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Supporting your academic journey
Your personal academic tutor is an academic member of staff who will support you throughout your studies and help you make the most of your university experience.
They are there to guide, encourage and challenge you, helping you to achieve your academic goals, make informed decisions about your studies and reflect on your progress as you develop throughout your degree.
Your tutor will provide a valuable space to discuss your academic experience, celebrate your successes and explore opportunities that will help you achieve your full potential.
Your personal academic tutor can support you with:
- settling into university study
- academic progress and development
- setting academic and personal goals
- reflecting on feedback and performance
- developing your confidence as a learner
- building independent learning skills
- making informed decisions about your studies
- exploring opportunities to enhance your student experience
- identifying your strengths and areas for development
- discussing future aspirations and career plans
- providing academic references where appropriate
- connecting you with other support services when needed
A partnership to support your success
Meeting your personal academic tutor
You should meet your personal academic tutor in the first week of your studies. They'll contact you to say hello and arrange a meeting.
You can find your tutor’s details on your Student View.
Students say meeting with their personal academic tutor regularly is a chance to evaluate learning and review academic progress.
You might meet your tutor face-to-face or virtually, including a mix of individual and group sessions.
You should aim to meet your personal academic tutor at least once each term, or more frequently if needed. You can also drop in to see your tutor during their office hours or email them to arrange an appointment.
Your relationship with your personal academic tutor is an important part of your university experience.
Regular conversations provide an opportunity to:
- review your progress
- reflect on achievements
- discuss challenges
- explore opportunities and ambitions
- develop confidence and independence
- make plans for future success
Your tutor will help you take ownership of your learning and encourage you to reflect on your academic development throughout your studies.
When should I meet my personal academic tutor?
You should engage with your tutor throughout your studies, not only if and when difficulties arise.
Many students find that regular meetings help them:
- stay focused on their goals
- monitor their progress
- gain perspective on their studies
- build confidence
- make the most of university opportunities
- develop their thinking about future careers or opportunities for further study
Even when things are going well, regular conversations can help you identify opportunities for growth and development.
What can we talk about?
Your meetings can cover a wide range of topics related to your academic experience.
For example, you might discuss:
- your academic progress
- feedback received on assessments
- learning strategies and approaches
- future academic goals
- career aspirations
- placements, projects or extra-curricular opportunities
- transitioning between stages of study
- building skills and confidence
- opportunities for personal and professional development
There's no need to wait until you have a specific issue or concern. Your tutor is there to support your ongoing academic development.
Making the most of your tutorials
To get the most from your meetings:
- reflect on your progress beforehand
- bring any questions you'd like to discuss
- review recent feedback and achievements
- consider your short- and long-term goals
- be open about any challenges affecting your studies
The more actively you engage, the more valuable these conversations will become.
Frequently asked questions about personal academic tutors
No. Personal academic tutors support students throughout their studies.
Regular meetings are an opportunity to reflect on progress, discuss ambitions and identify development opportunities.
Yes. Your tutor can discuss your academic progress, help you reflect on feedback and advise on strategies for improvement.
They may also refer you to academic support advisors for academic support.
Personal academic tutors are often able to provide academic references and guidance for future study or employment opportunities.
Yes. While your tutor's primary role is academic guidance, they can help you explore available support and direct you to appropriate services if personal circumstances are affecting your studies.
You'll be informed of your allocated personal academic tutor when you begin your studies and can contact them throughout your time at the University.
Your tutor's name is visible on your Student View.
Working with your support network
Your personal academic tutor is one of a part of the University's wider support network. They work alongside:
Student success advisers
Student success advisers provide a friendly, confidential and non-judgemental service, helping you stay engaged with your studies and connected to the support available across the University.
Academic skills support
Looking to improve your academic skills and enhance your uni work? Our faculty learning support tutors can help you develop key study skills, and you can also access our online learning resources too.
Student Services
When you’ve got questions about uni life, we help you find the answers. Turn to Student Services for advice and guidance on student accommodation, health and wellbeing, money and finance, academic and disability support, and life as an international or PGM (People of the Global Majority) student.
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