Library, study and digital skills
Study development tutorials and workshops
Get help with your study skills in a 1 to 1 tutorial, find out more about our Study for Success workshops, or explore our self-help resources.
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Our Study Development team are here to help you with your academic work. We can provide support with study strategies, planning processes, and writing skills.
You can book 1 to 1 tutorials with our tutors at any stage of your assignments.
We also provide self-help resources for you to explore at your own pace, and workshops and retreats for all students.
If you have any questions about our services, email us at studydevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk.
Self-help resources
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From writing clearly to using evidence effectively, our self-help resources are here to support you with academic writing. Find resources on our Study skills guides page.
For a full reading list on study skills, see the Study development reading list.
Book a tutorial
Study Development tutorials are 1 to 1 sessions where you can get help with your academic work and skills. You can access tutorials tailored to your learning needs and goals, and we will work with you on a learning plan appropriate for you.
If you can't find a suitable tutorial time, please email studydevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk to join our waiting list. When emailing, please specify your preferred dates for the tutorial. If there's a cancellation, we will get in touch. Our tutorial bookings open up four weeks in advance, so remember to check back then for more availability.
Tutorials can be helpful at any stage of your assignment, from receiving a brief to final proof reading. When you get support from Study Development, there are things we can and cannot do.
- Support you with developing a range of skills, including reading, writing (such as structure, grammar, communication), planning and organisation, thinking, and maths skills.
- Support you with understanding what your assignment brief is asking you to do.
- Read example paragraphs and small sections of your work to help guide your development.
- For maths tutorials, set different exemplar questions and tasks for you to work on.
- Proofread your work.
- Give you feedback on the subject content of your work, as we are not your lecturers.
- Tell you if your work meets a certain grade or criteria, as we are not the ones marking your work.
- Work on exam answers.
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York Campus tutorials
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Online tutorials
Focus and Forward: Weekly Planning Hub
Monday, 11.00am to 12.00pm - Holgate 013
Wednesday, 11.00am to 12.00pm - Online
Looking for a space to set your study goals or plan your week? This weekly planning hub with Study Development combines practical planning techniques with goal-setting strategies to keep you organised, focused, and motivated.
Drop in to use the space and explore our resources, or book a 20-minute session with a Study Development Tutor for personalised guidance.
Focus and Write: YSJ PGR Writing Group
Where researchers write together.
Struggling to find time and focus for your writing? Focus and Write gives you two hours of dedicated writing time each week in a quiet, supportive environment with fellow postgraduate researchers.
Whether you’re drafting chapters, editing, or working on articles, these sessions provide:
- A dedicated time and space away from distractions.
- A sense of community, writing alongside peers who understand the challenges of PGR work.
- Gentle structure, so that you can make progress without pressure.
October schedule:
Monday (online):
- 1.30pm to 3.00pm via Teams.
Thursdays (in-person, York Campus):
- 1.30pm to 3.00pm, Creative Centre 019 (Creative Writing Room).
Please note that the Thursday 8 and Thursday 15 October sessions will take place in De Grey 102.
Open to all postgraduate researchers – no need to book. Bring your laptop, notes, or whatever you need to work on.
Disability Study Start!
Join Study Development to discover study habits that will set you up for success in your new semester. For students who identify as having a disability.
Speakeasy: Our safe space for public speaking
Do presentations make you nervous or worried? Want to feel more confident speaking in front of others? Speakeasy is a relaxed, supportive session designed for students and staff who want to practice public speaking in a safe, judgement-free environment.
Whether you're preparing for a presentation assignment, building confidence, or simply looking to improve your communication skills, Speakeasy offers a welcoming space to practice. Bring along something you're working on, or choose from a selection of reading materials provided on the day. You'll have the opportunity to speak in front of a supportive audience, receive constructive feedback, and get guidance from Study Development tutors.
How it works
- No booking required, just turn up.
- Speak for up to five minutes.
- Bring your own material or use something we provide.
- Stay for the full session to support fellow participants.
- Follow our shared ground rules: phones away, no recording, respectful listening, and supportive feedback only.
When and where
Fridays, 11.30am to 12.30pm (fortnightly):
- 16 October: De Grey 109
- 30 October: De Grey 019
- 6 November: Quad East 106
- 20 November: De Grey 109
- 4 December: Skell 126
Whether you're an experienced speaker or someone who dreads standing up in front of a group, Speakeasy is a great place to practice, build confidence, and develop your public speaking skills at your own pace.
Information for staff
You can request a Study Development workshop session for your students using our form.
Typically, we need at least 2 weeks' notice to schedule and plan a session. We will need to know your session requirements, including student level, delivery method, preferred times and dates, and the focus of the session.
