
Toolkit
Learn new digital skills, understand how to use University software, and more.
Our StudyWell programme has been designed to help and support you while you study at the University. Throughout this page you will find study tips, helpful resources and support services.
The Student Learning Service (SLS) works with all students to enhance their academic skills. Please note that we cannot work on continuous assessments.
EASTER BREAK UPDATE: The Student Learning Service will be closed during the week of Mon 5 - Fri 9 April.
Have a look at our 'Achieve: Developing Online Learning Skills' section for Undergraduates and 'Achieve+: Developing Online Learning Skills' section for Postgraduates.
Our current workshop schedule is now available. Information about the sessions which are open to all students can be found by logging into the course booking system. You can also have a look at the discipline-specific Maths workshops this semester.
Want to improve your written communication skills? Have a look at our new Improving Your Writing guide. It can be accessed here in Achieve (Undergraduates) and Achieve+ (Taught Postgraduates).
1-2-1 online appointments available to help you manage your time whilst getting to grips with online learning.
Due to the Covid -19 outbreak any sessions will be held virtually.
Academic Writing: Come to The Writing Room! |
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Academic Writing Sessions for Undergraduates and Taught PostgraduatesWhy not join our sessions as part of a 'long course' to develop your skills? Alternatively, feel free to dip in and out: select the sessions you feel you'll gain the most from! Each topic is explored through a pre-recorded video (released weekly on Achieve and Achieve+). Live follow-up 'Question and Answer' sessions on these topics are also being held. To view these online sessions and to book a place on one, please log into the online course booking system. The topics covered include:
We are also happy to work with any member of staff to deliver a bespoke in-course workshop or tailored session. Study Advice Sessions in The Writing RoomWe provide 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.
Academic Writing Online Resources
Meet the Academic Skills AdvisersDr Mary Pryor (Senior Academic Skills Adviser) Mary received her PhD in History of Art from the University of Aberdeen in 2002. She specialises in working with students, from whichever background, to develop their academic writing skills, at all levels of study. Dr Chloe Alexander Chloe received her PhD in History from the University of Aberdeen in 2014. She completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Learning and Teaching in 2016 and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy the same year. In 2014 Chloe joined the Student Learning Service as an Academic Writing Adviser. |
Maths Support |
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Maths Support is confidential, non-judgemental and free. It is open to all students, from any discipline and level. AppointmentsMaths Support appointments are available Tuesdays to Fridays, between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm. You can book an individual appointment, or an appointment for a small group of students. Appointments are currently run online, through Microsoft Teams or Blackboard Collaborate. Appointments can be requested:
Maths Drop-In SessionsMaths drop-in sessions are open sessions: students meet the Maths Adviser without booking an appointment. These sessions run a first come, first served basis.
Maths Online ResourcesOnline Maths Support resources can be found in Achieve Maths Skills (undergraduate students) and Achieve+ Maths Skills (postgraduate students). Meet the Maths Adviser
![]() I am Dr Morgiane Richard, the Maths Adviser in the SLS team. I graduated with an MEng in Physics Engineering in Grenoble, France, and with a PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Surrey. I started in the post of Maths Adviser in August 2012. |
Study Skill Advice |
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AppointmentsConfidential, individual appointments and small group sessions to discuss study strategies are available. The sessions usually last for around one hour and are currently run online, through Microsoft Teams. To arrange an appointment please fill out the study advice request form. Study Skills WorkshopsFree workshops for undergraduates and postgraduates run throughout term-time on a variety of topics. These include:
Information about the workshops can be found by logging into the course booking system. Drop-in sessions are also available; dates and times will be advertised. Due to the Covid -19 outbreak any appointments, workshops or drop-ins are currently held virtually. Online ResourcesOnline resources can be found in Achieve and Achieve+ in MyAberdeen. These include written guides and short videos on a range of topics. Meet the Study Skills and Sciences Adviser
![]() Wendy Lawrenson taught in the Chemistry Department at the University of Aberdeen for 9 years from 1996 and then joined the Student Learning Service in 2005. |
Dyslexia and Other Specific Learning Differences |
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AppointmentsStudents with dyslexia and other specific learning differences can book an appointment to meet me and discuss academic skills and study strategies. Appointments are usually for 1 hour and more appointments can be requested.
WorkshopsThroughout 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. Workshops specifically designed for students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences can be organised, please contact SLS of you are interested in academic skills workshop specifically for students with dyslexia or any other specific learning difference.
Meet the Academic Skills Adviser for Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Differences
![]() I am Dr Julie Ross, the Academic Skills Adviser for students with Dyslexia and Other Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs), such as: dysgraphia, dyspraxia, AD(H)D and ASC. I work as part of the Student Learning Services (SLS) team; we are based within the Centre for Academic Development. |
Everyone is different: some people work better early in the morning; whilst others in the evening. A little background noise, for example some music, can be beneficial for some, whilst for others it serves as a distraction.
Think about your study environment and any distractions you have. Try to set manageable goals for yourself and break down tasks into achievable chunks which you can then tackle. It is often best to be more ‘active’ in your learning. For example, when it comes to studying, try a mixture of approaches.
Useful Resources for Studying more Effectively:
Books can be very expensive, so before you buy, why not try:
Or you could try these websites:
The University's Graduate Attributes are a wide-ranging set of qualities, which you will develop during your time as a student in preparation for future employment, further study, and citizenship.
You will have many opportunities to develop and achieve these attributes. These will include learning experiences on credit-bearing courses and co-curricular activities such as work placements, study abroad, and volunteering.
It may seem obvious, but sleep is hugely important when you’re studying. Getting a good night’s sleep (of between 7-9 hours) will help you to learn at your best, improve your state of mind and hopefully feel happier!
Email addresses of University staff and research students, if available, are published through the Staff Directory. Email addresses are subject to Data Protection and therefore some staff may have chosen to opt out of this publicly available directory.
From here you can view, check and update your personal details, course enrolments, class timetable, exam timetables and results, and more.
Login to the portal at www.abdn.ac.uk/studenthub
The University’s virtual learning environments are MyAberdeen, MyMBChB, MyBDS.
The University is committed to making its digital learning materials fully accessible as part of its inclusive approach to teaching and learning. It aims to provide students with accessible digital content, the ability to generate alternative formats for course files and with captions for videos.
It’s important to put enough time and effort into your studies so that you can achieve the grades you want. It is, however, equally important that you take time for yourself and enjoy the social, sporting and cultural aspects of being a student. A good study life balance is essential to avoid burnout and maximise your full academic ability.
Useful Resources for Improving Your Study Life Balance
Independent learning tends to be one of the biggest changes for students. Depending on your course, your actual contact hours may be few.
You are expected to take ownership for your learning in terms of reading and studying. This could involve preparation for tutorials / seminars (or laboratory work), presentations, assignments and exam revision. It is up to you to manage your time effectively!
Staff will not always be available to remind you of what you have to do.
For more advice on Independent Learning, you can read this guide to Effective Independent Learning.
The Common Grading Scale (CGS) provides a common, alpha-numeric marking scale which is used across the University. This enables you to compare your performance in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment.
For information on the Common Grading Scale (CGS) and how your work will be graded, click here.
TurnitinUK is an online service which compares student assignments with online sources including web pages, databases of reference material, and work previously submitted by other students across the UK. It matches sections of the text that have been found in other sources. This assists the marker with checking whether resources have been appropriately referenced and whether plagiarism has occurred. Please see the tab below to find out more about referencing and plagiarism.
You can find out more about using Turnitin here.
The University defines plagiarism as:
the use, without adequate acknowledgement, of the intellectual work of another person in work submitted for assessment. This definition includes the unattributed use of course materials. A student cannot be found to have committed plagiarism where it can be shown that the student has taken all reasonable care to avoid representing the work of others as his or her own.
Your School will provide you with further details and information on their preferred referencing style (some Schools may allow use of multiple referencing styles). This short video will provide you with an overview of what plagiarism is, and how to avoid it.
Plagiarism video Module 9: Study Well - Referencing and Plagiarism | Rise 360 (articulate.com)
Understanding referencing if very important. We would recommend that you seek help early on if you are unsure about it.
Useful Resources: