Academic Essentials

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• 1-2-1 Support with Academic Writing

  Better understand what is required of you as a postgraduate student in a one-to-one appointment with Abbie Kewley. These private consultations focus on your individual academic needs. Get valuable feedback on a piece of writing and become equipped to produce higher quality work.

  These appointments can be booked via MyFuture.

• Peer Proofreading

  This is a peer-led student forum designed to help both native and non-native speakers of English in proofreading their academic work. It is an opportunity for cultural exchange and to develop a network within the postgraduate community whilst supporting each other.

  Aims of the Forum

  • To offer proofreading support at the Graduate School so that students do not have to rely on external sources
  • To provide a valuable and rewarding opportunity, a chance for participants to boost their CV by developing new skills and experience through collaborative working
  • To improve the sense of community amongst our diverse PG students through networking and peer support

  Forum Structure

  • Each session will begin with a short masterclass in spotting and correcting common errors in academic language.
  • The forum is guided by Graduate School staff, but is designed to help student peers support each other in a safe environment.
  • Students are encouraged to bring samples of their own work to demonstrate common errors or best practice.
  • If you are a PGR student, participation in this forum can count towards your training record. 
  • You will be eligible to apply for researcher/degree plus route B awards. 
  • Native speakers of English will have the opportunity to develop mentoring skills and non-native speakers will have the opportunity to learn from their peers and ask questions in a relaxed and informal environment. 
  • All participants will be asked to fill out a short survey to help the Graduate School improve and develop the scheme for the future.  

  It is important to note that Proofreaders can only comment on the spelling, grammar and clarity of the written English. They are not permitted to comment on the subject matter or to offer advice on the idea or argument.  

• Shut Up & Write

  Shut Up & Write is a movement that started in San Francisco as a way for writers to structure their time and connect with others.

  This is a great way to carve out dedicated writing time and make progress on thesis chapters and assignments. These sessions will provide peer support, a quiet place to write, and a structured writing plan. Get out your notes, books, and anything else you need to help you write for 3 hours, and be prepared to be productive!

  Virtual Shut Up & Write sessions are now taking place every Monday and Friday, 1.00pm - 4.00pm, on Microsoft Teams. Join the team here.

• Preparing for Differentiation and Annual Progress Review

  We host regular workshops to teach you how to prepare effectively for Differentiation and APR, giving you insights into regulatory requirements. We help you to create preparation strategies, identify common questions and offer you the opportunity to practise your delivery for these assessments.

• Preparing for the Viva

  We also offer regular workshops that teach you more about the Viva and how to start to prepare to defend your Doctoral Thesis. You'll gain insights into what the Viva is, and it's purpose and process. We explore a range of common viva questions and you'll identify strategies for answering those questions, while having the opportunity to practise your delivery.

  Hear some student Viva stories here.