ACADEMIC YEAR 2021/22

ASSESSMENT BRIEF: Coursework: Essay

Module Code: UMCDQ3-15-3

Module Title: ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Submission Deadline: 7th of December 2021 by 2pm

Assessment Component B

Assessment Weighting: 75 per cent of total module mark

The Brief

The portfolio is divided into two parts. In Part A (1500 words) you will complete two mini tasks, each
750 words. It will be an opportunity to practise what you have learned from the academic skills part
of the module.

 Task 1: A short literature review on graduate employability, critically evaluating relevant

contemporary issues.

 Task 2: A critical self-reflection, drawing on your experience and learning from the mock
presentation during week 4 and considering the implications for your own employability in
terms of strengths and weaknesses and career-readiness.

Part B (1500 words) focuses on your employability and is designed to help you develop the skills
needed to identify future opportunities in terms of employment, study etc., and to enable you to
apply for a graduate job or PG course. Your submission for Part B will comprise of three items:

● The relevant job advert or course description

● A CV and covering letter to accompany, tailored to suit the specific job advert you have
selected (or PG course you wish to apply for). Please anonymise your CV & Cover Letter.

● A detailed development plan showing what you will do to acquire any skills or professional
accreditation that might be required, and you feel should be strengthened.

Both Parts need to be submitted together, in a single word document via blackboard
Assignment Guidance.
Part A (70%)
Theory & Literature
70+ Clear and balanced
understanding of the topics
covered.
Excellent use of course
materials (not too much or
little) and clear evidence of
wider reading of academic
and trade press sources.
Will have conducted own
literature searches.
60 – 69 Shows evidence of reading
and an ability to draw on
this to construct a generally
convincing report.
Understands the cited
material.
Good use of course
materials and some
evidence of wider reading
of academic sources.
Will have conducted own
literature searches.
50 – 59 Some evidence of reading
although not always used
effectively and/or wider
reading needed.
Evidence of reflection and
analysis of strengths &
weakness for graduate role
Specific examples used to
produce a highly focused and
insightful reflection, learning
and future action.
Examples are well-chosen yet
concise. Not too much
description.
Very good balance between
theory and practice
Clearly and explicitly answers
the brief.
Specific examples used to
produce a focused reflection
and awareness/learning.
Examples are good and
generate understanding.
Good balance between
theory and practice, perhaps
could be more literature-
driven.
Answers the brief
competently.
There is evidence of some
questioning and standing
back. However the work is in
need of more in depth
analyses in places.
Evaluation of ‘desired’
graduate labour market &
needs of employers
Demonstrates excellent
understanding of the
graduate labour market and
the needs of employers in
relation to new graduates
Views and opinions are
clearly and consistently
supported/justified
Demonstrates understanding
but does not consistently
locate their discussion in
contemporary debates
Views and opinions are
readily expressed but not
consistently supported/
justified.
Relatively descriptive and
fails to consistently engage in
meaningful discussion of the
graduate labour market and
the needs of employers
Structure & Referencing
The report has a clear,
informative introduction
and discussion. Ideas are
marshalled coherently,
with arguments logically
progressed throughout
the piece.
Writing style is clear,
succinct and has an
appropriately academic
tone.
Referencing is complete,
accurate and follows the
Harvard protocol.
The report follows a clear
structure with an
introduction, main
arguments and
discussion. Occasionally
discussion is not
coherently linked
together.
Writing style is clear with
some grammatical errors
or non-academic habits.
There is an introduction
and concluding remarks
but there may be some
structural weaknesses,
for example, illogical
flow, limited signposting,
and the lack of a
 May use technical language
without showing full
understanding. Examples are good yet veer
toward description, and away
from integrating literature.
Predominantly core
materials, sometimes used
quite well but could go Balance between theory and
deeper into cited sources. practice leaning toward the
latter
Addresses the brief
satisfactorily.
40 – 49 Limited use of literature. Statements are largely a
Often sources were not descriptive account.
suitably academic. Examples are briefly
reviewed and not
consistently developed in
depth.
Uses technical language
but not showing full
understanding
Content and substance are
limited in places with little
evidence of any reflective
Uses mainly core materials and analytical skills.
without expanding much
Missing the point of the work
- could do more to address
the brief
35 – 39 Insufficient evidence of Mainly or purely descriptive
(margina reading and significant commentary with few and/or
l fail) errors in understanding. weak examples and limited
insights.
Broad reference to topics,
but very little clear Little or no evidence of
engagement with core or reflection or analysis.
extra materials.
Needs to more explicitly
address the brief.
< 34% Almost no evidence of No analysis or reflection with
reading and significant very poor, very few,
errors in understanding. irrelevant or no illustrations
or examples.
Numerous statements are
made without sufficient
justification or links to
relevant theories or
literature.
Includes an attempt to
answer the question set
however this is done in a
descriptive
In places there are unjustified
or sparse expression of views
and opinions with limited use
of relevant theories and
literature.
Fails to sufficiently address
the question set and does not
engage with detailed and
varied debate.
The views and opinions are
unsubstantiated with weak
and/or no support from
relevant theories and
literature.
Fails to address the question
set and does not engage with
detailed and varied debate.
coherent argument.
Referencing does not
always follow Harvard
style and/or there are
some inaccuracies.
Structure is muddled
and /or introduction and
conclusions have been
omitted or are
underdeveloped.
Writing style is generally
clear although contains
numerous errors and a
non-academic tone.
Referencing does not
follow Harvard style
and/or there are major
inaccuracies / omissions.
The work is not
presented in a suitable
format, and fails to
follow the advice given
around the structure of a
report.
The work is poorly
written and/or unclear
Major errors in
referencing.
The work is not
presented in a suitable
format, and fails to
follow the advice given
around the structure of a
 Very poor understanding of
the topics, and very little
evidence of engagement
with core or extra materials
Does not address the brief.
Part B (30%)
Mark CV
100 An excellent and extremely
well-developed CV, evidencing
relevant skills, knowledge and
experience to a very high
standard.
80 A very good and well-
developed CV, evidencing
relevant skills, knowledge and
experience to a high standard.
60 A good and reasonably
developed CV, evidencing
relevant skills, knowledge and
experience to a good standard
40 An adequately developed CV,
evidencing relevant skills,
knowledge and experience to a
pass standard.
20 An inadequately developed CV,
not evidencing relevant skills,
knowledge and experience to
an acceptable submission.
0 Incomplete or non-submission,
failing to completely meet the
required task
Formative Feedback and within Module Assignment Support
Formative feedback provides opportunities to reflect on your ongoing work and preparation for your
assignment. There will be specific sessions, both in the lecture and workshops, to help you with the
assignment. In addition, there will be dedicated drop-in sessions with the module leaders to provide
Unsupported views, opinions
and assertions are expressed
leading to poor judgements
Cover Letter
An excellent cover letter, fully
tailored to meet the role’s
requirements and demonstrate
the candidate’s suitability
A very good cover letter,
tailored to a very good
standard to meet the role’s
requirements and demonstrate
the candidate’s suitability
A good cover letter, tailored to
a good standard to meet the
role’s requirements and
demonstrate the candidate’s
suitability
An adequate cover letter,
tailored to a basic standard to
meet the role’s requirement
and demonstrate the
candidate’s suitability
An inadequate cover letter, not
tailored sufficiently to meet the
role’s requirements and
demonstrates the candidate’s
suitability
Incomplete or non-submission,
failing to completely meet the
required task
report.
The work is poorly
written and/or unclear
Major errors in
referencing.
PDP
An excellent PDP, with
extremely clear objectives,
specific action plan, resources
required and possible sources
for support, fully linked to the
role.
A very good PDP with quite
clear objectives, a sound action
plan, resources required and
sources of support, linked to
the role to a very good extent
A good PDP, with mostly clear
objectives, a reasonable action
plan, resources required and
sources of support, linked to
the role to a good extent
An adequate PDP, with
adequate objectives, an
acceptable action plan,
resources required and sources
of support, loosely linked with
the role
Inadequate PDP, lacking in
terms of specific objectives,
acceptable action plan,
resources required and sources
of support. Not linked with the
role.
Incomplete or non-submission,
failing to completely meet the
required task
you with additional support (these will be both face to face and online).

Format

All work should be word processed in 12 point font Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial and use 1.5
spacing.

Please use the following file format(s): .doc / .docx (please note that files submitted in formats
associated with Apple Mac computers are not able to be opened, and thus, not able to be marked. It
is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your coursework in the appropriate format)

Please ensure that you provide the following details on the first page of your coursework:

● Student ID Number

● Module Name and Code

● Word Count

Word Limit

● The word limit for part A is 1500 words with an additional 1500 words for Part B. There is
some flexibility in part B, but notionally each item should be 500 words.

● Word count includes everything in the main body of the essay (including headings, tables,
citations, quotes, lists, acronyms and numbers expressed as digits or in words. etc.)

● The reference/ bibliography pages and any Appendix at the end are excluded from the word
count.

● Appendices are not expected, if you do decide to use appendices remember these will NOT
be marked. The marker may or may not refer to the Appendices: do not depend upon
material contained in Appendices to develop the discussion in the main body of your essay.

You can view the UWE word count policy here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/policies

Referencing

Please ensure you adhere to the principles of good academic practice and ensure you use the UWE
Harvard system to reference your work. Failure to properly reference your work to original source
material can be grounds for the assessment offence of plagiarism and may result in failure of the
assessment or have more serious implications.

For further guidance on correct referencing go to:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/referencing.aspx

Details of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it can be found here:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/readingandwriting/plagiarism.aspx

For general guidance on how to avoid assessment offences see:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentoffences.aspx

Instructions for submission

You must submit your assignment before the stated deadline by electronic submission
through Blackboard. Notification that the electronic submission portal is open for your assignment is
displayed (usually two weeks before the submission date) in the Coursework tab in myUWE, the
Assignment Coursework tab in Blackboard and via an announcement in the Blackboard course.

Please allow enough time to upload your assignment, noting that the system becomes busier and
slower as the deadline approaches. Only your final upload will be counted. Ensure all your information
is submitted at one attempt to avoid ‘overwriting’ your intended submission. Always check and retain
your receipts.

Late submission in the 24 hours following the deadline will be accepted but the assignment mark will
be capped at 40%. Submissions after 24 hours will not be accepted. For full guidance on online
submission through Blackboard, see:

http://info.uwe.ac.uk/online/Blackboard/students/guides/assignments/default.asp

Submissions of coursework by any other method (including a paper copy, on disk or by email) are NOT
permissible for this module unless specifically agreed in advance of the submission date.

Before submitting your work, please ensure that:

● You have proof read you work thoroughly to ensure your work is presented appropriately
 ● You have addressed all the required elements of the assessment

● You have referenced in accordance with the guidance provided

● You have addressed each of the marking criterion

● The submission is in the correct format

Safe Assign

Make sure you submit your own work and do not plagiarise from other sources or students. All
modules within FBL have the option to use Safe Assign software. Safe Assign will compare you work
to those of other students (current and past) as well as other materials available on internet. UWE
will act if Safe Assign suggests your work includes material that is ‘copied’ from other sources.

Final feedback and marks release

Students will normally receive marks and feedback on their submission within 20 working days of the
submission deadline (not including any public holidays or closure days). Any delay in returning
students’ work will be communicated by the module leader via Blackboard. Your individual
submission will receive comments on your script and feedback on the marking scheme (see below).

Personal Circumstances

If you are experiencing difficulties in completing a piece of assessment on time due to unexpected
circumstances (for example illness, accident, bereavement), you should seek advice from a Student
Support Adviser at the earliest opportunity.

Please note the module leader cannot grant personal circumstances or extensions.

Appointments with a student adviser can be made via an Information Point or online at:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/studentadvisers.aspx

The Student Support Adviser will advise as to whether you should submit an application for ‘Personal
Circumstances (PCs)’, how to do so and what evidence is required to support the application.
 Further details on ECs can be found here:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/personalcircumstances.aspx

Additional guidance can be found at the following sites:

The Reflective Writing Workbook -
http://academicskills.uwe.ac.uk/general/workbooks/reflective-writing
Critical Thinking and Writing
-https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/readingandwriting/criticalthinking.a
spx
Communication Skills for International Students
-https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/englishlanguagesupport/communicationskillsw
orkshops.aspx

Guidance on study skills:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills.aspx

Support from the FBL Academic Success Centre:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/bl/bbs/aboutus/studentexperience/academicsupportcentre.aspx

Guidance on UWE assessment regulations and terminology:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessments/assessmentsguide.aspx

Guidance on using the library:

http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary.aspx

Begin your assignment planning as soon as possible and raise any resulting questions at the start
of each week’s seminar. Do not leave the assignment reading and planning until the last minute

Suggestions to improve your assignment

Online resources
 Improve structure How to plan and structure your writing

Adopt a report writing style Report writing

Be more reflective Reflective writing

Be more critical / evaluative How to write critically

Find more relevant references Further research skills / techniques

Enhance the literature review Literature reviews workbook

Use UWE Harvard more UWE Bristol Harvard

consistently

Improve written English English language support

Workshops for academic skills

Regular academic skills workshops are also available to help with these issues.

Titles include:

- How to make notes and read effectively

- How to plan and structure your writing

- How to put your reading into your writing

- How to get started with critical writing

- How to reference and avoid plagiarism

These are bookable through infohub, via the following link:

https://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/studyskillsevents.aspx

Communication Skills for International Students

These workshops are particularly useful if English is not your first language.

Titles include:

- Writing academic English

- Common grammatical errors

- Vocabulary for different subject areas

- Editing your own work

- Language for discussion

- Communicating with your lecturers

- Tenses in academic writing

These are bookable through infohub, via the following link:

https://info.uwe.ac.uk/events/eventlisting.aspx?categoryID=166