Study support
Explore our range of support designed to help you thrive during your studies
At Birmingham, learning is a conversation, not simply a lecture. University study gives you the chance to be in charge of your own learning, do independent research, and be responsible for your own progress.
Undertaking independent study into a project at the cutting edge of research where the answer is not predetermined helped strengthen my synthetic chemistry knowledge and gave me the confidence to work in an industrial environment.
Victoria, BSc Chemistry
Study skills
We provide online study skills training to help you prepare for university study. Your School or department may also provide additional support.
Personal tutors
Personal tutors are academic members of staff who are assigned to you as your individual personal tutor for the duration of your study. They will support your academic progress, the development of your transferable skills and assist with any welfare issues. You will have regular contact with your personal tutor and are encouraged to see them whenever you need support.
Academic Skills Centre
On arrival at university, you may need additional support with degree-level academic writing and mathematics, or general study, digital and research skills. These are just the sorts of things that the Academic Skills Centre based in the Main Library can assist with. Staffed by experienced tutors and advisors, the Centre provides individual support and group sessions in a friendly, accessible environment for all undergraduate students. Students can access one-to-one help, sign up for workshops, or use online resources to help develop their skills further.
English for international students
Our English for International Students Unit offers free English classes during the academic year, including sessions for academic English, grammar, and vocabulary. You can also get individual advice about your writing and other language needs, receive answers to your questions by email and download more than 100 self-study materials to improve your English skills. At the start of your studies, you take an academic English language assessment so that we can advise you on your individual needs.
Dyslexia and other learning difficulties
We provide disability support through the Student Disability Service if you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia.
Captioning for students
We recognise that the accuracy of machine generated captions varies depending on the audio quality, background noise, speakers.
Students are advised that they should not rely solely on the captions when viewing video content and should use them alongside other learning materials and resources provided as part of their course. Students who require accurate captions by way of a reasonable adjustments should follow the guidance provided to them in their Reasonable Adjustment Plan or, in the absence of such guidance, to contact their support advisor.