Study support

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At the University of Edinburgh, your first point of contact for teaching, academic advice and guidance will be within the programme or course you are studying. A range of trained staff will work with you to help make the most of your studies while you progress through your university career.

School and College support

You will be supported by a combination of academic and dedicated student experience and administrative staff who will be able to provide you with or direct you to appropriate support for challenges that may occur during your studies, whether this is directly related to your learning and teaching skills or rising from life situations. You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks as well as student societies. 

Institute for Academic Development (IAD)

All postgraduate students can benefit from our Institute for Academic Development (IAD), which provides information, events and workshops to develop the skills you will need throughout your studies and in the future. IAD events also offer the perfect opportunity to meet and network with other postgraduates from across the University.

IAD resources for postgraduates

Study skills

IAD provides learning resources and study skills support for all students through the Study Hub. Here you can find advice, guidance and free downloadable resources to help you develop your academic skills effectively.

Study Hub

Postgraduate taught students

For taught postgraduates, the IAD provides a popular study-related and transferable skills support programme designed to help you settle into postgraduate life, succeed during your studies and move confidently to the next stage of your career.

Support for taught postgraduates

Postgraduate research students

For postgraduate researchers, IAD provides a comprehensive programme of transferable-skills training, resources and support, designed to help you successfully prepare for the various milestones of your PhD. We cover getting started with your research through to writing up and preparing for the viva, and developing personal and professional skills that can be transferred to your future employment.

IAD also offers online resources and planning tools to help get your research started, as well as support for tutoring and demonstrating, and public engagement and communication.

Support for doctoral researchers

Careers

The Careers Service offers a number of career planning courses designed specifically for current postgraduate students.

Careers Service

Digital Skills and Training

The Digital Skills and Training team supports staff and students to improve their computing, software and IT skills, offering taught short courses and online tutorials.

Digital Skills and Training support

LinkedIn Learning online skills development

Students' association

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) provides free and confidential guidance to students on everything ranging from academic issues to financial assistance through the Advice Place.

It also specifically represents postgraduate students by connecting postgraduate initiatives across the University and organising events to provide networking opportunities where postgraduate students can talk to each other online, ask questions and share experiences.