Postgraduate Module Descriptor


EFPM900: The Contemporary Academic in Context

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of academic practice and its political and social contexts following the professional values of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for teaching and supporting learning, and the Academic Professional Apprenticeship standard. Its purpose is to support you in building on your existing skills and knowledge in order to become effective academics and professionals operating in your departments, in the university and in the national and international context. It is intended to enhance your confidence and effectiveness through reflection on your own practice, informed by research, scholarship and professional development, and to enable you to thrive within a research-intensive university such as the University of Exeter.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Analyse the wider context (policy, economic, societal, technological, legal, cultural and environmental) in which higher education operates, and recognise the implications for professional practice.
2. Employ and adapt design and delivery methods to support a range of needs for a variety of audiences and stakeholders, including students, colleagues, and funding bodies.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Analyse, synthesise and use critical thinking in the conduct of research and/or scholarship in academic practice.
4. Explore innovative approaches to undertaking your work to create interest, understanding and enthusiasm among your students, funders and/or stakeholders.
Personal and Key Skills5. Implement the principles and methods of critically reflective practice and evidence-informed approaches to enhance your own professional development and academic practice.
6. Network confidently and effectively, and share ideas and evidence with students, peers, policy makers and private and public organisations (through a variety of channels including conferences, publications and teaching).
7. Commit to, and manage your own, continuing professional development (CPD) in your subject discipline and pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and professional practices.