Student Support
You will have access to a wide range of student support services to help you during your time as an online student.
How we support you
Student Advisers
While you're studying with us, specially trained staff, academics and fellow students work together to provide you with guidance and support when you need it. Student Advisers are your main point of contact for support with your studies, wellbeing or practical matters.
Academic Development
Library Resources
Distance is no barrier to using the University library and you will have access to an extensive range of e-books, e-journals and databases which you can use while studying. There are over 1.4million e-books, 185,000 e-journals and 700 licenced databases available via the Library, including the core readings and resources required for our programmes.
Using the library from a distance may be new to some students but we are here to help so don't hesitate to ask if you're stuck.
Read more about accessing the library resources
Institute for Academic Development
Online students can access our Study Hub learning resources at any time. These resources include advice on a range of issues from time management, to academic writing.
Once you are a postgraduate online student, you can sign up to one of our online workshops (look for 'PGT online' courses)
Online workshops for postgraduate taught students
English Language Development
There are a range of online resources that can help to support your English language development.
If you are looking for some further English language practice before you start your studies, we are able to direct you to a number of external resources that will be able to support your learning.
The British Council
The British Council have a range of free online resources to help learn English including videos, mobile apps, games, stories, listening activities and grammar exercises.
Visit the British Council website
BBC Learning English
As part of the BBC World Service, BBC Learning English has been teaching English to global audiences since 1943, offering free audio, video and text materials to learners around the world. Many of the BBC Learning English materials are delivered as full length courses but each component of the course is standalone and can also be studied on its own. You can find out more about our current and future courses on their webpages.
Lecture Series
The University also attracts a number of distinguished speakers from across the world to speak on a wide variety of topics. You may wish to listen to some of these lectures available at the link below.
English Language Support
Once you are a student, you can access independent study materials from the University.
Visit English Language Support website (secured)
Personal Development
The University offers a range of support based on your individual needs and how your disability, learning difference or health condition could affect your studies.
Student Disability Service
The Student Disability Service can offer support in a variety of ways, depending on what modifications you may require to be able to learn.
It is recommended that you contact the Student Disability Service in advance of starting your studies if you require any adjustments. You will be required to provide evidence of your disability or specific learning difficulty.
Evidence required to access support from the Student Disability Service
Contact the Student Disability Service
The University has also created a range of online support resources. All students can access a mental skills training programme which teaches you how to calm your mind and develop a positive mindset and enable greater emotional resilience.
Student Counselling
The University's Student Counselling supports the mental health of all students at the University through self-help resources, providing short-term counselling and by referral to other services.
Online students can access several self-help resources such as the Big White Wall and apps, podcasts and relaxation recordings. We encourage all students to explore ways to work towards your own mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Sometimes, this is all the support you need; at other times it complements individual therapy sessions.
If you are studying at a distance to Edinburgh, short-term email counselling can be arranged.
Professional Development
Careers Service
The Careers Service supports all students by providing information and advice to students at any stage of their studies and career. You can also access the careers service up to two years after graduation.
You will have access to:
- the Careers Service website providing advice and information; industry and occupation profiles; CV, application and interview support and career planning
- a range of e-books covering topics such as psychometric tests; interviews and assessments; career planning and career transitions
- online workshops and events to help develop employability skills
- tailored email support to answer your questions
- one-to one online or telephone appointments with our Careers Consultants that can cover Careers guidance; CV & application advice; LinkedIn profiles and practice interviews
Careers support for online students
Platform One
Platform One is a meeting place, a community place and a discussion place. It is where University of Edinburgh students, alumni, staff and volunteers can gather, mingle, inspire, support, encourage and share.