How you'll study at university

Teaching

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, and tutorials.

Lectures introduce core information on a specific topic for a course module, while seminars and workshops will explore the topic and skills in more detail.

Lectures are usually delivered to everybody studying the course module and seminars are run in smaller groups of between 10 and 30 students. These sessions are timetabled.

Lecturers may also be available for 1 to 1 sessions or small group tutorials. You will usually need to book these.

Participation

In our university classrooms, we believe everyone has value to bring. Your lecturers and other teaching support staff are subject experts who use their knowledge and skills to facilitate your learning. You have your own expertise too, such as your lived experiences, your work experiences, your current skills, and what you already know about your subject. Bringing this to the classroom is part of learning expectations at York St John.

At university, your participation and contributions are important, and there are many different ways in which you can take part in your academic sessions. Class discussions, online discussion boards, group work, and team tasks are all ways that you will be able to take an active role in your learning, build networks and friendships, and learn from those around you.

Be positive about the role you can play in the group as your contributions can help others participate too.

If you're naturally quiet, consider whether that gives you the chance to be reflective, and to contribute after thinking through your initial response.

If you're naturally chatty, think about if this means you can be a facilitator which may encourage others to speak up.

Being prepared is key and you can do this by familiarising yourself with the area you will discuss in seminars. Try to come to class with at least 1 question you would like to discuss, and answer you want to explore, or a problem you want to solve.

Assessment

At the last place you studied, your qualification may have focused on a few assessment types (such as mainly exams, or mainly portfolios, or mainly essays). At university in the UK, you will likely need to complete a range of assessment types which match the skills and knowledge you are developing. This can include essays, research projects, portfolios and literature reviews. Depending on your course you may also be asked to do group or individual presentations, exams, and practical assessments.

A typical essay word count will fall in the range of 1,000 to 3,000 words. A typical presentation may last between 5 and 15 minutes. A typical closed exam may last for up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. A typical portfolio will contain two to 5 pieces of work.

Some assignments are submitted to gain feedback and measure your progress, but do not contribute to your final grade. These are known as formative assessments.

Your main assignments will be graded. These are known as summative assessments. You will get feedback from these too.

Time management

Your timetable will display which classes you need to attend, where they are located, and how long they will last.

At university, most of your time will be spent doing independent study where you work individually towards learning goals and deadlines. It is a good idea to try and create a consistent study routine which includes breaks, and works towards specific targets. Systems such as the Pomodoro Technique and SMART goals are popular ways to help set routines and targets but the most important thing is to find a system that works for you. Studying alongside peers and friends can be beneficial to resolve uncertainties and reach a better understanding. You will have access to lots of resources and support to help develop your time management and planning skills.

Studying between 9.00am and 5.00pm may not suit everyone. Choose a time that works for you, when you can be most productive.