What will I learn on this module?
You will explore the theory and practice of mentoring, focusing on the use of both group and individual approaches in developing and enhancing the mentoring relationship. You will recognise the core guidance and counselling skills inherent in the mentoring role and apply them with 1st year undergraduates. You will undertake research into the effectiveness of mentoring across the life course and within educational, business and community settings.
How will I learn on this module?
You will attend a series of lectures and seminars to highlight key concepts and relevant underpinning theoretical models of helping appropriate to the mentoring relationship. These sessions are supported by the Electronic Learning Portal where you can review key ideas from lectures, and contribute to online discussions. You will undertake practice in developing your mentoring skills by undertaking the role with students who are new entrants to your degree programme. The online reading list will provided guidance as to key texts to support your learning. You will be provided with feedback on a practice of assignment writing prior to finally submitting the assignment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Module tutors will use online resources /electronic learning portal to provide support materials. Group tutorials to support work towards assignments will be provided. You will be provided with opportunities to submit work and obtain formative feedback on your writing and skill development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will demonstrate understanding of the strengths and limitations of the mentoring role.
2. You will investigate theoretical models of helping relevant to mentoring and consider their potential in developing effective relationships with and between adults and children.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will reflect upon your developing relationship with those you are mentoring and the implications this may have for future work with children, young people and adults.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will acknowledge the boundaries of the mentoring role and appropriate strategies for referral.
5. You will understand the ethical considerations relating to the role of the mentor.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment: class based reflection on initial mentoring experience, drawing on peer and tutor feedback
Summative assessment 1: 3000 word assignment, reflecting on practice and linked to a review of relevant academic literature.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Mentoring is just one of the contexts in which guidance and counselling skills can be applied. From education to business and across the life course mentoring has been found to be an effective tool in the personal development and support of a diverse range of people. A mentor could be a more experienced work colleague or student, a fellow pupil or an empathetic volunteer; in the context of this module you will be trained to be a peer mentor, supporting newly enrolled 1st year students as they begin their university life. The role will provide you with the opportunity to gain practical experience and valuable evidence of your competence in the application of mentoring skills
Course info
UCAS Code B9L5
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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