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Study and skills

Information about study skills, libraries, online and computing resources, regulations and academic calendars.
 
 

Academic skills - preparing for study at Edinburgh Napier University

We come to University with a range of different experiences, therefore it is important to understand what is expected of us at University level. Whether studying at university is completely new to you, you are a ‘returner’, coming from college, or beginning postgraduate study, click on the links below which will help you to prepare.

English Language Support

Are you an international student? Is English your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th language? Do you speak English as your 1st language but are from a different educational system to the UK?

Our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) department is here to help you with free support so you can improve your academic English and become more familiar with the expectations of the UK system.

Find out more on our English language support page.

Online resources

Throughout your time at Edinburgh Napier University you will use the computing and library services as they will be central to your studies.

Before you start at university, make sure you register for the Self-Service Password Reset service and complete the Introduction to Computing and the Library. This will help you to use the computing and library systems confidently so that you can log in to the University network, use the email system, virtual learning environment (Moodle) and library resources, as well as locate the best computer suite or library for your studies.

You can also attend live online Library introduction sessions to learn more about where to turn for additional help and support while you’re studying.

My Napier

My Napier is your personal gateway to our online environment. It offers secure and easy one-step access to all the online resources and systems you need to help with your studies and it is the tool that lecturers will use to communicate with you.

My Napier can be accessed remotely wherever you are in the world to give you access to:

  • Moodle – your virtual learning environment
  • Your University Office 365 account, which includes email
  • Secure areas for you to store files on the network
  • LibrarySearch for finding information and using electronic resources
  • eStudent Records to register in subsequent years, update your personal records and see your results
  • Teaching and exam timetables
  • Online payments
  • Specialised software packages available via AppsAnywhere
  • Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA), school and departmental websites
  • Search functionality to search content held on University websites
  • Communications including news, announcements and events
  • Links to selected external electronic resources

My Account - The Edinburgh Napier App

The Edinburgh Napier App gives you personalised access to the University’s Online Services via your Mobile Device. From My Account you’ll get direct access to your:

  • Individual timetable
  • University email
  • Moodle modules
  • Library loan information

Plus all of the online services you can already visit via your My Account interface.

eStudent Records

eStudent Records is where all your personal details, as well as your enrolment and assessment information, are managed during your time at university.

It is your responsibility to keep your personal details up-to-date, so make sure you notify us about any changes. This is also where we publish your module results each trimester.

Moodle

Moodle is the online environment we use at the University for supporting learning, teaching and assessment.

Moodle integrates a number of features including access to electronic resources, communication, assessment and collaborative tools.

Once you have registered you will automatically be registered in Moodle and enrolled on the modules and programmes that use Moodle. You can then access Moodle by logging in from any computer with an internet connection.

Find out more about Moodle and online learning.

 
 

Computing

At Edinburgh Napier University, you can access networked resources and Moodle, our virtual learning environment, through myNapier or the Virtual Desktop Service 24/7 from home or anywhere with an internet connection.

Within the University we provide access to Windows PCs, thin client PCs and Apple Macs across our campuses. Opening hours vary, however the Jack Kilby Computing Centre at Merchiston campus is open 24/7 during trimesters 1 and 2, and at published times during trimester 3.

On campus, we provide access to:

Whether on or off campus, wherever you are in the world, you will always have 24/7 email and telephone support from IS Service Desk.

 
 

Library

You can access hundreds of thousands of ebooks and millions of journal articles online through our libraries.

  • Search for books, ebooks, ejournal articles and more using LibrarySearch.
  • The Library offers a range of training sessions and subject-specific one-to-one advice. See the Training and Events Calendar.
  • Subject Guides offer an introduction to resources in your subject area. 
  • For more in-depth research, your librarian can provide assistance with finding information. See My Librarian.

Find out more on the Library page. If you need help, email library@napier.ac.uk or call 0131 455 3500.  

 
 

Regulations

Please make sure you familiarise yourself with the University's regulations as well as the University's Data Protection Policy and our Information Security Policy.

Academic calendar

The academic calendar covers study over three trimesters, the majority of teaching taking place in trimesters one and two.

Your timetable

Teaching timetables are published three times a year on My Napier (Web Timetables), Edinburgh Napier App and via Office365 calendars. Personalised Timetables are available to new students after Matriculation. Please note it can take up to five working days for your personalised timetable to be fully available.

More information about your timetable can be found here.