Workshops and one-to-one 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.
Dissertation Webinars:
Getting Started with your Dissertation -Thursday 12th May, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
This session will explore practical ways of planning and managing dissertation projects, with a particular focus on the following: strategies for creating and refining research questions/topics; making a start with the research; managing time effectively; maintaining motivation.
Writing a Critical Literature Review -Thursday 19th May, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
This session, delivered by a Library Information Specialist, considers approaches to structuring a literature review, effective synthesis, and strategies to demonstrate your critical thinking within your literature review.
Finding Research literature via Scopus and Web of Science – Monday 23rd May, 3:00pm-4:00pm
This session will cover using Scopus and Web of Science to find peer reviewed literature, identify related documents, track citations over time and identify subject experts in your field.
Dissertations –Your Questions Answered –Tuesday 24th May, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
This session provides an overview of the expectations and structures of different types of dissertations and projects. There will be a focus on the objective(s) of each section of a dissertation/project and there will be a Q&A session to discuss your dissertation/project.
How to access the webinars:
Dissertations Writing Retreats:
Our writing retreats provide a designated time and space for writing-up your project. They provide scheduled time for you to do some writing, divided with short activities to help you make progress. An LDC Advisor will also be on-hand to provide one-to-one advice about your work.
Scheduled Writing Retreats:
Book your place on Aston Futures.
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.
Are you starting to think about your placement assignment?
Do you have questions about reflective writing? Planning and writing your placement project?
The Learning Development Centre team are available to support you!
To book an appointment with the LDC team, please email.
Or telephone: 0121 204 3040
These webinars will provide you with information about on-campus exams and will cover a range of revision and exam strategies. There will be opportunities for you to ask questions during these sessions.
Webinars will take place through the Learning Development Centre blackboard module