Study Skills, Exams & Assessment Prep

Effective study skills are a vital element in achieving academic success on your course. Make sure you are using the resources available to you.

Improving your academic performance
There are several steps you can take in order to improve your academic performance.

Step 1: Read the feedback that tutors have given on your assignments. This will usually help to inform you of the areas that you need to improve. 

Step 2: Refer to the module handbook and the scoring/assessment criteria for each assignment. Make a note of the things that you may have missed. For example, are you presenting the work in the required format? Have you included a reference list? Have you demonstrated a wide range or reading and knowledge? 

Step 3: Access the advice and guidance of the module tutor. You can review your feedback together to make sure you understand where improvements can be made. This is also an opportunity to review your assessment plans, and gain guidance on subject areas you may need to complete further research on. 

Step 4: Use the study skills support services (listed above) available through the University. There are a wide range of different options available to support academic writing skills, spelling and grammar, referencing and research skills.

The university offers a range of study skills support services. These are design to meet a wide range of support needs.

  • Academic Liaison Librarians
    For one-to-one support with using library resources, book an appointment with a Liaison Librarian. The team can offer help in specific subject areas and provide referencing guidance and information. Find out more about the support they can provide and how to book an appointment on the Library Services webpage.
     
  • Academic Writers in Residence
    Struggling with an essay or dissertation? Grappling with grammar and punctuation? Stuck on structuring? Finding academic writing a challenge? Getting good grades but keen to get even better ones?  The University of Worcester’s  Academic Writers in Residence are here to help. You can find further information on the Writers in Residence webpage.
     
  • Centre for Academic and English Skills (formally the Language Centre)
    Based at the Jenny Lind Building on City Campus, the Centre for Academic and English Skills can give you practical advice on how to improve your English or your skills in other modern foreign languages. You can find more  information about what they offer, plus how to book an appointment, on the Centre for Academic and English Skills webpage.
     
  • Study Skills Webpages
    The Study Skills webpages give you access to a wide range of online resources, which can assist with your coursework and assessments. There are links to videos on critical evaluation and assignment planning as well as resources covering academic writing, maths and critical thinking.
     

Examinations

Disability and Dyslexia Service
Sometimes students might find assessments difficult because of a learning difference or health condition. If you feel like your health or a disability affect your performance in assessments, it is recommended to speak to the Disability and Dyslexia Service for advice on academic support. Some students will already have a diagnosis and need to discuss the support plan they have in place. Others might need to discuss symptoms they are experiencing and seek further advice and guidance about getting a diagnosis. 

Mitigating Circumstances
It is not uncommon for students to fail an assessment because of personal circumstances. It can sometimes be appropriate to use the mitigating circumstances process in these situations. It can also be helpful to have the support of the University’s Counselling and Mental Health service or the Student Support and Wellbeing service.