University study can feel very different from previous education.
You may be asked to research independently, read academic literature, think critically, reference sources, write in unfamiliar formats or manage several assessments at the same time.
You are not expected to arrive at University already knowing how to do all of these things.
The University Library provides access to the resources you need for your course, alongside Skills for Learning, the University's central academic-skills service. Skills for Learning exists to help students develop the skills they need to thrive in university study.
Skills for Learning
Skills for Learning can help you develop and strengthen your academic skills at any stage of your studies.
This isn't remedial support and you don't have to be failing or struggling before you use it.
Academic skills are things that develop through practice.
You might want support with:
- academic writing;
- planning assignments;
- finding and using academic research;
- referencing;
- critical thinking;
- reading and note-taking;
- report writing;
- literature reviews;
- planning a dissertation;
- revision and preparing for exams;
- presentation skills;
- managing your study and time effectively.
The University's academic-skills framework recognises these skills as an important part of student success rather than something students should simply be expected to work out for themselves.
One-to-One Academic Skills Support
Sometimes the most useful thing is to talk through the area you are finding difficult with somebody.
Skills for Learning provides one-to-one support for students.
The service operates a campus-based drop-in offer during the working week at City and Walsall , with no booking required, and students can also request online appointments.
You might use an appointment because:
“I don't understand what critical analysis means.”
“I keep losing marks for my referencing.”
“I don't know how to structure this assignment.”
“I've never written a literature review before.”
“I've been away from studying and I've lost my confidence.”
These are exactly the kinds of academic skills that can be developed.
Workshops and Learning Sessions
Skills for Learning also provides workshops and taught sessions covering different aspects of academic study.
The service operates a blended model, combining individual support, taught sessions and online resources. Workshops can be booked by students, and the team can also deliver academic-skills teaching as part of scheduled module teaching.
This means academic-skills support doesn't always require you to identify a problem and seek individual help.
You may encounter Skills for Learning within your course itself.
Support Can Be Built Into Your Course
The University actively encourages academic teams to embed academic-skills development within their courses.
Skills for Learning staff can work with academic colleagues to provide sessions linked to what students are actually being asked to do — including support around important points such as assessment and assignment periods.
For academic staff
If students on your module would benefit from additional development in areas such as academic writing, referencing, critical thinking, research or another study skill, you can explore embedding Skills for Learning within your teaching rather than relying solely on individual students to seek help.
The University recommends collaboration between academic staff and Skills for Learning so that academic-skills development forms part of the curriculum rather than being treated simply as an additional service.
Support When and Where You Need It
You don't have to attend an appointment to benefit from Skills for Learning.
The service also provides online academic-skills resources, including study guides, videos and activities covering different areas of academic study.
That can be particularly useful if you:
- prefer to work through something independently;
- study remotely;
- have caring or work commitments;
- want to revisit something after a workshop;
- need help while working on an assignment;
- simply want to strengthen a particular skill.
The Library Is More Than Books
Your University Library provides access to the information and resources needed to support your learning and research.
That includes subject-specific resources as well as the wider academic support available through Library Services.
Your Liaison Librarian can also be an important point of contact within the Library. Liaison Librarians work with academic areas and can support the connection between the resources available through the Library, academic-skills development and your course.
So if you think “the Library isn't relevant because I don't need a physical book”, it is worth exploring what else is available.
Returning to Study or Studying After a Long Break
Starting university after time away from education can sometimes feel daunting.
You may worry that:
- everyone else understands academic writing better than you;
- you've forgotten how to study;
- technology has changed;
- you don't know how referencing works;
- your writing isn't “academic enough”;
- you won't be able to keep up.
These are skills you can develop.
The University specifically provides free one-to-one advice, study guides and workshops to help students develop and improve their academic and study skills.
Needing help with academic skills does not mean you do not belong at university.
English Is Not My First Language
Studying academically in another language can add another layer of challenge.
You may be learning both the subject itself and the conventions of UK higher education at the same time.
Skills for Learning can support the development of academic skills such as writing, research, referencing and critical thinking.
If language itself is creating a barrier, ask what additional support may be available rather than assuming that you simply need to work harder.
Academic Skills and Academic Integrity
Developing good academic skills can also help you work with greater confidence and maintain academic integrity.
For example, understanding:
- how to reference correctly;
- when a source needs to be acknowledged;
- how to paraphrase;
- how to take effective research notes;
- how to plan your time;
- how to develop your own academic argument
can reduce the risk of mistakes and help you become a more confident independent learner.
If you don't understand what is expected, ask before submitting your work.
Seeking academic-skills support is a positive step.
Something Has Happened, and I've Fallen Behind
Sometimes the problem isn't that you don't have the academic ability to succeed.
Something may have happened in your life.
You may have experienced:
- bereavement;
- mental or physical ill health;
- domestic abuse;
- sexual violence or harassment;
- homelessness;
- financial hardship;
- caring responsibilities;
- pregnancy;
- a safeguarding concern;
- a difficult placement experience;
- another significant disruption.
After a period of disruption, getting back into academic work can be difficult even when the original problem is beginning to improve.
You may have lost your routine, concentration or confidence. You might be looking at an assignment thinking:
“I don't even know where to start anymore.”
Skills for Learning can form part of getting back on track.
Academic Support Can Sit Alongside Other Support
Sometimes academic-skills support is only one part of what you need.
For example:
Something has happened and you are worried about your safety → Safeguarding may be appropriate.
Your mental health is affecting you → Mental Health & Wellbeing may be appropriate.
A disability or long-term condition creates barriers to learning → Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion may be appropriate.
Your circumstances are significantly affecting your ability to engage with your course → Support to Study may be appropriate.
You need help rebuilding academic skills or confidence → Skills for Learning may be appropriate.
You may benefit from more than one of these at the same time.
Skills for Learning doesn't replace reasonable adjustments, mental health support or academic decision-making. Equally, receiving support elsewhere doesn't mean that you can't also access practical help with your academic skills.
Developing Your Skills Is Part of University
Academic skills are learned skills.
Nobody arrives at university knowing everything about academic writing, critical thinking, research, referencing, dissertations and assessment.
Even students who are already doing well can use Skills for Learning to develop further.
The University's own Academic Skills Statement describes academic-skills development as important to student outcomes and says it should be positioned as part of supporting student success.
So using Skills for Learning isn't an admission that you can't cope.
It is one of the resources available to help you become a stronger and more independent university learner.
Find Academic Support
If you are finding something difficult, start by identifying what you need help with.
Is it the subject itself? Speak with your academic team.
Is it an academic skill — such as writing, research, referencing, critical thinking or structuring an assignment? Skills for Learning can help.
Has something happened outside your studies that is making it difficult to engage academically? You may benefit from Skills for Learning alongside another University support service.