly sessions containing recall and reinforcement of previous weeks’ topics and the introduction of new topics with frequent testing through quizzes and AI questions. Interactive questioning allows you to test your recall and understanding of how you can apply the techniques to your own writing and context.
The online nature of the course means that you can access the materials on an app, which means you can use different pieces of hardware at the times and locations that suit you. You will receive guidance on how to access the course.
Assessment methods
Two assessments are completed. The first is halfway through the course and is an informal assessment to practice some of the techniques already covered. The second is at the end of the course and is a formal assessment that will determine whether you have passed the course.
Both assessments are written tasks fully supported with resources and are assessed at Level 4, which is the entry level for Higher Education.
You receive all the course materials you need to complete the course and will be given access to additional materials if you wish to look at some areas in greater detail.
After your course
Students who complete this course have found that they have a higher level of confidence about starting their new academic course and about embarking on a new set of assessments.
As you will develop your formal writing, this enhanced skill can be added to your CV and will help you not only with your future study, but also with your work.
The programme aims to reinforce good academic writing practice and gives students a chance to review and develop the skills needed for engagement with an academic course in HE. The course aims to provide a strong writing foundation for degree courses that may help to stay on the course and improve your academic attainment.
- Future courses in Higher Education
- Teaching
- Careers that require the compilation of written reports and documents.
The course can help you to develop the following skills:
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Acting on feedback
- Presenting your argument.
Entry requirements
No prior qualifications are required.
Completing this course is also a pathway to applying for the BA (Hons) in Primary Education (GCSE English, Maths and Science are required for QTS, however these can be completed during or after the degree course) and the BA (Hons) in Secondary Education (Maths and SEND) (GCSE English and Maths are required for QTS, however these can be completed during or after the degree course).
Start dates
- 15 September 2025: Students for BA (Hons) in Primary Education
- 12 January 2026: Students for BA (Hons) in Secondary Education (Maths and SEND) and BA (Hons) in Primary Education
- 11 May 2026: General cohort
Looking to apply for BA Primary Education or BA Secondary Education? Note that the application deadline is May 2026.
Fees
Cost: £480 (including VAT)
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