Academic Skills Workshops and Support
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Academic Skills Workshops
During term, you can attend a workshop on campus or online run by experienced Academic Skills Consultants:
Workshops on Campus – Wednesdays, 1:30 -2:30pm
- 8th October - Effective Note-Making Strategies
- 15th October - Getting Started in Classes, Seminars and Workshops
- 22nd October - Academic Reading Strategies
- 29th October - Essay Writing 1 - Planning and Structuring
- 5th November - Reflective Writing
- 12th November - Critical Thinking and Critical Writing
- 19th November - Essay Writing 2 - Developing an Argument
- 26th November - Improve your Productivity
- 3rd December - Scientific Presentations
- 10th December - Effective Revision Strategies
Online Workshops – Thursdays, 2-3pm
- 9th October - Effective Note-Making Strategies
- 16th October - Getting started in classes, seminars and workshops
- 23rd October - Academic Reading Strategies
- 30th October - Essay Writing 1 - Planning and Structuring
- 6th November - Reflective Writing
- 13th November - Critical Thinking and Critical Writing
- 20th November - Essay Writing 2 - Developing an Argument
- 27th November - Improve your Productivity
- 4th December - Scientific Presentations
- 11th December - Effective Revision Strategies
Online Dissertation Workshops – Thursdays, 10-11am
- Thurs 30th Oct Planning your Dissertation
- Thurs 20th Nov Critical writing for your dissertation
- Thurs 4th Dec Improving your dissertation
You can catch-up on any online sessions by joining our Academic Skills Canvas site and watching our workshop recordings
English Language for Academic Study
English Language for Academic Study (ELAS) offers help for students working in English as an additional language. This includes: workshops, which cover aspects of Academic English, including culture and practice (study skills); 1:1 tutorials; and ‘time to write’ sessions. Our aim is to help students who have English as an additional language to continue to develop their English Language and to adapt to UK academic study.
Find further information and how to book on English Language for Academic Study.
Library Support
The library's Teaching and Learning team is here to support you throughout your studies. The Library offers a range of support to help you develop key research skills and make the most of the Library's resources.
Workshops
Workshops take place in-person in the Library.
- 13 November - Introducing Zotero
- 19 November - Researching with Library Search
- 25 November - Introduction to AI
- 27 November - Note-taking with Zotero
- 02 December - Literature Searching with AI
- 04 December - Researching with Newspapers
- 09 December - Researching with Library Search
- 10 December - Introducing Zotero
- 11 December - Research Rabbit: Mapping the Literature
If you are unable to attend the autumn term workshops, Sign up to our mailing list to receive spring term updates.
One-to-One Support
The Library also provides training tailored to your specific research question, as well as support and training on any of the Library’s resources.
To arrange a session, simply book a one-to-one via the online booking form.
One-to-one Writing Support with the RLF
As part of the Royal Literary Fund’s Fellowship Scheme, the Library hosts two professional writers who offer one-to-one tutorials during term-time for any member of the university who wishes to improve their writing. Our 2025/26 RLF Fellows are Rebecca Stott and Katy Massey.
Our RLF Fellows can help with any aspect of the writing process, including planning, drafting, constructing an argument and editing. They are able to comment on the writing style of work in progress, allowing students to improve their work before submission.
To book an appointment, please email either Rebecca or Katy.
Monday or Tuesday appointments: rebecca.stott@rlfeducation.org.uk (Term time only)
Wednesday or Thursday appointments: katy.massey@rlfeducation.org.uk (Term time only)
If English is not your first language, specialist one-to-one tutorials are available from English Language for Academic Study.
Students may see the Fellow just once, or return for a subsequent tutorial if they want, subject to availability. In order to ensure other students can book appointments when they need them, please do not book to see more than one RLF Fellow. Appointments can be booked up to 28 days in advance.
The RLF Fellows are established professional writers of literary merit, representing a wide range of genres, including biography, scientific writing and fiction. The principal aim of the Fellows' work is to foster good writing practice across all disciplines and media. Students at every level of study can benefit from learning about good writing practice from a professional author.
RLF Writing resources are also available to students online.
The Student Centre
The Student Centre is a great place to access student facilities, to study and meet friends.
Discover the spaces and services available to you, the building is open 24/7, and is staffed by security after 5pm and during weekends.