The Centre for Academic English and Skills can give you practical advice on how to improve your academic writing skills by giving you personalised feedback. We offer personal tutorials via email in which we answer specific questions and comment on samples of your work. We can also give advice about writing techniques and areas you would like to improve in.

 

 

"I am really grateful for your support in academic writing . . . the insights and guidance you provided helped me to upgrade my marks and I got an A in my dissertation."

3rd-year BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) student, 14/06/2024

In our tutorials we can support your writing by advising on areas such as: 

  • understanding assignment questions
  • understanding tutor feedback and comments
  • academic style
  • planning and structuring written assignments
  • critical thinking
  • referencing and citation
  • techniques for proofreading
  • punctuation and sentence structure
  • producing effective PowerPoints for presentations
  • grammar and vocabulary (useful for students whose first language is not English)

"I feel so much more confident now in my writing. I admit I was very lost when we first started, and with practice, and the fantastic support I received from the Centre for Academic English and Skills, I now understand what is expected when writing in an academic style. Great experience."

1st-year BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families student, 09/05/2023

AWG tutorial types

  • email tutorials in which you will receive personalised feedback in an email (the quickest way to receive feedback on your work);
  • face-to-face tutorials can also be requested if you prefer.

When you can book

You can book AWG tutorials throughout the year, except during some University holidays (see University term dates).  Please note that when the service is very busy, and there are no appointments in the week you want to book, there will be a message at the top of the online booking form to let you know.

How to book

To request a tutorial, click on the booking link at the top of this page. Please note that you can only book one appointment per week.

 A tutor will respond as soon as possible (usually within 5 working days). This may take longer at busier times of the year (e.g. during assessment periods).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you proofread my essay/dissertation?

We are not a proofreading service, and we can only spend up to 30 minutes for each tutorial. We are not subject specialists, so we cannot advise on the actual subject-content (or grade your work).

Where can I get advice about referencing, reading, notetaking and other study skills?

A short guide and full guidance on how to reference the sources you have used are available on .

Also check out the library's sessions, where you can sign up for interactive clinics and ask any questions about study skills that you may have.

How do I find suitable books, journal articles etc. for study/research?

A good place to start your search for information is your . Books, journals and other resources are available for borrowing from the . Check out this on your resource list and beyond.

For further help with finding resources .

What books/websites can help me develop my academic writing?

Below are some recommended resources that will guide you through the whole process of academic writing. They include practice with developing your ability to communicate your ideas and research. All books are available for borrowing from the , either in printed format or as e-books.

Books/e-books

  • Academic Success: a Student's Guide to Studying at University. Authors: Jean Brick, Nick Wilson, Deanna Wong and Maria Herke. ISBN: 9781352002621
  • Writing for University. Author: Jeanne Godfrey. ISBN: 978135093368
  • How to Write Better Essays. Author: Bryan Greetham. ISBN: 9781350337930

Websites

  • Writing Essays - The Royal Literary Fund: 
  • The Academic Phrasebank - University of Manchester: 
  • Using English for Academic Purposes for Students in Higher Education - Andy Gillett:  (for students whose first language is not English)

 For further help with finding academic writing resources .

Can I use AI to help me write my essay/dissertation?

It is vital that the work you submit for your assessments is your own work. It is important to be transparent about the tools you use and the sources you are reading and citing. If you are unsure whether use of AI is appropriate, please speak to your module tutor or course leader. 

There may be some assessments where the use of AI tools is permitted or required. Your module tutor will communicate this to you in advance. Unless this is the case you should assume that the use of any AI tools for creating the content of an assessment is not permitted.

If you use AI tools as part of the process of creating an assessment, it is important that you acknowledge their use.