The Student Learning Service (SLS) works with all students to enhance their academic skills including academic writing, maths skills and approaches to study. We also offer specialist support for neurodivergent students.
Online resources for developing your academic skills are available in MyAberdeen: Achieve (for UG students) and Achieve+ (for PGT students) [institutional login required]. We also offer One-to-one Study Advice Sessions, Drop-ins and Workshops.
To view the list of workshops and drop ins currently on offer and to book a place on one, please log into the course booking system.
PhD students are also welcome to book a one-to-one session to discuss their writing or their general approach to their doctoral research, however, this must be done in consultation with their supervisor (an e-mail from the supervisor to confirm is required).
Please note that SLS offices are in 46-48 College Bounds. Please be aware, if you would like an in-person appointment, that our building has no exterior signage and is not fully accessible: It has no access ramps or lift, narrow passageways and low ceilings in the upper floor. The building does not have braille signage or accessible toilets. Access is via swipe card or by ringing the doorbell at Number 48. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirement, and we will arrange for an alternate suitable location.
- Academic Writing
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Advice on academic writing development and related topics are available for all students through online resources, one-to-one sessions (online or in-person), drop-in sessions, and workshops.
One-to-One Appointments One-to-one sessions (in-person or online) are available to discuss all aspects of academic writing at university e.g., essay writing or dissertations.
We can discuss assignments that have been marked, and are accompanied by feedback, however, please note, we cannot work on an assignment that is yet to be submitted.
PhD students are welcome to book advice sessions but may only do so with the written agreement of their PhD supervisor.
- To arrange a one-to-one session please complete a study advice request form.
Workshops and drop-ins Workshops
Our workshops will help you to overcome the key challenges in academic writing and understand the expectations of academic writing here at the University of Aberdeen. Feel free to sign up to as many as you wish or select those you feel you will gain the most from!
We are also happy to work with any member of academic staff to deliver a bespoke in-course workshop or tailored session.
Examples of topics covered:
- Essay writing, researching and planning
- Report writing
- Reflective writing
- Literature reviews
- Critical thinking for writing
- Grammar and punctuation
- Using sources more effectively
- Paragraphs and making arguments
- Academic integrity (including avoiding plagiarism)
- Editing your work
To view the current online workshops and to book a place on one, please log into the online course booking system.
Drop-ins
Drop in sessions on writing and study skills are usually held in room 506 on level 5 of Sir Duncan Rice Library, on advertised Wednesdays during term (currently between 22 Oct - 10 Dec 2025). Not a workshop nor a group class, this is an opportunity for a quick one-to-one chat with a member of the Student Learning Service about any specific academic concern. Dates can be found on the course booking system but booking is not required. Note that we offer separate drop-in sessions for maths queries - see the 'Maths & Stats Skills Support' section.
Online Resources - Online resources (including short videos and written guides) are available to help develop your academic writing skills in MyAberdeen: Achieve (Undergraduates) and Achieve+ (Taught Postgraduates)
- The University Library offers a number of online guides on referencing and citing.
- For more information on how to avoid academic misconduct in your work, please access the online material on academic integrity
- Maths & Stats Skills Support
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Maths & Stats Support is confidential, non-judgemental and free. It is open to all students, from any discipline and level, whether on-campus or online.
Appointments can be run online or in person; drop-in sessions are on campus; workshops are hybrid.
Appointments You can book an individual appointment, or an appointment for a small group of students. Appointments are available on week days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), and can be held online (through Teams) or in person.
Appointments can be requested: by filling in the maths and stats support appointment request form, by emailing mathstatsupport@abdn.ac.uk or by booking a slot directly in the Maths and Stats Support Calendar.
Weekly Drop-In Sessions On campus, no booking required, all welcome.
Drop-in sessions: Weekly maths and stats support drop-in sessions will take place on Wednesdays, 2 – 4pm in Fraser Noble building, FN115.
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- First semester: drop-in sessions start on Wednesday 15th of October and run until Wednesday 3rd of December 2025.
- Second semester: drop-in sessions start on Wednesday 18th of February and run until Wednesday 29th April 2026 (no session on 25th of March, 1st of April and 8th of April due to Spring break).
Workshops A programme of Maths Skills workshops, tailored to specific courses or programmes, will run during the first and second semester. Further announcements will be made through courses at the beginning of the teaching session, along with booking details.
If you are a course coordinator or a student class rep and would like to organise a maths support workshop for your class, do not hesitate to get in touch (m.richard@abdn.ac.uk or sls@abdn.ac.uk).
Online Resources Online Maths Skills resources can be found in Achieve (Undergraduates) and Achieve+ (Taught Postgraduates).
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- Approaches to Study
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Online Resources Online study advice and resources can be found in Achieve (Undergraduates) and Achieve+ (Taught Postgraduates) in MyAberdeen. These include written guides and short videos on a range of topics.
Workshops and drop-ins Workshops
Free workshops for undergraduates and postgraduates run throughout term-time on a variety of topics. These include:
- Using study time well
- Reading well
- Time management
- Presentation skills
- Exam revision
Information about the workshops can be found in the course booking system.
Drop-ins
Drop in sessions on writing and study skills are usually held in room 506 on level 5 of Sir Duncan Rice Library, on advertised Wednesdays during term (currently between 22 Oct - 10 Dec 2025). Not a workshop nor a group class, this is an opportunity for a quick one-to-one chat with a member of the Student Learning Service about any specific academic concern. Dates can be found on the course booking system but booking is not required. Note that we offer separate drop-in sessions for maths queries - see the 'Maths & Stats Skills Support' section.
One-to-one Study Advice Sessions Confidential, individual appointments and small group sessions to discuss study strategies are available.
Appointments can be requested:
- By filling in the study advice request form.
- By emailing sls@abdn.ac.uk
- Neurodivergent Students
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Support for neurodivergent students is open to those with an official diagnosis as well as those who suspect that they may be neurodivergent. The support is confidential, non-judgemental and accessible to all levels of study.
As well as online resources, we offer workshops and online and face-to-face individual appointments.
Online Resources Online resources for neurodivergent students can be found in Achieve (Undergraduates) and Achieve+ (Taught Postgraduates).
Workshops and drop-ins Workshops
Throughout the semester the Student Learning Service run a series of workshops, open to all students, on a variety of topics. These include:
- Time management
- Note-taking
- Reading
- Academic writing skills
- Presentation skills
- Exams and revision techniques
Information about the workshops can be found in the course booking system.
Drop-ins
We offer 15-minute online bookable drop-in sessions on Mondays from 1 – 2pm. These may be useful to discuss whether a longer meeting may be beneficial, or if you have any quick questions regarding academic study skills.
Appointments Students who are neurodivergent, or suspect they may be, can book an appointment with our Specialist Academic Skills Adviser to discuss current study skills strategies, strengths and challenges.
Appointments can be requested by completing the specialist study skills request form.