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Academic Help

If you are a UWS student and something has gone wrong with your studies, our advice workers can help you.
Two staff members talking over a laptop

Here at your Students' Union we know that sometimes your academic work can become difficult and sometimes you might submit work you're not happy with or want to challenge a decision that's been made about your progression. You might even have made a mistake and been asked to attend a Plagiarism panel.

Whatever your situation, our advice workers are independent from UWS and are here to provide free, impartial advice to any UWS student who needs their help. You can find out more by reading through the pages in this section, or contact an advice worker directly to get advice specific to your situation.


Looking for help with academic skills?

Perhaps you are just not confident in your essay writing skills, or are unsure how to reference correctly. Our friends over in the UWS Student Services team offer advice and support on a wide range of academic skills including:

  • Academic Writing
  • Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing
  • Exams Advice
  • Presentations
  • Referencing and avoiding plagiarism
  • Software to Help with your studies
  • Time Management

This is not a complete list as there are many other skills the team can advise on. Check out the team's resources or get in touch using the useful links below. As well as their many resources listed below, the team can also offer:

One-to-one appointments

A 30 minute chat about an assignment or anything academic skills related.

Small group appointments

A chat with a small group (2-6 students) who have the same type of questions. Please e-mail skills@uws.ac.uk to arrange.

Dissertation appointments

The team can help with the structure and academic language of a dissertation, but not the subject content. These sessions last one hour to allow you plenty of time to discuss your work.

Regular Question and Answer webinars

These are open to all students, and cover the most popular academic skills topics such as referencing, digital skills and being critical.

Useful Links for Academic Skills Team 2023-24

SharePoint Site

Information on academic skills and a link to our website. Also includes information on other Students Services areas including careers, counselling, disability service, funding and advice and international student support.

Academic Skills Website

Our website which includes guidance, short videos and links to our podcast.

Academic Skills Appointments

Specific page for booking online/in person appointments.

Academic Skills Workshops

Specific page for booking a place on our regular academic skills workshops.

Academic Skills You Tube Channel

Short videos on a variety of academic skills topics.

Introduction to Academic Skills (including how to book an appointment)

Short PPT video with guidance on how to book an academic skills appointment.

A Wee Blether About

The UWS Academic Skills team podcast on Spotify but also available via other podcast platforms.

Studiosity, our academic writing feedback partner

An alternative method of getting feedback on your academic writing.


Appeals

You can appeal against a decision you disagree with at UWS - let our advice workers help you.

Disciplinary

If you are a UWS student and have been called to a disciplinary panel, our advice service can help.

Extenuating Circumstances

Your Union can offer you help with submitting an Extenuating Circumstance Statement.

Fitness to Practice

Your Union offers help and support with Fitness to Practice issues.

Plagiarism

Our advice service can help you if you have been called to a plagiarism panel or you're worried about plagiarism.