For further information about the resources available from Student Academic Support, please see our Honours project, Study guides and A to Z pages.
At University, you use your time in class to find out the background to the subjects you are studying before moving on in your own time to research and explore new topics for yourself. Coming from school, college or back into education after time away, moving to that more independent way of studying and learning can take time to get used to. That is why we have staff across the University to help all our students with the move to University study: to help you settle in to your course, to explore new ways of studying and to find more effective ways of learning.
Every course incorporates support to help to develop how you approach different aspects of degree-level work, such as thinking critically, researching, writing, working in groups and giving presentations. This support is delivered not only by course tutors but also by the Academic Librarians, IT Trainers, the Student Academic Support advisors and, new in 2012, Study+. We work with tutors to come into classes throughout the year to work with you to study more effectively and work on your assignments.
We can also work with you on an individual basis or in small groups out of class. The Academic Librarians can meet with you to help you use online research tools more effectively and the IT Trainers can help with software queries. The Student Academic Support advisors can meet with you to guide you through writing coursework, from understanding your tutor’s instructions through to checking your work before you submit it.
Study+ is a drop-in service which is available term time weekdays from 9.30am - 1pm. Our Student Support Adviser offers: additional support to organise your time and workload, an opportunity to raise quick questions about your studies, study skills advice or a regular point of contact to ensure your studies are keeping on track and communication is being kept up to date (eg emails).
We can also help even before you start your course. We offer two preparation courses before the start of the year.
The Preparing for University Day is a 1-day event taking place in 2013 on Monday 24 June. Three programmes are on offer to applicants - one explores studying at university, one covers the support available to you while you study and the third looks at student life in general. If you come with family or friends, there is a separate programme for them. Full details available Preparing for University Day 24.6.13 - Full Details and the booking form can be found Preparing for University Day 24.6.13 - Booking form.
Summer School is an intensive full-time two-week programme running in the fortnight leading up to the start of term, combining practice to improve your research, study and IT skills with an introduction to topics you will cover in your first term. It is designed for new students who want to boost their confidence and be better prepared for starting University, for instance because they are returning to study after a break. Summer School is free. Full details and the booking form are available here.
The Bridging Programme runs during the week before the start of term. You can choose the selection of workshops covering research, study and IT skills that best suits your needs from a week-long programme, with no need to register in advance. The Bridging Programme is especially popular with students coming from college and students joining us through UCAS Clearing who want to increase their confidence. Full details and the booking form are available here
If you'd like to chat further about what we can do to help or about the Summer School and the Bridging Programme, contact Student Academic Support:
Tel: +44 (0)1382 308245
Email: studentacademicsupport@abertay.ac.uk
