Academic support
We offer a range of support, facilities and services to assist you with your academic progress and development. In addition to this, find out more about how to apply for extensions, learning adjustments and special circumstances.
Support from your School
A range of trained staff will work with you to help make the most of your studies while you progress through your university career.
If you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student, Student Advisers are your main point of contact for support with your studies, wellbeing or practical matters. If you are a PhD Student you will receive academic support from your supervisor.
Student Advisers are professional services staff who are specially trained to provide you with support during your studies, when you need it. In addition to your Student Adviser, you can still speak to academics and teaching staff about subject or course-related questions. Your Student Adviser will work closely with these colleagues on any specialist study-related questions you have.
Programme-related support is provided by academics acting as Cohort Leads, with wider teaching teams, who will support you with your programme of study and help you to connect with fellow students.
These staff will be able to provide you with, or direct you to, appropriate support for challenges (either personal or academic) which may occur during your studies. You will also have access to peer-to-peer learning networks as well as student societies.
Study skills
We have a range of opportunities and services available to you that can help you with your academic progress and development.
Free study skills workshops and resources
Institute for Academic Development
Find free study skills workshops and online resources to support you throughout your studies. If you need a little extra help adjusting to academic demands as a new student, the IAD resources will help you to sharpen your skills
Institute for Academic Development
Digital skills webinars and courses
We provide a programme of webinars, classroom-based courses and Wikipedia editathons to show you how to make the best use of our digital tools and services.
English language skills
We offer free, online, non-credit bearing courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University, whose first language is not English.
English Language Support for International Students
MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses)
The University of Edinburgh offers free online short courses that can be a valuable resource for study support and academic skills development. These include our MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses), which are freely accessible and open-licensed courses. You can enrol through any of the MOOC platform partnerships:
Discounted Short Courses
Centre of Open Learning
The Centre for Open Learning offers discounted short courses to learn languages or alternatively delve into different subjects not part of your degree programme.
Transferring your medical records
There is no direct transfer of your medical records between general practices. You will need to register with a practice in Edinburgh, and they will arrange to transfer your records from your previous GP.
It is important to note that this can take some considerable time at present so if you do have an ongoing health condition please bring a summary of your condition with you and provide this to your new GP.
Peer Assisted Learning Schemes
Many schools run Peer Assisted Learning Schemes (PALS), where undergraduate students can consult academic support as well as meet fellow students in the same academic degree.
Peer Assisted Learning Schemes (Edinburgh University Students' Association)
Transferring your medical records
There is no direct transfer of your medical records between general practices. You will need to register with a practice in Edinburgh, and they will arrange to transfer your records from your previous GP.
It is important to note that this can take some considerable time at present so if you do have an ongoing health condition please bring a summary of your condition with you and provide this to your new GP.
My Development Hub
My Development Hub is an online resource that acts as a signpost to help you find opportunities to help enhance your personal, professional or academic development.
My Development Hub (requires sign in)
Library
Transferring your medical records
There is no direct transfer of your medical records between general practices. You will need to register with a practice in Edinburgh, and they will arrange to transfer your records from your previous GP.
It is important to note that this can take some considerable time at present so if you do have an ongoing health condition please bring a summary of your condition with you and provide this to your new GP.
Digital safety and citizenship
Find out more about how we can support you during instances of online abuse, bullying or harassment while studying.
Read our digital safety and citizenship guide
Transferring your medical records
There is no direct transfer of your medical records between general practices. You will need to register with a practice in Edinburgh, and they will arrange to transfer your records from your previous GP.
It is important to note that this can take some considerable time at present so if you do have an ongoing health condition please bring a summary of your condition with you and provide this to your new GP.
Extensions and Special Circumstances
We know that sometimes things can happen in your life, which are beyond your control, but that you feel may have an adverse impact on your academic performance.
We have a dedicated Extensions and Special Circumstances (SCs) Service so that you can apply for either or both when you need to.
Not sure what the difference is?
An extension (if approved) allows you seven extra days on an assignment (not including an exam).
Special Circumstances is when a situation out of your control has affected your studies. SCs allow the school to be made aware of this and support you.
For more information look on the ESC website and contact your Student Support.