Academic skills tutorials

Find out what to expect from our tutorials.

Our aim is to promote independent learning, so we offer you a maximum of two appointments per assignment.

You can book an appointment up to three weeks in advance. Please note we cannot offer you an appointment during your online or at-home exam.

In-person tutorials and Covid-19

We understand that there may still be some concern over in-person meetings.  If you don’t feel well on the day of your appointment, please contact us so we can reschedule it or move it online.

At your appointment time, please come to our waiting area outside room B310 in University Building and the Tutor will meet you there.

Can I attend with someone else from my course?

You can team up with one other student from your course and book an academic skills session together if you have similar questions. However, this is not possible if you wish the tutor to look at an individual piece of your work - for this book a one-to-one session.

To book a group tutorial email: skills@city.ac.uk

Is the tutorial confidential?

Anything you tell us in these sessions is only discussed within the Academic Skills team (and, in some cases where it is deemed necessary, the Neurodiversity, Disability or EAP tutors).

This means, for example, that we will not disclose information about you to your academic department or other students.  However, if you disclose an emotional or mental health issue, we may ask for your permission to contact the Student Counselling and Mental Health Service.

In exceptional cases where we believe you are a risk to yourself or to someone else, we will contact the SCMHS regardless of consent.

Should I send my work in advance of the tutorial?

Academic Skills Tutors might be able to look at your work prior to the appointment if you upload it beforehand. It is also useful if the Tutor can see the assessment criteria. You can upload documents via the booking form.

I have a specific learning difference - can you still help me?

If you have been formally identified with a specific learning difference (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD, the Neurodiversity support team at City can offer you specialist support with your studies including tailored one-one study skills tutorials. Please contact them directly for advice and support.

If you are an EU or International student with neurodiversity support needs but you don’t have funding for this, you can have an initial session with a Neurodiversity Support Tutor. After this session, you might be referred to the Academic Skills Team.

Do you offer English language support?

There is a separate English for Academic Purposes (EAP) tutor who can offer academic writing and English language support for international students and students whose first language is not English.

I'm a City Cares student. Do I get special access to the Academic Skills Team?

If you have registered with the City Cares team, you have priority access to the service. If you are having problems finding an available appointment, please email skills@city.ac.uk, and we will try to arrange an appointment at a suitable time for you.

What if I can’t attend the appointment I have booked?

There is high demand for these appointments. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so via the cancellation link (in your confirmation email) at least 24 hours in advance.

If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, or if you can’t attend an appointment and don’t let us know, we can’t offer the slot to another student. If this happens three times in a row, we may have to restrict your access to the service.

Respectful working

We all have the right to fair and equal treatment, and the right to work and study in a respectful environment, free from harassment and bullying. We expect students and staff to act in good faith, with honesty, courtesy and integrity, and to be considerate of the welfare of others in the City community.

Independent learning

Academic Skills Tutors are not subject specialists and therefore we are unable to offer grade predictions about your work.

We also cannot proofread your work, although we can help you to improve your own proofreading skills.