Support for online students

We're here for you

We realise that having good support is crucial to your success and with over two decades of experience, we're adept at giving you that support. We know this because 96% of our students complete their course.

You are part of the University

A key feature of our support is the ‘cloud campus’ approach. This means you can access the same support services that our on-campus students do, from IT support to the online library, careers and wellbeing services, and more.

We've made sure that all of our support services are available to online students so that you will be at the heart of our university community, even though you’re studying remotely.

Types of support

Support can mean many things. Here are more details about how we'll help you to succeed on your course. 

Academic support

Our team of online academics will be your first point of contact for anything to do with your studies. Your module tutors will lead the live streamed seminars, facilitate group work and discussions that will stretch and challenge you, and prepare you for assessments.

You will also have a personal tutor who will provide one-to-one support and guidance about academic issues. You can contact all of these tutors easily through the online learning environment and student portal.

Our academics are highly qualified experts. Many have a wealth of experience in industry, as well as in education, so they are adept at helping you apply your learning to the workplace. They are often active and published researchers, working at the forefront of their fields, and they can bring cutting-edge insights into their teaching.

Non-academic support

For all non-academic issues, you will be able to contact the team of online learner advisors. These people can help you with things like study plans, submitting assessments, deadlines, payments, loans or fee queries. If they can't answer your question, they will know someone who can! Again, this team is easy to contact through the student portal.

IT support

For any technical support, contact the IT Service Centre through the student portal. They're open 24 hours a day so whichever timezone you're in, there will be help on hand.

Support with study skills

A key part of studying is developing good study skills. If you're returning to education after a long break, you might have less confidence in this area but there's no need to worry. We offer a wide range of resources to help you, including guides, audio-visual tutorials and webinars covering topics like: 

• writing essays and reports

• writing a dissertation or independent study

• citing and referencing

• reading and note taking

• research skills

• time management and coping with pressure

• reflection and personal development planning.

We also have a unique 'skills diagnostic self-assessment tool' which you can use at any time during your course. It will help you work out which skills are your strongest and which need the most development, and then signpost you to relevant information and support. Find out more about study skills support.

Wellbeing support

Our student wellbeing services offer support for anything that may affect you, from budgeting and anxiety to managing serious problems. There are counsellors specially trained to support students online, whatever the issue.

If you have a disability, learning difference, long-term illness or mental health condition, there is specialist support available to help you. The Student Wellbeing team will assess your requirements and put support plans in place, which may contain reasonable adjustments to the way you are taught or assessed.

eLibrary

You'll have access to our eLibrary with its wide range of ebooks and journals. Our team of librarians can help you find your way around the electronic resources and library catalogues. If there is a particular text or piece of material you need but can't find, you can also ask the librarians to source this.

Library staff run webinars and online drop-in sessions on a range of topics, including study skills and how to use the eLibrary. Find out more about the Library and its services

If you are based in the UK, you'll also be able to borrow materials from other libraries closer to you through the SCONUL Access Scheme. This includes many national libraries as well as those in universities and HE colleges throughout the UK and Ireland - look for participating libraries close to you.

Supporting your career

Whether your career is just starting or it's already well-established, the Careers and Employment Service has lots to offer you. It's never too early to start talking to them - the sooner the better, so you can make the most of your time at university. They can help you plan your next steps, connect with employers, gain more experience and build a great CV.

The team run a growing number of online support sessions, offer appointments via Skype/Hangouts or phone, and have an impressive suite of online resources. It's all on their website, but you'll need to log in with your student username and password to access these.

Independent support and representation

Even though you're not on campus, our Union of Students is still here for you. Run by students and for students, they are independent of the University and can provide advice, help you get more involved in university life, or ensure your voice is heard by the University. Many of their services are available online or by email/phone. Find out more about how the Union of Students can help you