Getting started: key academic skills for uni

Our Learning Skills Team have pulled together a list of useful resources of key academic skills you'll need for thriving at university from your Learning Skills Hub and across the University webpages. So let's get started...

How can I manage my study?

• Time management: This module will offer you guidance on how to prioritise your workload and methods to manage your time so that you can meet your deadlines. 
• Online learning: In this module we explore methods for managing your online learning, from studying independently to working and communicating with your peers.

Which basic skills do I need to kick-start my learning at CCCU?

• Using Library Search: LibrarySearch enables you to search CCCU's library collections. You can see which books are available in the campus libraries, access digital full-text content and manage your library account.
• Effective online research: This module will guide you through some key points about using library resources online to help you feel more confident in your online studies. 
• Note-taking: This module will offer tips and tricks for effective note-taking, using active listening and productivity tools.
• Introduction to referencing: Referencing is an academic convention which allows for the acknowledgement of other people’s ideas, images or information in our work.

Where can I find help with my study?

• Learning Skills Team: Your Learning Skills Team provides a range of development opportunities to enhance your academic skills for success throughout your time at University and beyond, into your employment.
• Student Wellbeing Service: Your wellbeing is important to us, as we know if you are happy and healthy you will make the most of your time with us.
• Christ Church Students’ Union: CCSU is a charity run by students for students, providing support and representation for every student across all our campuses.

What kind of assessments can I expect?

• Essays: Starting writing can sometimes feel like a really difficult activity, but our guidance will provide you with structure to make the process easier.
• Reports: In this module, we will define what a report is, identify its purpose and explore the different elements of its construction.
• Reflective writing: Reflective writing is the considered recording of the thinking process of reflection. It is a method for turning lived experience into self-directed, personalised learning.
• Teamworking: This module is about how to adapt to working collaboratively.
• Posters: This module covers the basics of academic poster design, including an exploration of how posters differ from essays, how to condense information and how to grasp the attention of your audience.

Which skills will support my postgraduate study?

• Introduction to postgraduate writing: Academic writing at postgraduate level requires you to demonstrate a higher level of criticality and to contribute to knowledge development. 
• Advanced literature searching: This module will help you understand the processes involved and introduce you to some more advanced techniques required.
• Introduction to open access and research repositories: Open access refers to unrestricted, online access to the published findings of research, free at the point of use. In this module, you will find out why it’s important and how it works.