Academic Skills Training
Information about the programme
- Teaching hours per week: Each first year student takes three hours weekly
- Timetable: 1 x two hour class according to the needs of degree subject assessments, plus a one hour Academic Skills Training Plenary lecture every Wednesday
- Maximum class size: 25 students
At the University of Bedfordshire, we want you to get the most out of your time with us. That's why the University has created a core programme of timetabled academic skills classes, which all EU and international students are expected to attend.
We know how important it is, both during your time at University and in your career afterwards, to continually develop both your intercultural and academic skills.
In Academic Skills Training Unit you learn how to write academically, such as: paraphrasing techniques, avoiding plagiarism and evidencing your critical thoughts.
In short, AST unit aims to boost competence in academic and formal language usage associated with successful participation in UK Higher Education.
Many employers and visa sponsors will look for evidence (in addition to your academic achievements) of excellent English language proficiency and career skills.
"In Academic Skills Training we learn how to write academically, how to summarise, how to paraphrase, how to avoid plagiarism. So it's very helpful."
Dominika from Poland, 1st year BA Psychology
"Writing at an academic level is very difficult. AST helped me to create my own analysis, evaluation and synthesis."
Constantin from Albania, 1st year BA Criminology
Academic Skills Training: Plenary Lectures
Wednesdays 5pm & 6pm (repeat) - Room G1O1 Luton
|
Date |
Topic |
Lecturer |
|
25th Sep |
How to achieve high grades |
Paul Owen |
|
2nd Oct |
Building your academic vocabulary |
Dr Nuzhat Jafari |
|
9th Oct |
Evidencing your critical thoughts* (Room H004) |
Paul Owen |
|
16th Oct |
Effective reading strategies |
John Sussum |
|
23rd Oct |
Why is culture important in learning? |
John Lapwood |
|
30th Oct |
Developing a growth mind-set |
Dr Stella Giorgou |
|
6th Nov |
Introduction to public speaking (5-7pm) |
Paul Owen |
Academic Skills Training is designed to help you boost your course grades and become an effective communicator. This core unit consists of three parts:
TWO FORMATS every week:
|
1 |
Academic skills development session for your subject area |
Check your timetable |
2 hours weekly |
|
2 |
AST plenary/ presentation skills workshops |
G101 most Wednesdays @5pm/6pm |
1-2 hours weekly |
Timetable of AST classes SEM1 2024-25 - Luton campus
Academic Skills Training Timetable Luton w/c September 23rd 2024
|
Subject |
Day and time |
Room |
Lecturer |
|
Life Sciences |
Mondays 09:00-11:00 |
H308 |
Dr Nuzhat Jafari |
|
All UG Business |
Mondays 09:00-11:00 |
H217 |
Paul Owen |
|
Computing UG & PG |
Mondays 09:30-11:30 |
ONLINE |
Dr Safia Sheraz |
|
UG Business: Bedford |
Mondays 12:00-14:00 |
ONLINE |
Paul Owen |
|
Public Health PG |
Mondays 12:00-14:00 |
H211 |
Dr Nuzhat Jafari |
|
Law UG |
Mondays 15:00-17:00 |
H310 |
Paul Owen |
|
All UG Business |
Tuesdays 09:00-11:00 |
C420 |
Paul Owen |
|
Computing UG & PG |
Tuesdays 15:00-1700 |
A407 |
Paul Owen |
|
Business PG/ MBA |
Tuesdays 12:00-14:00 |
A220c |
Paul Owen |
|
Psychology/ Sociology |
Wednesdays 09:00-11:00 |
H309 |
John Lapwood |
|
Business PG/ MBA |
Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 |
P103 |
Paul Owen |
|
Business PG/ MBA |
Wednesdays 12:00-14:00 |
P103 |
Paul Owen |
|
Public Health, Social Care & Nursing |
Thursdays 12:00-14:00 |
J209 |
Dr Nuzhat Jafari |
|
Business PG / MBA catch-up |
Fridays 10:00-12:00 |
ONLINE |
Paul Owen |
|
Creative |
Fridays 14:00-16:00 |
ONLINE |
Paul Owen |
Timetable of AST classes SEM1 2024-25 - Bedford campus
Academic Skills Training @ Bedford weekly timetable
|
Mondays 12:00-14:00 |
SEMESTER 1 |
ONLINE |
Via Collaborate on BREO |
Paul Owen |
|
Mondays 12:00-14:00 |
SEMESTER 2 |
ONLINE |
Via Collaborate on BREO |
Paul Owen |
Find out more:
@ Your AST BREO Unit
Programme Coordinator: paul.owen@beds.ac.uk (room J301)
Find out how Academic Skills Classes helps our Students with their studies:
The AST Plenary Lecture Programme (format 2) will recommence in September 2024
As part of the Academic Skills Training programme, all international students can benefit from attending plenary lectures. You will be asked to take notes during the lectures by inspirational speakers, and then write an essay on the lecture theme. Valuable feedback will be provided from which you will be able to recognise your improvements during the course of the year.
Academic Skills Plenary Lecture Benefits
- Targeted feedback from essays
- Listening skills
- Note-taking and writing practice
- Observing and interacting
- Raising cultural awareness
- Interesting and varied topics
Find out more:
@ Your AST BREO Unit
Programme Coordinator: paul.owen@beds.ac.uk (room J301)
The Enhanced English unit will enable you to work on boosting your general English skills, such as:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
Enhanced English Timetable
| Luton campus |
Wednesdays |
Room A407 | John Lapwood |
| Online via Collaborate (Breo) |
Fridays |
To access:
|
John Lapwood |
Academic Skills Training / Introduction to Public Speaking Unit
Presentation Skills Workshops
Overcome your fear of public speaking and learn how to engage your audience
- Wed 6th Nov, 5-7pm, room G101 (Luton)
- Wed 13th Nov, 5-7pm, room tbc (Luton)
- Wed 20th Nov, 5-7pm, room tbc (Luton)
- Wed 27th Nov, 5-7pm, room tbc (Luton)
address
The Language Centre
University of Bedfordshire Business School
Vicarage Street
University Square
Luton, LU1 3JU
UK
telephone
Office hours GMT
- Mon – Thu
09:00 to 17:00 - Friday
09:00 to 16:30
T: +44 (0)1582 489032