Writing at University
Learn how to boost your academic writing. Develop a skill that will help you get good grades throughout your University career.
Popular pages on the Skills website
Specialist Help
General help
We recommend you take a look at the following Skills eLearning topics if you need help with these academic writing skills:
- style
- structure
- using evidence
- demonstrating critical analysis
- reflective writing
- proofreading.
Academic writing tips
What is covered:
- Using an appropriate style for academic writing.
- Writing objectively and with caution.
- Showing the connections between your ideas.
- The importance of drafting and editing.
Formats:
Using evidence in your work
What is covered:
- How to paraphrase and summarise evidence correctly in your writing.
- Why it's important to use in text citations.
- When to use direct quotations.
Formats:
Approaching your essay
What is covered:
- How and when to get started with your first draft.
- How to structure paragraphs and essays.
- What to include in an introduction and conclusion.
- How you can use evidence to write objectively.
Formats:
Introduction to referencing
What is covered:
- What referencing is and why it is important.
- Types of information you need to reference.
- How to identify what you are referencing.
Formats:
Critical writing
What is covered:
- What critical thinking is and the benefits of critical thinking.
- How to critically analyse.
- The difference between critical and descriptive writing.
Formats:
Proofreading and editing
What is covered:
- The purpose of proofreading your work.
- Useful techniques for proofreading and editing.
Formats:
Introduction to reflective writing
What is covered:
- What reflective writing is and how to write reflectively.
- Introduction to a model that helps you to reflect.
Formats:
Creating references using APA 7th edition
What is covered:
- What the APA 7th style looks like in your work.
- How to use in-text citations.
- What your reference list is for.
- How to format you references.
Formats:
How to benefit from feedback
What is covered:
- How to recognise when you are receiving feedback.
- How to use feedback to develop yourself.
Formats:
Academic Skills Workshops
Elevate your skills and knowledge with us!
This is a great place to start if you want to:
- Improve your study and research skills
- Develop your IT and digital skills
- Focus on your maths and numeracy.
Workshops are added regularly, so keep checking back to see what's new!