Academic Skills

Academic skills

Academic Skills Advisers help you to take an active role in developing the skills you need for success. Our emphasis is on enhancement of learning to assist you in achieving your full potential.

Our programme is designed to support the needs of students from all levels and disciplines. Whether you are an undergraduate learning to write your first academic essay, or a postgraduate about to embark on a Master’s degree or postgraduate research, you can make use of our accessible, tailored materials and support.

Our skills programme includes a wide range of workshops including Assignment Planning and Writing, Academic Referencing, Critical Thinking and Analysis, Exam Revision and Presentation Skills. We also run tailored workshops within the academic curriculum. Mature students or postgraduate students who have been away from education for a while and wish to refresh their academic skills are invited to attend a ‘Back to Study’ day before the start of the academic year.

In addition, we offer a one-to-one service, allowing students to discuss their current work with one of our Academic Skills Advisers. Appointments are available either in person or online, via Microsoft Teams. We also hold short notice appointments during term time for students who want to come with any quick queries.

Finally, we keep a large range of card resources in our office, which all students are welcome to take away, including vocabulary cards, essay structuring tips and more.

SkillsNet

Winchester has also developed SkillsNet, an online resource bank that offers tips and information, all designed to boost your academic performance. It provides easily accessible, relevant online materials, including digital versions of all our Academic Skills resources. Whether you are preparing ahead, or working to a deadline, SkillsNet is there to help you. Good academic skills are critical to success at University and many are transferable to future employment, too.

Logged-in users can access the full SkillsNet site on Canvas here.

Study Mentoring

Academic Skills run a Student Academic Mentoring scheme. This scheme primarily supports first year undergraduates, Foundation-level students, international students at any level of study, and PGCE students. Our Student Academic Mentors are experienced students, trained to help their mentees study efficiently and effectively. Mentors meet with mentees one-to-one on a weekly basis, in person or online, offering guidance on essential academic skills, such as study management, reading and research, critical analysis, presentation skills and more. To enquire about getting involved, please email Study Mentoring.