Graduate Writing Centre

In addition to our courses, English Language Education (ELE) offers one-to-one academic writing tutorials for all postgraduate students (PGT and PGR) and members of staff. Undergraduate students seeking academic writing development should visit the Academic Skills webpages.

Our online one-to-one sessions are approximately 40 minutes long and are designed to give you the opportunity to discuss specific areas of academic writing with an Academic Language and Literacies practitioner.

What can I discuss?

You can upload a piece of your writing (around 350 words) that you would like to focus on in the tutorial with a question, or questions, for discussion. Alternatively, you can simply discuss any writing questions that you may have.

We can offer advice on all aspects of writing, from the macro-level to the micro-level, including how to…

• meet expectations in your discipline, considering the genre you are being asked to write, your audience and purpose.
• unpack assignment tasks and interpret tutor feedback.
• approach the writing process.
• organise and support your ideas with appropriate and accurate use of sources.
• write more clearly, precisely and accurately.
• exploit online writing tools and resources for future assignments.

Testimonials from previous students

“I was referred to some great materials that can help improve my academic writing, questions that I raised were answered and other good points made that I will note in future writing as well as above all, it was almost like therapy where I went into the session feeling beaten down by my writing which is wanting to coming out knowing that I am on the right path to improving and doing so much better.”

“I learnt how to build confidence in my writing, how to work in different stages when writing (from the creative process to the editing process), and I also learnt how develop a more critical writing for my thesis.”
 

“Good, clear advice and opinions regarding some of my academic writing. Advice was helpful but not overbearing on any points ie. was always made clear that I didn't have to make the suggested changes if I did not feel they were necessary. Pointers were given on structuring, grammar and layout of essays as well as ensuring the question has been answered to the best of my ability.”
 

What we do not do

We cannot provide help with disciplinary content. This should be discussed with your subject tutors.

We will not provide a proof-reading service in these tutorials. This means we will not correct your spelling or all your grammar mistakes for you. We will point out general transferable areas for development, so that you can apply the points of focus from your tutorial session to your writing more widely. We can also suggest useful reference sources (websites, books) that you can consult independently. Our main aim is to help you develop as a writer in the longer term.

Time and Location

Tutorials are held online via Microsoft Teams throughout Semesters 1 & 2.

How do I book?

From late September you can register for these sessions in the Event Booking section of MyEd. You will find the tutorials by clicking on 'Training and Event Booking' and selecting 'English Language Education in the 'Provider' dropdown menu. Your tutor will contact you by email with details of the tutorial approximately 24 hours beforehand. You can upload any writing you wish to discuss in the tutorial. 

Students are limited to a maximum of one tutorial per month.

If you are unable to attend your one-to-one consultation, please cancel it as soon as possible (at least 24 hours beforehand) on the Events booking System. Students who book tutorials and do not attend without cancelling may not be able to book any further ELE tutorial support.