Webinars, workshops and 1-1 tutorials
Book workshops and tutorials
You can make an appointment with a Learning Development Advisor to discuss academic skills related topics, such as:
Our Advisors are all qualified teachers who have worked in schools, colleges and universities for a number of years.To get the most out of your appointment, please read the following guidelines:
In order to get the most from a tutorial, it's important to make the necessary preparation so that your tutor can advise and assist to the of their ability. Here are some things you should consider before you arrive at your appointment:
All students can book confidential one-one tutorials with our Learning Advisors who specialise in writing and study skills strategies.
Whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, campus based or distance learner, our advisors can help you improve your study skills and feel more confident with your assignment writing.
Our tutorials can cover a range of topics including:
Our aim is to help you to develop your academic skills. In doing this, you will become a more confident and independent learner. So please note:
Appointments are usually 30 minutes but can last up to 45 minutes, if required.
Yes! If there is a group of you with similar questions from the same course, please let us know when booking your appointment, so we can arrange a suitable space and/or additional time.
In a tutorial you can discuss specific questions and pieces of work or have a conversation about your study skills and practices you would like to improve. Students often find it useful to talk about their assignments with our advisors to refine their approach and improve areas of writing. The advisor can look at a draft or extract of your assignment during the tutorial.
To get the most from a tutorial, it's important to make the necessary preparation so that your advisor can assist you to the best of their ability.
Be prepared to explain and discuss your concerns with the advisor:
To get the most from your appointment, we also advise you to:
If you are unable to attend a one-to-one tutorial, our Learning Advisors can provide advice on your academic writing or referencing via email. Our advisors will respond to you email as soon as possible (usually within a 72-hour period). To ensure you receive the advice that you require, please be as specific as possible when contacting us:
Please note:
To use the e-tutorial service, send your email to Learning Development Centre Tutorials.
To book face-face or online appointments with our learning advisors, please contact the Learning Development Centre:
Please contact the Learning Development Centre if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
To receive an email tutorials please contact Learning Development Centre Tutorials.
Aston University Student Writing Coaches work in the Learning Development Centre. They are peers or graduates who work with students to develop their academic writing skills. Student Writing Coaches are appointed following an interview and initial selection task - they all receive training prior to working with students.
Student Writing Coaches can help you to:
Writing Coaches work with all Aston University students. They are not necessarily trained in English Second Language teaching or in supporting students with additional needs, such as dyslexia. You can access alternative services if you require support in these areas.
Writing Coaches will act as a supportive and friendly listener whilst you are working on a written assignment - helping you to develop your approach to academic writing and the way you convey information.
Writing Coaches do not act as subject specialists - if you need advice on subject content, you should see a lecturer or tutor in your School.
Writing Coaches only have time to look at a specific area of your assignment. As such it is important to come prepared for your coaching session - please see our page on preparing for a student Writing Mentor session.
All Writing Coach sessions are confidential. A Writing Coach may suggest that you seek advice from other Aston University staff but will not discuss any issues without your consent. A typical appointment with a Student Writing Coach will last between 30 - 60 minutes. To make the most of your appointment, we recommend that you:
Currently one to one appointments are available via Microsoft Teams for maximum of 45 minutes Monday - Friday 10:00 to 15:45. The last bookable time slot is is 15:00 to 15:45.
To book an appointment please email Learning Development Centre or telephone 0121 204 3040.
Each term we run a programme of workshops delivered by experienced study skills tutors and student mentors. These sessions focus on different academic skills areas, including:
Workshop sessions involve a combination of group discussions, tutor presentations and small-group activities - the are FREE and available to all Aston students. Visit the LDC BlackBoard module to find details of the workshop timetable and check out our LDC Workshops - Frequently Asked Questions to help you get the most out of the session.
Session # | Title | Description | Level | Date/Time |
1 | Managing your time | This session introduces useful strategies for being more effective with your time, including using a planner, prioritising, keeping track of workflow and maintaining concentration. | All student levels | Wednesday 7 February 1pm-2pm |
2 | Effective reading and note-making | This session will show you how to quickly extract relevant information from your reading. You will make notes in a way that boosts your ability to use the information in your studies and assignments. | All student levels | Wednesday 14 February 1pm-2pm |
3 | How to write a critical literature review | This webinar considers approaches to structuring a literature review, effective synthesis, and strategies to demonstrate your critical thinking within your literature. | Undergraduate | Wednesday 28 February 1pm-2pm |
4 | How to reference and use evidence in your writing | This session focuses on strategies to help you paraphrase effectively and will discuss how to use evidence to support your points within your academic writing. | All student levels | Wednesday 6 March 1pm-2pm |
P1 | Postgraduate Writing | This advanced academic writing session is aimed at developing your understanding of the requirements of postgraduate level writing. It will cover core features of assessment criteria and help you distinguish between descriptive and critical writing styles. | Postgraduate | Wednesday 31 January 4pm-5pm |
P2 | Critical reading for Postgraduates | This webinar explores taking a critical approach to your academic reading. It includes interrogating abstracts and making notes from your critical reading. | Postgraduate | Wednesday 7 February 3pm-4pm |
P3 | Planning your Postgraduate research project/dissertation | This webinar discusses the expectations of a postgraduate project/dissertation, including approaches to choosing a topic, identifying the aims and objectives and structure of your proposal and project/dissertation. | Postgraduate | Wednesday 28 February 3pm-4pm |
P4 | Writing a critical literature review (for Postgraduates) | This webinar considers approaches to structuring a literature review, effective synthesis, and strategies to demonstrate your critical thinking within your literature review. | Postgraduate | Wednesday 6 March 3pm-4pm |
UGD1 | UG Dissertation Writing Retreats | Scheduled writing-time and short activities to help you make progress on the write-up of your dissertation,. An LDC Advisor and Student Writing Coaches will also be on hand to provide one-to-one advice about your work. | Undergraduate Who is writing-up a dissertation or final project report. | Wednesday 21 February 1pm-4pm Wednesday 13 March 1pm-4pm Wednesday 27 March 1pm-4pm Wednesday 10 April 1:30pm-4:30pm |
To book a session
To join Live Webinars (once booked):
The session will become open 15 minutes before the session start time.
Please note there are a limited number of places on webinars. If webinars are full, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list. You will receive notification if your name is on the register.
If you are unable to attend, please remove yourself from the list so that another student can attend.
If you have queries, please contact the Learning Development Centre
Telephone 0121 204 3040 or visit the Learning Development Centre between 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday