Study Skills

This section offers you advice and support when adapting to the world of university study.
 
 

Useful links

Essay and Report Writing

  • Essay and Report Writing Skills - An Open University free course.
  • Academic Phrasebank - this resource from the University of Manchester aims to help students with their academic writing skills by providing examples of key words and phrases. It may be of particular value to students whose first language is not English.
  • Online Writing Lab: Handouts for students and teachers - over 130 guides written by staff at the On-Line Writing Lab, University of Purdue, USA.

Further reading

See below for a list of useful books in Edinburgh Napier libraries.
Click on the book title to be taken to LibrarySearch:

Evaluating Information Resources

It is always important to evaluate the information resources you use. Anyone can put information online, for a number of reasons including selling products or promoting their own ideas, so you need to remain aware of your sources at all times.
 

Evaluating Content

Apply RUDOLF against your search results:
R - relevant to your needs?
U - useful for the problem in hand?
D - date of publication appropriate?
O - obtainable?
L -  level of information correct? Too simple/advanced?
F - fresh information? Do you know this already?
 

Evaluating quality

Useful guidelines can be found using the following websites:

Grammar Guides

Websites

BBC Skillswise: Grammar -  Skillswise is the BBC website for adults who want to improve their basic skills in reading, writing and maths.

Further reading

See below for a list of useful books in Edinburgh Napier libraries.

Click on the book title to be taken to LibrarySearch. You may be asked to sign in to access the ebook:

Literature Searching

Further reading

See below for a list of useful books in Edinburgh Napier libraries.
Click on the book title to be taken to LibrarySearch:

Presentation Skills

Want to learn more about giving a presentation at University? See these websites for advice on planning, preparation and delivery.
  • Oral presentations - An overview on the Edinburgh Napier Get Ready for University Study pages.
  • Focus on...Verbal presentations - Helpsheet from De Montfort University on each stage of a presentation, including: planning, dealing with anxiety, and lists of further reading.

Further reading

See below for a list of useful books in Edinburgh Napier libraries.
Click on the book title to be taken to LibrarySearch:

Survey Methods

Websites

  • Research Methods - A section of the Edinburgh Napier Data Analysis and Collection LibGuide.
  • Web Center for Social Research Methods - a comprehensive web-based textbook on social research methods. Contents include: formulating research questions; sampling (probability and non probability); measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, unobtrusive); research design (experimental and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and writing the research paper. Registration (free) required. Developed by William M.Trochim , Cornell University.

Further reading

See below for a list of relevant books in Edinburgh Napier libraries.
Click on the book title to be taken to LibrarySearch:

Writing a Dissertation

Websites

Further reading

See below for a list of relevant books in Edinburgh Napier libraries.
Click on the book title to be taken to LibrarySearch:
 
 
Pencil lying on writing paper

Study advice and support

Check out the Academic Skills pages. You'll find details about Academic Skills workshops, which includes workshops on research, giving presentations, and essay writing. You'll also find information about Student Mentoring, the scheme where trained student mentors are available to offer advice and support to new students.

Academic Support Advisers 

Academic Support Advisers provide practical help with quick tips and in-depth advice in a positive and supportive environment. 

Academic Support Advisers give one-to-one help with: 

  • effective reading and note-taking
  • understanding your assessment tasks
  • structuring essays and reports
  • referencing methods
  • managing your time
  • revision and exam techniques  

Group sessions or workshops can be arranged on specific aspects of university coursework, such as preparing for a group presentation or writing up a dissertation. Email: academicskills@napier.ac.uk  
 

Maths Plus 

If you need help with maths at any level, visit Maths Plus at Merchiston Library for one-to-one help with any numbers or data analysis problems. 

Contact Dean Whittaker, d.whittaker@napier.ac.uk or +44 (0) 131 455 2236.

Engineering Plus 

Contact the School Office for more information. 
 

English for Academic Purposes 

Help for international students with using English for studies. Email Dr Nick Pilcher n.pilcher@napier.ac.uk 
 

All getting too much? 

See the Counselling and Mental Wellbeing pages for more help.