Future You
| Module title | Future You |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEM1059 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Lisa Harris (Convenor) Mr Raphael Dennett (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 1 | 4 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
"Future You" is a hands-on, immersive journey where you'll collaborate with real-world innovators, tackle pressing global challenges, and develop the skills to thrive in an unpredictable future. This dynamic and interactive module equips you with the essential skills, mindset, and tools to thrive in an evolving global workplace. Focused on innovation, collaboration and problem-solving, it prepares you to become proactive change leaders who can develop creative solutions for complex societal and industry challenges and develop the mindset and skills required to thrive and succeed in any industry or career.
Imagine stepping into the future, equipped with the skills, mindset, and confidence to shape it. In a world where AI, automation, and sustainability are redefining careers, Future You gives you the edge. This interactive, real-world module connects you with industry leaders, cutting-edge technologies, and like-minded peers to solve real challenges. From design thinking to digital fluency, leadership to resilience, you won’t just learn about the future—you’ll actively build it.
Why Take This Module?
- Learn by Doing: Work on real-world projects, solve problems, and engage with industry experts.
- Master the Skills of Tomorrow: Develop creative problem-solving, digital adaptability, resilience, change management and leadership abilities.
- Work with Changemakers: Meet entrepreneurs, business leaders, and future-focused thinkers.
- Future-Proof Your Career: Gain the confidence and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.
- Make an Impact: Tackle societal and industry challenges with innovative, practical solutions.
This module isn’t just about learning—it’s about becoming the kind of leader, thinker, and innovator the future needs.
Module aims - intentions of the module
By the end of the module, you will:
- Develop an innovation-driven mindset to identify and solve emerging challenges.
- Gain skills in design thinking, creative problem-solving, and digital fluency.
- Understand the impact of technological advancements (AI, automation, sustainability).
- Build confidence in collaboration, communication, and leadership.
- Apply real-world problem-solving approaches through team-based activities.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply creative problem-solving frameworks
- 2. Analyse and discuss emerging national and global trends
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Utilise digital tools and data-driven insights to improve decision making
- 4. Evaluate the ethical, social, and economic implications of innovation and change leadership
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Collaborate and communicate successfully in a working context.
Syllabus plan
You will participate in a series of interactive activities, guest lectures and workshops throughout both terms, and develop a comprehensive portfolio of written work, reflecting on your learning and engagement with the course activities and learning experiences.
1. Innovation, Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Apply design thinking principles to analyse complex global and business challenges, developing innovative and sustainable solutions.
2. Digital Fluency & Technological Adaptability
Utilise emerging digital tools and AI-driven technologies to enhance collaboration, communication, and problem-solving in a fast-changing work environment.
3. Leadership & Collaboration
Demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills by leading and contributing to diverse, cross-functional teams in real-world project settings.
4. Mindset, Resilience & Self-Advocacy
Navigate complex challenges, engaging with industry experts, and reflecting on personal and professional development through structured activities and portfolio-based assessments.
5. Global & Social Awareness
Critically evaluate the ethical and societal impacts of innovation, considering global perspectives and sustainable development goals in decision-making.
This module will explore important themes, including Generative AI (GenAI) and its transformative impact on industries, global change and its implications for businesses and societies, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Additionally, you will critically engage with topics such as digital ethics, the future of work, environmental sustainability, and the role of technology in addressing social inequalities. These themes will provide a foundation for understanding the evolving landscape of innovation and professional practice.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | Festival of the Future Activities |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | Workshops |
| Guided independent study | 40 | Preparing for workshops |
| Guided independent study. | 90 | Reading, exercises, preparation for formative and summative assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written submission | 250 words (or equivalent) | 1 | Cohort level feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Portfolio | 100 | 2500 Words (or equivalent) | 1-5 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Portfolio | Written submission, 2500 words, (or equivalent) 100% | 1-5 | Reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Chatfield, T. (2021). How to Think: Your Essential Guide to Clear, Critical Thought. SAGE Publications.
Fry, S. (2024). AI: A Means to an End or a Means to Our End?. Fry Corner: Substack.
Konkel, M. (2024). Core principles of design thinking. Henry Stewart Talks Ltd.
Santos, L. (2025). The Happiness Lab. Pushkin Industries. www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos
Further resources and reading will be shared throughout the module.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None. |
| Module co-requisites | None. |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 20/02/2025 |
| Last revision date | 17/03/2025 |
