Academic Skills Connections: Final year - fly through your finals

To be a successful graduate you must be able to demonstrate an indepth and up-to-date knowledge of your subject area. You will also develop advanced problem solving and analytical skills which can be adapted to different situations. In order to do this you will need to:-

1. Your learning and development - recognise and understand the specific skills required in your chosen field
2. Your research for your assignments - focus your research skills in order to support your solutions/assignments more effectively by using a wide range of resources
3. Your assignments: communicating effectively - communicate complex information in a structured, critical, reflective and creative way

Recognise and understand the specific skills required in your chosen field

Academic skills are also referred to as employability or transferable skills so in your final year you need to ensure that you have gained the relevant skills a future employer will be looking for.  Look back over your course and pick out the different skills you have developed whilst at university.  For example, when undertaking group work you may have developed your ability to negotiate, organise, take minutes and present.

Focus your research skills in order to support your solutions/assignments more effectively by using a wide range of resources

Use your projects, assignments, reports and dissertations to demonstrate your research skills, with the aim of leaving university with a good degree and proving you are ready for employment or further study. 

Communicate complex information in a structured, critical, reflective and creative way

In the final year of your degree you should have identified the strengths and weaknesses in your communication skills, both written and verbal.  These skills are highly sought after by employers and the grades you receive will be an indication of how well you are developing.  The ASK team can help you to interpret your tutor's feedback to improve in these areas.  Please access our support sooner rather than later if you want to make a difference to your final grade. 

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