Shaping the Professional1 is the first of four personal professional development modules that you will complete within the programme which are part of Shaping the Professional Theme. Designed specifically for level 4, this 15-credit module spans both semesters within the first year of study.
Semester 1 will focus on supporting the effective transition to university. The skills required for successful, self-directed, adult learning will be addressed. Through a series of interactive workshops, students will be guided to access and navigate the online resources and academic support available. Strategies for managing stress and for building resilience will be explored within interprofessional tutorial groups. This shared learning experience also provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of the roles of other healthcare professionals and introduce the importance of diversity and inclusion within practice.
In semester 2 the concept of ‘professionalism’ will be explored with reference to professional standards and registration. A specific focus on professional communication incorporates practical opportunities to develop communication strategies through interactions with peers, actors and service users. A one-week “orientation to clinical practice” placement draws the themes of the module together, enabling students to engage in, observe and reflect on professional interactions within practice settings.
As part of this module students receive pastoral support from an academic advisor, in line with the School of Health Sciences Academic Advisor system. Working in partnership, the tutor and student will periodically evaluate academic progress and devise personal development action plans. Using an E-Portfolio toolkit you will be shown how to:
plan and prepare for learning,
record and reflect on their learning experiences,
collect and curate evidence of their development.