The Future

This module explores the skills required to teach, and what it means to teach and to learn.

We draw on several disciplines to unpick our understanding of the role that humans and technology can play in human learning.



What previous students say

"I thought the content was really interesting. It made me think of new teaching ideas and new concepts which can be linked to education."
"Lots of helpful resources, I really like the content of the lectures and the timing of them. They are not too short or too long, which keeps me more stimulated and [I] can concentrate longer"

What will I do in this module?

The module has three key elements:

  1. Creating a job advertisement for a teacher.
  2. Investigating the broad range of skills that are required to be a teacher.
  3. In light of (1) and (2), considering whether technology can replace human teachers.

What skills will I develop?

  • Academic
  • Discussion
  • Critical thinking
  • Reflective writing
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration

This module explores the wide-ranging impact that pandemics have on our global communities.



What will I do in this module?

The module has two key elements:

  1. We'll embark on a journey through the pandemic, exploring a wide range of topics which affected us all, such as public health measures, business, and human behaviour.
  2. Our conversations will be shaped by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will conclude with suggestions on how communities can evolve in an ethical and responsible way to ensure our future is sustainable.

What skills will I develop?

  • Team-working
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Debating
  • Reflective thinking

In this module you'll explore the theories and practices of feminism in the 21st century, drawing on academic disciplines including Media and Cultural Studies, Film, Gender Studies, History and Fashion.

In your study of feminism, you will gain skills in analysing a range of texts and media, including academic scholarship, news media, social media, celebrity case studies and fashion items.

These include the role of the internet and social media, the shift towards an intersectional approach to gender equality, and the nature of feminist activism at significant cultural moments such as Donald Trump’s presidency and the investigation and exposure of Harvey Weinstein.

You'll reflect upon your own values, responsibilities and contributions. You'll be able to share what you’ve learnt from each week’s topic with other students, as well as in your assessments.

Throughout the module, there will be opportunities for collaborative work and peer interaction and informal group presentations.



What will I do in this module?

The module has three key elements:

  1. You'll learn about the different types of feminism that make up the fourth wave, with a focus on digital culture, intersectionality and activism.
  2. Lectures will introduce you to key ideas and theories, which you'll then reflect upon and discuss with peers in seminars.
  3. You'll study feminism through a range of case studies from different areas of popular culture, including celebrities, films, fashion and social media.

What skills will I develop?

  • Critical thinking
  • Constructing arguments
  • Gathering supporting evidence
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Cultural literacy
  • Emotional intelligence

In this module we'll explore how your understanding of sustainability develops through both formal and informal education.

Bringing lively discussions into the classroom, together we'll investigate different interpretations of sustainability, drawing on our life experiences and disciplinary backgrounds.

We’ll consider historical and political contexts and the psychology and science of sustainability, as well as financial issues.

This is a unique module that will give you the chance to work not only with students from other disciplines, but with friends and family outside of the module as you shape a vision of the future that draws on diverse and collective ideas and viewpoints.



What will I do in this module?

The module has three key elements:

  1. You'll explore your understanding of sustainability and how this develops through both formal and informal education.
  2. We'll draw on several disciplines to investigate different interpretations of sustainability.
  3. You'll reflect on your own values and experiences to explore what sustainability means to you.

What skills will I develop?

  • Critical reflection
  • Oral communication
  • Academic research

The overwhelming image of the future is one of doom and gloom and many people are worried about what it might hold, but what if we could use our imaginations to think differently about the future?

You'll develop your creative and imaginative thinking skills as we cover a range of topics, from climate change and AI to the importance of creativity and the arts.



What will I do in this module?

The module has three key elements:

  1. Analysing different images of the future.
  2. Building your creative and imaginative skills.
  3. Working in teams to hear what the future looks like from different disciplinary perspectives, from the future of fashion to alternative education systems.

What skills will I develop?

  • Futures thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Critical reflection
  • Research