Skills for University-Level Learning
The Masterclasses give students a practical introduction to the ways they will read, write, listen, speak and conduct research at university. Each strand supports their specialist subject pathway and builds confidence through active participation.
Academic Reading & Writing
Strengthen academic arguments, use appropriate hedging language and develop effective note-making and note-taking strategies.
Academic Listening & Speaking
Build confidence through university-style lectures, seminars, collaborative discussion and respectful academic debate.
Research & Presentation
Choose a research question, investigate evidence, analyse findings and present conclusions through a research poster.
Academic Reading & Writing
Students learn how academic language, critical thinking and effective note-making work together. Activities are connected to live teaching and further reading so that students can apply each technique in context.
Hedging Language
Identify and use hedging language to make appropriately measured academic claims and communicate research findings effectively.
Academic Arguments
Use critical thinking to build stronger arguments, assess the strength of a claim and choose language that reflects the evidence.
Note-Making Strategies
Compare different approaches to organising information and create useful notes from academic reading.
Lecture Note-Taking
Listen for key information and main ideas during a live university-style lecture, then organise notes for later use.
Research Reading
Apply reading and note-making strategies to further research connected with a chosen specialist subject.
Academic Listening & Speaking
Through lectures and seminars, students practise the communication skills expected in university learning. They learn to listen closely, contribute thoughtfully and discuss different viewpoints with confidence and respect.
University-Style Seminars
Explore a topic in depth while developing communication, analysis and critical-thinking skills.
Collaborative Discussion
Take part in student-driven discussion, share ideas clearly and respond constructively to other perspectives.
Academic Debate
Defend a position with evidence while debating with respect, emotional intelligence and an open mind.
Academic Listening
Experience a university-style lecture and practise identifying key information, main ideas and supporting detail.
Further Study Skills
Students complete an independent research project connected to their specialist subject pathway. They begin by choosing a focused research question and deciding on an appropriate method and strategy.
They then conduct research, analyse their findings and draw evidence-based conclusions. Along the way, they make meaningful connections between Masterclass topics and their wider academic work.
Students learn how to
- Choose a focused research question
- Select an appropriate research method
- Conduct and organise independent research
- Analyse findings and draw conclusions
- Connect research with their specialist subject
- Design a clear research poster
Masterclass Showcase
The final Masterclass session concludes with a university-style research poster presentation. Students showcase their findings, discuss their research and respond to questions from invited guests.
The Showcase brings together the academic, communication and presentation skills developed throughout the programme.
Research Poster
Present a carefully designed poster that communicates the research question, method, findings and conclusions.
Explain Findings
Summarise complex ideas clearly and show how the evidence supports the conclusions reached.
Answer Questions
Respond thoughtfully to questions from invited guests and discuss decisions made during the research process.
Visual Communication
Use structure, design and attention to detail to make research accessible and engaging.
Presentation Confidence
Apply academic speaking skills in a supportive university-style presentation setting.