UCAS Study Guides
UCAS working in partnership with National Extension College (NEC) have created five excellent Study Skills Guides on the following topics:
- Understanding and answering exam questions
- How to present an argument
- Time management
- Proofing and editing your work
- Academic essay writing
Doing Research
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Planning your literature searchThis handout will give you some guidance on approaching your courserwork and define keywords for searching databases. It will also explain how the literature search process leads to a literature review.
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Database search techniquesHere are some useful search tips you can apply in a wide range of library databases using the advanced search function.
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Statistics and probability
You may be required to perform quantitative data analysis in your assignment. Here is a wide range of exercises and instructional videos on statistics and probability from the Khan Academy. -
SPSS Tutorials
How2Stats (YouTube) for excellent video guides on statistical metrics and SPSS analysis tests with quantitative data. -
NVivo tutorials
QSR tutorials (YouTube) for using their NVivo software for analysis skills with qualitative and mixed-methods data.
Critical & Reflective Thinking
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Tom Chatfield on Critical Thinking and Bias
To reason critically one must be alert to various forms of bias. In this podcast, tech philosopher Tom Chatfield explores how new digital realities interact with existing human biases, explaining that human bias can become embedded into our creations, before contemplating potential digital futures. -
Cognitive Bias infographic
When it comes to assessing risk, humans often fail to make rational decisions because our brains take mental shortcuts that prevent us making the correct choice. This fantastic infographic from Raconteur Media maps the wide range of cognitive biases we are all prone to fall victim to. -
Kolb's Learning Cycle
A widely used model for thinking reflectively. Kolb's Learning Cycle (1984) has four elements of a loop which you can start at any point, though normally you start with an experience.
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Critical & Analytical WritingThe main differences between descriptive writing and critical analytical writing.
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Reflective writing: tips and useful phrasesThis guide explains what reflective writing entails along with suggestions for useful words/phrases.
Academic Writing
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Academic Phrasebank
This resource can provide you with examples of some of the phraseological ‘nuts and bolts’ of writing organised according to the main sections of a research paper or dissertation. -
In the Loop: Do you know how feedback can improve your writing?
Check out the ways in which you can get the most out of teacher feedback and apply it to your future writing. -
Beware of Nominalizations (AKA zombie nouns)
Short video highlighting why it is important to avoid excessive jargon and abstraction in academic writing. -
Using English for Academic Purposes
Learn how to write introductions, link paragraphs, synthesise and paraphrase. This is an excellent, comprehensive resource (with a range of activities) for students in higher education. -
How to Write Great Essays
This is a chapter in the book Essential Study Skills – A Complete Guide to Success at University by Tom Burns and Sandra Sinfield
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Essay Instruction TermsWhat is meant by different terms you see in assessment criteria and instructions given by tutors.
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Essay OutlineA useful handout to give you a structure for your essay.
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Planning your Essay WritingExercises and guidance on structuring your essay.
Pack created by Andy Mitchell using materials from Centres of Excellence in Teaching and Learning -
Writing Good Essay IntroductionsLearn how to craft the perfect introductory paragraph and hook your audience.
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Writing Skills Helpsheet: Sentence StructureA useful handout on writing paragraphs - what they do and how to plan them.
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Improving your essayThis handout explains how to check the flow of your argument (considering the sentence structure, grammar and punctuation). There are also questions you might ask yourself before you submit your work.
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Academic ToneThe key aspects of writing in an academic style, e.g. how to be impersonal and avoid colloquialisms and clichés.
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Components of a DissertationA useful breakdown of what a typical 10,000 words-long dissertation should include.
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Dissertation PlannerPlan your dissertation: stages, time required, start and finish dates, notes, etc.
Digital Literacy
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Digital Accessibility
This is an excellent resource from the University of Westminster which includes customising your online environment and apps for reading, writing and studying. -
On the Media [podcast]
Weekly podcast investigating how the media shapes our worldview. From WNYC, the New York Public Radio. -
IRL [podcast]
In Real Life (IRL) is an original podcast from Mozilla. Host Veronica Belmont shares real stories of life online and real talk about the future of the Web. -
Eli Pariser | TED 2011 | Beware online "filter bubbles"
As web companies strive to tailor their services (including news and search results) to our personal tastes, there's a dangerous unintended consequence: We get trapped in a "filter bubble" and don't get exposed to information that could challenge or broaden our worldview. Eli Pariser argues powerfully that this will ultimately prove to be bad for us and bad for democracy. -
Being Digital - Skills for life online
Being digital is a collection of short, easy to follow activities created by the Open University. They cover the skills we all need to be effective online, whether it’s searching efficiently, critically evaluating information, communicating and sharing online, or selecting the right online tool for your needs. -
TinEye - Reverse Image Search
The first reverse image search engine allowing you to search by image, find better resolution files and track earlier versions. TinEye will help you check if an image was manipulated in any way and where (what sorts of sites) it 'lives on' online. -
Study Tips for Online Modules
If you’re on your first online-only module you’ll need to adapt how you study. Use the guide from The Open University to help you to prepare.
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Preparing for Online Assessments
Use this guide from the University of Liverpool to help you to prepare for online assessments.
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Europass | Digital Competences self-assessment gridReflect on your current digital skills in areas of information processing, communication, content creation, safety, and problem solving. Are you a basic, independent, or proficient user?
Pre-Enrolment Reading - Subject Specific
Want to get a head-start on your reading for your subject area? Lecturers from all of the different Roehampton departments have put together lists of reading materials that you might want to check out before you begin your studies in your chosen programme.