MySuccess Modules: A Whole Institutional Approach to Enable Successful Student Transitions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56433/wrdzge47

Keywords:

Student Development, Student Transitions, Students as Partners, Microcredentials, whole student, Whole institutional Approach, Personalised Learning

Abstract

In September 2021, Abertay University implemented a comprehensive suite of transition microcredentials called the MySuccess Modules (Millard, Blackwell Young & Hogan, 2023). This case study examines four years of implementation data which includes analysing student choice patterns, pass rates and progression outcomes. This case study will share reflections of broader impact at student, institutional, and sector levels.

Grounded in Kift's (2015) transition pedagogy and drawing on Lizzio's (2006) five senses model, the MySuccess Modules positions the curriculum as the primary vehicle for supporting student transitions (Kift et al., 2010). Rejecting deficit-based narratives, the programme adopts McNair et al.'s (2016) concept of 'student-ready' institutions through a strength-based approach (Smit, 2012) that empowers students to personalise their learning pathway. Recognising transition as a process rather than a single event (Gale and Parker, 2014), all students complete ABE101 Being Successful at Abertay, which includes the Abertay Discovery Tool (Hogan & Millard, 2025) a diagnostic instrument providing individualised insights into academic and social strengths. Students then select three additional modules from nine options covering academic literacies, digital skills, wellbeing, employability, and social integration, embedding engagement within the academic sphere (Thomas, 2012).

The case study exemplifies a whole-university approach, with modules designed and delivered by professional services, academic staff, and the Students' Association, fostering meaningful relationships essential to student success (Felten and Lambert, 2020). Senior students serve as Module Assistants, providing peer support and co-creating content. Over four years (2021-2025), the programme has achieved consistently high pass rates, positive student feedback, and stable retention rates despite sector-wide challenges. Recognised as good practice by QAA Scotland's 2024 review, the MySuccess approach demonstrates how strategically deployed microcredentials can integrate academic and social support whilst positioning student success as a collective institutional responsibility. Through these credit-bearing modules specifically designed to build academic and social foundations for university success, this case study acts as a potential model for other tertiary institutions and contexts.

Author Biographies

  • Stephen Morrison, Abertay University

    Stephen Morrison is the Careers Service Manager who leads ABE107 Planning Your Future Career. He helps students develop career planning skills and navigate their transition from university to professional life through career guidance and support.

  • Alison Duffy, Abertay University

    Alison Duffy is a Research Fellow in the Department of Built Environment & Life Sciences. She leads multiple modules including ABE104 Dundee and Me and ABE106 How to Sell Your Ideas.

  • Lisa Clark, Abertay University

    Lisa Clark is the Library Services Manager. She is module leader for ABE105 Research and Enquiry Skills for the Digital Age.

  • Laura Gauld, Abertay University

    Laura Gauld serves as Technology Enhanced Learning Manager and leads ABE103 Digital Skills for University & Beyond. She focuses on integrating technology into education and helping students develop crucial digital competencies for academic and professional success.

  • Kerith George-Briant, Abertay University

    Kerith George-Briant is the Learner Development Manager who leads academic and study skills provision across the university. As Module Leader for ABE102 Successful Writing at Abertay, she helps students develop essential academic writing and communication skills.

  • Hannah Geissler, Abertay University

    Hannah Geissler is a fourth-year BA (Hons) Psychology who in addition has served for the past 3 years as a MySuccess Module Assistant. She supports MySuccess Modules delivery while completing her studies, sharing her experiences with 1st year students.

  • Chloe Crier, Abertay University

    Chloe Crier is a fourth-year BA (Hons) Criminology student working as a MySuccess Module Assistant. She balances her undergraduate studies with supporting MySuccess Modules delivery, providing valuable student insights and peer support to fellow learners.

  • Lucinda Shale, Abertay University

    Lucinda Shale is a fourth-year BA (Hons) Game Design and Production student who serves as a MySuccess Module Assistant. She supports the delivery of MySuccess Modules while pursuing her undergraduate studies, offering peer perspective and assistance.

  • Mairi Gardner, Abertay University

    Mairi Gardner is a PhD student and MySuccess Module Assistant who has been instrumental in supporting the delivery of the MySuccess Modules. She created and led ABE111 Numbers for Everyday Life, bringing her PhD research insights into module content.

  • Sophie Kennedy, Abertay Students' Association

    Sophie Kennedy is an Abertay University graduate who now works as Democracy and Representation Coordinator at the Abertay Students Association. Sophie leads student representation initiatives and is Module Leader for ABE108 Your Student Life.

  • Luke Millard, Abertay University

    Luke Millard is Dean of Learning and Teaching, and Head of the AbLE Academy at Abertay University in Scotland. He is a Professor of Student Development and a Principal Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy.

  • Julie Blackwell Young, Abertay University

    Julie Blackwell Young serves as Head of Teaching Quality and Learning Enhancement at the AbLE Academy. She has pioneered microcredential developments at the university and significantly influenced institutional policies and practices to enable the microcredential approaches.

  • Richard Ogston, Abertay University

    Richard Ogston serves as Head of Student Services and leads ABE109 Wellbeing Tools and Tricks. He focuses on supporting student mental health and wellbeing, providing practical strategies and resources to help students thrive academically and personally.

References

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Published

2026-06-09

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (part 2) (2026): EFYE Special Issue

Section

Case Studies

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Copyright (c) 2026 Jack Hogan, Stephen Morrison, Alison Duffy, Lisa Clark, Laura Gauld, Kerith George-Briant, Hannah Geissler, Chloe Crier, Lucinda Shale, Mairi Gardner, Sophie Kennedy, Luke Millard, Julie Blackwell Young, Richard Ogston

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