Academic Skills Training
![Accredited by the British Council for the Teaching of English](/media/3rbfay1c/academic-skills.png)
Information about the programme
- Teaching hours per week: Each first year student takes three hours weekly
- Timetable: 1 x two hour class according to the needs of degree subject assessments, plus a one hour CS Plenary lecture every Wednesday
- Maximum class size: 25 students
At the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, we want you to get the most out of your time with us. That's why the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has created a core programme of timetabled academic skills classes, which all EU and international students are expected to attend.
We know how important it is, both during your time at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and in your career afterwards, to continually develop both your intercultural and academic skills.
In Academic Skills Training Unit you learn how to write academically, such as: paraphrasing techniques, avoiding plagiarism and evidencing your critical thoughts.
In short, AST unit aims to boost competence in academic and formal language usage associated with successful participation in UK Higher Education.
Many employers and visa sponsors will look for evidence (in addition to your academic achievements) of excellent English language proficiency and career skills.
"In Academic Skills Training we learn how to write academically, how to summarise, how to paraphrase, how to avoid plagiarism. So it's very helpful."
Dominika from Poland, 1st year BA Psychology
"Writing at an academic level is very difficult. AST helped me to create my own analysis, evaluation and synthesis."
Constantin from Albania, 1st year BA Criminology
Academic Skills Training: Plenary Lectures
The AST Plenary Lecture Programme (format 2) will recommence in September 2024
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Academic Skills Training is designed to help you boost your course grades and become an effective communicator. This core unit consists of three parts:
TWO FORMATS every week:
1 |
Academic skills development session for your subject area |
Check your timetable |
2 hours weekly |
2 |
AST plenary/ presentation skills workshops |
G101 most Wednesdays @5pm/6pm |
1-2 hours weekly |
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Timetable of AST classes (from week beginning 22nd January 2024)
Academic Skills Training Session (from w/c 22nd January 2024) |
Room |
Time |
Lecturer |
Day |
AST for Computing and Engineering |
G301 |
09:00-11:00 |
Rafael Cloete |
Monday |
AST for UG Business new starters |
JM03 |
09:00-11:00 |
Paul Owen |
Monday |
AST in BEDFORD (general) |
P2.17 |
11:00-14:00 |
Dr Desmond Skeel |
Monday |
AST for Public Health/Life Sciences/Nursing/Social Sciences |
Online |
12:00-14:00 |
Dr Nuzhat Jafari |
Monday |
AST for PG Business |
G301 | 11:00-13:00 |
Rafael Cloete |
Tuesday |
AST UG Business Continuing Students |
H306 |
15:00-17:00 |
Rafael Cloete |
Tuesday |
AST for PG Business |
A405* |
10:00-12:00 |
Rafael Cloete |
Wednesday |
AST for PG Business | A305* | 12:00-14:00 | Paul Owen | Wednesday |
AST for Computing and Engineering Online | Online | 09:00-11:00 | Rafael Cloete | Thursday |
AST for PG Business online | Online | 10:00-12:00 | Paul Owen | Friday |
AST for UG Business Continuing Students | A405 | 14:00-16:00 | Rafael Cloete | Friday |
AST in BEDFORD (new UG Business students only) |
G1.11 |
11:00-12:00 |
Julita Borysiak |
Friday |
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Find out more:
@ Your AST BREO Unit
Programme Coordinator: paul.owen@beds.ac.uk (room J301)
Find out how Academic Skills Classes helps our Students with their studies:
The AST Plenary Lecture Programme (format 2) will recommence in September 2024
As part of the Academic Skills Training programme, all international students can benefit from attending plenary lectures. You will be asked to take notes during the lectures by inspirational speakers, and then write an essay on the lecture theme. Valuable feedback will be provided from which you will be able to recognise your improvements during the course of the year.
Academic Skills Plenary Lecture Benefits
- Targeted feedback from essays
- Listening skills
- Note-taking and writing practice
- Observing and interacting
- Raising cultural awareness
- Interesting and varied topics
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Find out more:
@ Your AST BREO Unit
Programme Coordinator: paul.owen@beds.ac.uk (room J301)
address
The Language Centre
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Business School
Vicarage Street
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Square
Luton, LU1 3JU
UK
telephone
Office hours GMT
- Mon – Thu
09:00 to 17:00 - Friday
09:00 to 16:30
T: +44 (0)1582 489032