Support for your studies

We provide help and guidance on how to study most effectively. Our student support model includes academic support and peer support. This ensures that you get the services you need.

We will work closely with you to help you: 

  • become a confident, independent learner and play an active part in the University community 
  • access any support and guidance you need
  • develop the graduate attributes required for success at the University and beyond 

Learning at university

You will learn through a mixture of independent study, lectures, tutorials and other methods. You can find details about how you will learn on the programmes you are interested in on the degree finder.

Degree finder

Learning at university will often be different from school or college. It normally takes some time to get used to the different ways of learning you will experience at university, and the demands of your programme of study as it progresses. 

Lecturers and tutors will offer you guidance on studying and what they expect of you, but we also offer additional forms of support.

Academic support and guidance

Your first point of contact for teaching, academic advice and guidance for your degree programme is a student adviser.  

A range of trained staff will work with you to help make the most of your studies while you progress through your university career. 

Developing new skills 

Some of the skills you will need to develop or refine include: 

  • taking notes in lectures 
  • giving presentations in tutorials 
  • preparing for and taking exams 
  • essay and laboratory report writing 
  • critical thinking and writing 
  • information and communication technology (ICT) skills 

We will help you to develop these skills to the level and depth needed for undergraduate study. 

Effective study skills 

Our Institute for Academic Development (IAD) can help you to develop effective learning techniques. 

You can access resources and guidance on topics like how to manage your time, study effectively and develop your academic writing. 

These resources are available at any time from the Study Hub. 

Exam Bootcamp, available through Learn, provides everything you will need to prepare and plan your revision, revise effectively and develop successful exam strategies. Learn is the University's main virtual learning environment (VLE). 

The IAD runs a series of workshops throughout the year on study skills topics.  

You can also arrange to receive one-to-one study advice by making an appointment. 

School and college support 

You will be supported by a combination of academic, dedicated student experience and administrative staff. They will be able to provide you with (or direct you to) appropriate support for challenges that may occur during your studies. This includes challenges directly related to your learning and those arising from life situations. 

You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks and student societies.  

In most cases, your school/deanery support team will be able to answer your questions. But there may be occasions where the team will refer you to another source of support. This might be a University support office, the Advice Place, the Careers Service or a study support adviser. 

Study skills for international students 

Prepare for Success is a web learning tool for international students who are getting ready to come to the UK for study. 

It contains learning resources that help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study. 

Peer support

We run a system of peer support that includes: 

  • peer assisted learning 
  • buddying and mentoring 

This allows newer students to get help and advice from more experienced students as they progress through university life.