Academic Skills - Student Learning Service

Academic Skills - Student Learning Service

The Student Learning Service (SLS) works with all students to enhance their academic skills including academic writing, maths skills and study skills. We also offer support for students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences (SpLDs).

One-to-one sessions and online resources continue to be available. Our open programme of workshops for UG & PGT students will begin at the end of September and can be found on the course booking system here (they will be available from early September).

**Please note**: the Student Learning Service will be open over the Summer but owing to staff leave there may, at times, be a delay before we reply to any query. Online resources on Achieve (for UG students) and Achieve+ (for PGT students) continue to be available to all.

Academic Writing
One-to-One Study Advice Sessions

In The Writing Room we provide online, confidential one-to-one study advice sessions for undergraduates and taught postgraduates. These sessions can be used to discuss essay writing, dissertations, and preparation for written exams, or to address any concerns you may have about writing at university.

We can discuss assignments or essays that have been marked, and are accompanied by feedback, but we cannot work on an assignment or essay that has yet to be submitted.

PhD students are welcome to book advice sessions but may only do so with the written consent of their PhD supervisor.

Workshops

Our workshops help you to understand the expectations of academic writing placed on you. We offer a comprehensive coverage of the key challenges in academic writing in a number of formats. Why not join our workshops as part of a 'long course' to develop your skills? Alternatively, feel free to dip in and out: select the one / those you feel you'll gain the most from! 

The topics covered include:

  • Essay writing and planning
  • Report writing
  • Reflective writing
  • Literature reviews
  • Critical thinking for writing
  • Grammar and punctuation
  • Using sources more effectively
  • Creating 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.

We are also happy to work with any member of academic staff to deliver a bespoke in-course workshop or tailored session. 

Online Resources
Maths Skills Support

Maths Support is confidential, non-judgemental and free. It is open to all students, from any discipline and level.

Appointments

You can book an individual appointment, or an appointment for a small group of students. Appointments are available during week days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday).

Appointments can be requested:

Weekly Drop-In Sessions

No booking required, all welcome.

2023/2024: weekly maths support drop-in sessions will run on Wednesdays, 12 - 2pm.

First semester: drop-in sessions will start on 11 October 2023 and run weekly until 6 December 2023. Please note, due to room availabiity:

  • 11 October: drop-in session in Meston Building G05
  • From 18 October till 6 December: drop-in session in Fraser Noble 185
  • First exam week: additional drop-in sessions on Monday 4 December, Tuesday 5 December, 12-2 pm, in Fraser Noble 185

Second semester: drop-in sessions will start on 14 February 2024 and run weekly until 27 March 2024, in Fraser Noble 185.

  • First exam week: additional drop-in session on Monday 29 April, Tuesday 30 April and Wednesday 1 May, 12-2pm, in Fraser Noble 185.
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.

Online Resources

Online Maths Skills resources can be found in Achieve (Undergraduates) and Achieve+ (Taught Postgraduates).

Study Strategies
Appointments

Confidential, individual appointments and small group sessions to discuss study strategies are available. The sessions usually last for around one hour.

Workshops

Free workshops for undergraduates and postgraduates run throughout term-time on a variety of topics. These include:

  • Note-taking from texts and recorded lectures
  • Reading strategies
  • Time management
  • Study Strategies
  • Presentation skills
  • Revision and exams

Information about the workshops can be found in the course booking system.

Online Resources

Online 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.

SpLDs
Appointments

Students with an SpLD can book an appointment to meet and discuss academic skills and study strategies. Appointments are usually for one hour and more appointments can be requested.

Workshops

Throughout the semester the Student Learning Service run a series of workshops, open to all students, on a variety of topics, these include: note-taking, reading, time management, presentation skills, revision and exams and more.

  •  Contact the Student Learning Service if you are interested: sls@abdn.ac.uk