Beginning your studies in a new country and trying to cope with a new academic approach can be a daunting prospect. We understand that when you first arrive in the UK you may experience some culture shock and there may be many new skills you need to learn. Whether you are an experienced researcher beginning doctoral studies or a first year undergraduate, we can help to settle into your course. As study skills advisors Clare and Cris are both CELTA qualified teachers of English and have years of experience helping international students adapt to British academic life. Areas we can help you with include:
Academic writing: You may not be familiar with having to write long pieces of academic text. We can help with structure, appropriate language and writing critically. We can guide you through the different writing tasks you might have to attempt, such a report writing, essays, literature reviews and dissertations.
Referencing: This can be an area that causes some confusion and anxiety for international students – we can smooth the path to success in this area and direct you to the advice (and software) that will make this task simpler and add to the academic quality of your written work.
Presentations: This can be a daunting area for any student but even more so if you are presenting in a foreign language. We can guide you through the process of preparing slides, composing text and even listen to a completed presentation before it is assessed to help with pronunciation tips and timing issues.
Research: If your course includes a research component such as writing a dissertation or thesis we can help you through this process. Your research supervisor is your main point of contact for this but we may be able to provide additional help with issues like the advantages and disadvantages of different research approaches, reading sections or chapters of your work as you develop it and ensuring that you reference your work correctly.
Bloomsbury Skills for Study is a multi-media collection of self-paced, self-guided modules to help develop your academic study skills. Work through all the modules available or those which you feel will be the most helpful. The first time you log in, you will be asked to set up a personal account using your University of Gloucestershire email address.
If you are a student on the MSc International Business by Research course you have a dedicated study skills advisor, Alicia Mascall. Alicia is a CELTA qualified teacher of English, has a PGCHE for teaching in higher education, and years of experience working with students to improve their work. She really enjoys working with students and can help you with all aspects of your academic work including:
If you want to book a study skills appointment please complete this form or email Alicia.
View the video below to find out how Alicia can help you with your work.