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 and the Student Academic Support advisors. 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.
We can also help even before you start your course. We offer two preparation courses before the start of the year.
Summer School is an intensive full-time three-week programme running in the three weeks 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 and the University is normally able to provide a £45 a week bursary and also free accommodation for students who do not live in commuting distance.
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.
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
