Academic support - University of Staffordshire

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Academic support

We offer a range of services to ensure you are able to make the most of your studies with us.

There may be a time during your time with us when you need extra support in your studies - perhaps even before you start your course. While your academic tutors will always be able to strengthen your course knowledge, you may require a little extra help with academic writing, or with support hitting deadlines.

Academic skills

Academic skills are all about helping you become a more effective learner at university level and developing the research and study skills that will help you now and in the future.

Developing good academic skills will help you achieve the success that reflects your full potential. Most of the skills you will develop during your studies are transferable to future careers, so can help you even after you have left University.

The Academic Skills team, based within the Library, is made up of Academic Librarians and Skills Tutors who will work with you to help you develop essential skills such as academic writing, critical thinking and exam prep.

You can access a range of resources from our detailed online support guides, plus you can make 1-2-1 appointments with members of the team for more individual support.

Library services

Our library is so much more than a building full of books (though we have plenty of those too!). We’re constantly investing in improving and digitising our library services, meaning you can access your learning and research resources when and where you want.

New and redeveloped library locations around campus mean you can click and collect books, use our self-service system, and find study spaces near to your lecture theatres and accommodation. If you’re off campus, you can also take advantage of our vast digital collection.

Our libraries are accessible for our disabled students, with lifts and height adjustable desks and self-service machines, plus an accessible formats service for students with additional print needs.

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Catalyst Coffee Shop

Serving fresh craft coffee, hot and cold sandwiches and paninis plus cold beverages and retail items, conveniently located near to the Catalyst Library.

Off-campus library services

Distance learners benefit from a range of services including access to e-books, postal loans of physical books, online support from subject librarians and more. Read more

Library services and learning resources

We offer an extensive range of library services to our off-campus students and help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our comprehensive online catalogue of eResources are available for you to search for and access material such as eBooks, journals and databases. Our team of librarians can help you find your way around the electronic resources and library catalogues, or if there’s something specific you need, they can help you to source it.

Our LibGuides provide information and advice on using our online resources, with specific pages for each subject area, and can help you search for quality-assured websites.

Find out more: Library Resources

Cafe Cadman

A contemporary “lounge style” café located in the entrance to the library serving Costa coffee; with a range of fantastic impulse cakes and home baked snacks.

Course guidance and advice

We have a team of friendly, approachable guidance advisors who can help you with any problems or questions you may have whilst studying at University of Staffordshire.

We offer quality advice and guidance to you across a very broad range of issues including: exceptional circumstances, academic rules & regulations, appeals, processes in the student lifecycle (withdrawal, break in studies etc), student welfare, student attendance, finance issues (including financial hardship), learning contracts, and much more.

Access to resources

Software

As a student, not only do you have access to the latest technology on campus, but you also have access to various software packages which you can download and install on your own personal device. This includes Microsoft Office 365, which is provided free of change for students for the duration of your time at University of Staffordshire and can be installed on up to five different devices.

If you are on a specialised course such as Games Design we can make the software available to you via Windows Virtual Desktop, this will allow you to utilise the power of the Cloud from the device and gain access to the software you need once you’re enrolled on your course.

Laptop hire

Along with the multiple computers available to use on campus, students can make short term laptop loans sing our LapSafe service. You can borrow a laptop from our self-service LapSafe cabinets, which offer full Windows 10 laptops, with the usual Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel as well as several web browsers. Laptops can be borrowed for up to 24 hours.

While we encourage as many students as possible to bring their own devices to campus, we understand this isn’t always possible for everyone. Long-term laptop loans can be made by students who meet a specific set of criteria.

Step up to Higher Education

The Step Up to Higher Education (HE) course is perfect for students who want to return to education and develop the key academic skills needed for university level study. This course has been specifically developed for pre-degree learners who are joining us on a range of our undergraduate level courses here at University of Staffordshire.

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