This guide provides information to help you access language support during your time here at the University of Suffolk. The Department of Learning Services aims to support your studies in an English speaking environment and to make your experience of learning enjoyable and productive.
Academic Writing by 
Study Skills for International Postgraduates by 
Improve Your Grammar by 
Practical English Usage by 
English Grammar in Use with Answers by 
Compact Oxford English Dictionary by 
The International Student Handbook by 
Induction sessions for students are available via the Brightspace learning environment linked to your area of study. These sessions will prepare you for successful participation in your course of study and help you to achieve good outcomes in your assignments right from the start.
Language Support
All international students are offered the chance to complete a short (45 minute) diagnostic assessment in the form of a mini-essay task. Students will then be given individual feedback on their academic writing and English language for this task. This is followed by discussion of an individual learning program to address any areas of language/ academic skills which would benefit from further development.
Induction
In addition, international students are invited to attend the Induction sessions linked with their chosen subject area, which introduce important skills to get started with studying at university. These sessions will introduce key areas surrounding university life, first assignments, researching, using the library, and managing time efficiently in an independent learning environment. These events are available through your Brightspace online learning environment.
Study Skills/ Academic Skills
International students are encouraged to make use of the study skills workshops that are offered by Learning Services.. Details of these workshops and bookings are available through the Learning Services workshop pages. Currently workshops are delivered via the virtual classroom learning environment.
One to one support
International students are able to book individual one to one support with a skills adviser to discuss English as and additional language for academic purposes, academic writing and study skills. Our aim is to support success with your assignments on both an individual and course specific basis. One to one support is currently delivered online, via Teams, phone or email.
http://libguides.uos.ac.uk/121/asa-appointments
For further e-mail enquiries contact: Chrissie DaCosta – C.Dacosta@uos.ac.uk or Mark Illman - m.illman@uos.ac.uk / or make use of Learning Services Helpdesk / Libchat for immediate support and advice.
Here are some useful links to language learning resources for International Students.
Watch a video discussing some of the reasons for studying in the UK and how this can enhance your employability.
If you would like help with English language for your academic studies then you can book a one to one tutorial using our online booking system. Just follow the link to schedule an appointment and select a day and a time when you would like to meet.
Bring along any work that you would like to discuss. This could include:
The assignment brief
Feedback from your tutors
Examples of your writing
Essay plans, outlines, or drafts
Any other questions relating to English language and academic study
Help can be given with understanding your assignment task, essay structure and planning, English grammar, punctuation, academic writing style, reading and research, and referencing information. These sessions can be used to gain helpful feedback and recommendations on your written work. Currently individual language support sessions can be delivered face to face (on specific days according to ASA schedule), online, via phone or email.
You can contact any of the following if you have any questions:
Learning Services Issue Desk - 01473 338700
Student Life - 01473 338833
Chrissie DaCosta (Academic Skills Adviser)
Email: C.Dacosta@uos.ac.uk
Mark Illman (Academic Skills Adviser)
Email: m.illman@uos.ac.uk
Grammar Cafe. Interactive language/study skills activities for students on the go. A series of short language quizzes to develop your academic skills, all delivered in a refreshingly fun format. You can select one of the activities below and finish it in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee: