Study skills for success

Find out how to get the most from your studies during your time in the UK

Last updated on February 14, 2025

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Introduction

Last updated November 15, 2024

Depending on what you’re studying, what level you’re studying at and where you’re studying, you may be faced with having to do things differently than what you’re used to. 

For example, you may be responsible for managing your own research and time, instead of being prescribed set work. You may have coursework to complete in your own time or several exams to test your understanding. 

It may be helpful to know the different types of learning you’ll experience while in the UK. It is also important to know what to do if you encounter personal problems while studying, and that you understand plagiarism, as this can negatively affect your grade. 

How do students study in the UK?

Last updated November 15, 2024

Institutions teach their students using a range of methods, so you may encounter several ways of studying in the UK. These may include: 

Lectures are for large groups of students, which could be everyone in the same year or studying the same module on a course. A lecturer will probably stand at the front of the room and provide information about a particular part of the course.
 
To make the most of these, you’ll be expected to do relevant reading before and/or after the lecture.

These are meetings between a tutor and an individual student or small group of students. Tutorials are usually intended to give you more focused guidance on a specific piece of work or problem you’re looking to solve.

Seminars consist of smaller groups of students than a lecture. They are designed for students to talk about topics in the course reading or lectures in greater detail, so you’ll need to take an active role. This could be taking part in a debate with your fellow students or presenting an idea to the group.
 
Seminars can be intimidating if you are not used to this kind of teaching. Don’t worry. Many students feel the same at first. Participating actively in seminars is an important part of the learning process, so try to contribute, even if it seems difficult at first.

On any course you will be expected to do some independent study. This usually involves working on your own or in a small group to research a topic and produce written work or make a presentation at a seminar.

Many courses have practical workshops, for example, laboratories on science courses, performance classes in music or drama, a mock trial on a law course. On some courses (for example, geography) you may go on field trips away from the institution. These give you practical experience of the theories you learn in other classes and enable you to develop practical skills.

On some courses you will have training in a working environment, under the supervision of experienced staff (for example, working in a hospital on a nursing or medicine course). Other courses offer "sandwich" placements - an opportunity to spend time away from classes working in employment related to your course of study.

How will I be assessed?

Last updated November 15, 2024

UK institutions use many different forms of assessment to monitor your progress or grade your work. It is important to know what you need to do to fulfil your course requirements.

Exams can be stressful for all students to cope with. You can eliminate this stress a little by ensuring you know the layout of the exam, what topics could be featured, how long you are given to take it and whether you can bring in any equipment, like a calculator or book.
 
Our blog features our recommended top tips for exam success. Your institution or students’ union will also have information and advice for you.

These are written assignments, which could be a report, essay or dissertation (a long essay based on extensive independent research, data collection or experimentation) or assignment questions (for example a series of mathematical problems) about a particular topic. You’ll be given a deadline for it to be submitted, but usually you can spend as much time as you want on them.

On some courses you may also be asked to produce work in other forms. For example, you may be asked to write a laboratory report, computer programme, prepare a poster presentation about a topic, or prepare practical work for evaluation.

What is plagiarism?

Last updated November 15, 2024

The definition of ‘plagiarism’ can vary widely from country to country.  It means taking someone else’s ideas or work and presenting it as your own, without acknowledging the original source. This may not be intentional; sometimes it may simply be because you have not referenced your work correctly.  

Plagiarism is taken very seriously in the UK: if you are found to be plagiarising, you could fail the exam or assignment, or even be asked to leave your course. Make sure you fully understand it, and that you understand how to reference correctly for your institution.  

If you’re unsure, check with your institution. They may have support classes you can join or some helpful guidance.  

What if I have a personal problem while studying?

Last updated November 15, 2024

If something unexpected happens when you’re studying, for example, if you become very unwell, have an accident or experience serious family problems, don't ignore it. 

If you think the illness or distress will impact on your performance or if you think you will be unable to attend the exam, you must inform your institution. This is particularly important before or during your exams or graded coursework. 

There will be formal procedures at your institution about what you need to do. For example, you may have to fill out a 'mitigating circumstances' or 'exceptional circumstances' form. This may mean that if you take your exam and don't do well your institution may be able to take your circumstances into account. Each institution has its own procedures. 

If you can't find the information that you need or don't know what to do, your personal tutor or your students’ union may be able to advise you. 

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