BS607 L7 Capstone Professional Development Plan  Assessment Brief | The University of Law 2025-2026

L7 Capstone Professional Development Plan

By sitting this assessment, I am confirming:

• That I have worked independently on this assessment submission, and I have not worked together with any current or previous student at the University to produce my submission, other than when officially permitted to do so;
• I also confirm the contents of my submission have not been generated by a third party;
• I have fully referenced and correctly cited the work of others, where required;
• I have not used any generative AI tools to generate, rephrase or otherwise produce content for this submission, except where their use was explicitly permitted, and I have read and understood the University’s AI in Higher Education Policy and Protocols;
• I have read the Student Discipline Regulations and understand that any academic misconduct can lead to disciplinary consequences and undermine academic integrity;
• I understand that where applicable, I am expected to engage with my academic work in a manner that meets the professional standards and requirements set by the relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) or accrediting body for my course.

By submitting this assessment submission, I am confirming that I am fit to sit according to the Assessment Regulations.

Key Details and Requirements

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Evidence an in-depth understanding of their personal strengths and clearly articulate actions reflecting an advanced analysis of the areas where they need to improve.
2. Confidently illustrate a methodology for the self-development process that can be applied indefinitely for ongoing development.

This final mandatory module assessment marks the culmination of your year-long MSc programme. Its purpose is to foster continuous development reflecting upon the skills you have gained throughout your MSc studies.

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to revisit and evaluate your initial personal development plan, considering the progress you have made over the course of the year. This assignment aims to strengthen your ongoing efforts to enhance leadership competencies and skills that are crucial for your future employability and professional achievement.

As a capstone, final piece of work for the MSc year, you will have the opportunity to review how you have developed, and to plan for continuing your progress into the future.

Assessment details

The assignment requires you to write a self-reflective report focusing on your continuous professional development (CPD) (1000 words equivalent). This task is mandatory and a vital component for the successful completion of the MSc programme.

The mark awarded will be a Pass or Fail. No numeric or percentage value is attached to the mark, and it does not carry academic credits.

You are required to critically reflect on your ongoing professional development, demonstrate self-awareness, promote critical thinking, and support your ability to plan and set goals for future professional growth.

Referencing: Referencing is not required for the continuous professional development (CPD) report as it is a self-reflection assessment.

Type your Student Reference Number on each page of your answer (suggested that it is put as a footnote in the document).

Save your submission with the file name: Your Student Reference Number_ Module Name_Date

Follow the submission instructions in the Assessment Guide.

Submission Method: Your work will be put through Turnitin. All submissions will be electronically checked for plagiarism and the use of AI software. You have the option to upload your work ahead of the deadline, more than once. ULBS will be reviewing your last submission only. Note that you can only upload one file.

Note: Keep in mind that self-plagiarism (when you reuse your own specific wording and ideas from work that you have previously submitted without referencing yourself) is also a form of plagiarism and is not allowed.

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

You are required to submit a CPD report that critically reflects on your original PDP submission for the Leadership Mindset Module in Term 1 of your MSc.

You must develop a professionally structured CPD report that showcases self- assessment and reflection, clearly articulates ongoing actions to address areas needing further improvement and demonstrates your commitment to continuous development.

Your self-reflective CPD report must include the following key parts:

Part 1 self-assessment and reflection on your original PDP actions.

• Reflect on your original PDP actions. What skills/knowledge did you gain?
• Outline challenges faced and lessons learned.

Part 2 CPD action plan.

• Based on reflection, set new SMART goals/objectives.
• Outline two goals demonstrating your CPD plans for continuous professional development.
• Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals/actions.

Example of a SMART goal/objective. (This is for demonstration purposes on how to complete part 2).

Goal: improve my professional presentation skills over the next three months to deliver more engaging and confident presentations when applying for graduate roles.

Component	Details
Specific	Attend a public speaking workshop. Practice presenting at least once a month and seek feedback from peers/colleagues to improve confidence and delivery.
Measurable	Complete the workshop, present at least 3 times, and receive at least 2 pieces of constructive feedback per presentation indicating improved confidence and clarity.
Achievable	I have access to local workshops and colleagues willing to provide feedback. I can dedicate two hours weekly for practice and preparation.
Relevant	Enhancing presentation skills aligns with my role as a graduate when seeking jobs. Also, it aligns with my professional aspirations seeking to achieve a management role. Overall, it will improve my confidence and communication.
Time-bound	Achieve these improvements within 3 months, ending by [specific date, e.g., 15/08/2025].

Part 3 Overall summary and reflection on impact.

Provide an overall reflection that showcases your dedication to ongoing professional growth. Compare the PDP you completed during your Leadership Mindset module with your future goals outlined in your CPD plan. Make sure you cover these questions:

• How has the learning been applied in practice?
• What positive outcomes have been observed (e.g., increased confidence, new skills)
• Are there any ongoing difficulties or areas that still need development?

GRADE DESCRIPTORS MARKING CRITERIA	PASS. The CDP displays self-reflection, illustrates self-awareness, demonstrates active engagement in the developmental process. Demonstrates active engagement in skills development. Illustrates some complex understanding of leadership skills and competencies necessary for professional success. Displays initiative and motivation to improve independently. Good articulation in writing of strengths and development opportunities with demonstrated capacity for critical analysis. The work is presented in a clear and well-organised manner with only minor spelling and grammatical errors.	FAIL. Lacks independent critical and reflective thought. Fails to demonstrate engagement with identified development opportunities. Weak or no attempt at analysis, synthesis and critical reflection, with little evidence of effort to address and overcome development challenges. Poor spelling or other grammatical errors.
Self-Reflection. Evidence an in-depth understanding of their personal strengths and clearly articulate actions reflecting and clearly articulate actions reflecting an advanced analysis of the areas where they need to improve. (LO1).
Clarity of Goals. Confidently illustrate a methodology for the self-development process that can be applied indefinitely for ongoing development. (LO2)