Support for students

Find out about the support we offer, including workshops, research skills guides and writing support.

Teaching and learning

The Library’s teaching and learning team is here to support you throughout your studies. We offer a range of support to help you develop key research skills, understand how to find and use information, and make the most of the Library’s resources. From workshops and one-on-one sessions to online tutorials, we provide practical help tailored to your needs. Whether you’re working on an assignment, a project, or just need some guidance on where to start, our team is here to help you become a confident, independent researcher.

Areas supported include:

  • research skills
  • referencing and reference management software
  • research data management
  • AI literacy
  • digital skills.

Library workshops

Library workshops are designed to help you develop the skills and confidence you need for effective study and research. Sessions cover a range of topics, including research skills, referencing, AI literacy and digital skills.

Whether you’re new to research or want to build on your existing skills, our workshops offer practical, hands-on experience with useful tools and techniques. Led by knowledgeable Library staff, they also give you the opportunity to ask questions, practise new skills and learn alongside other students.

We’ll announce our autumn workshops later in the term. To be the first to hear about new sessions, you can sign up to our mailing list for updates about upcoming Library workshops and events.

Research skills guides

Library research skills guides are resources designed to help you utilise Library resources effectively. These guides will help you to find and access books, journals, search effectively using Library search, as well as tips on citation searching and copyright. Whether you’re new to the Library or looking to refine your research techniques, Library research skills guides can support your research.

More guides will be added throughout the year, so make sure to check back for updates.

Library one-to-one support

If you need more personalised support, we offer one-to-one sessions tailored to your research needs. These sessions can help with researching a topic for an assignment or dissertation, navigating our extensive resources or referencing.

Please note that one-to-one sessions are not available during the first five weeks of the autumn term. From week 6 onwards, a link to our online booking form will be available here, allowing you to book a one-to-one or small group session.

Royal Literary Fund (RLF) writing support

As part of the Royal Literary Fund’s Fellowship Scheme, the Library hosts two professional writers who offer free one-to-one writing tutorials during term time. The tutorials are available to any member of the university who would like to improve their writing.

Our 2025/26 RLF Fellows are Cole Morton and Katy Massey.

Our RLF Fellows can help with any stage of the writing process, including planning, drafting, developing an argument and editing. They can also comment on the writing style of work in progress, helping students strengthen their work before submission.

Book a writing support appointment

Writing support appointments are available between 28 September and 9 December 2026 (term time only).

Skills Hub

Skills Hub is a key resource to support you in developing skills for academic study. The Library can support you with research, digital and referencing guidance, but you can also find guidance on writing, critical thinking, group work and more.

Follow the below links to find out more.