The Academic Skills Centre can offer the following support related to research skills.
Request a particular session by filling out our booking form.
You can also download the whole menu (DOCX - 119KB)
A computer cluster room with lectern should be booked for B1, B2 and B3 workshops involving hands-on practical elements. These workshops can be up to 90 minutes. Smaller groups (up to 50 students) allow for more 1:1 assistance. Online synchronous presentations using Zoom may be a more practical alternative for larger cohorts, or for students based off campus.
B1: Using library resources for learning (suitable for Welcome)
Students will be able to:
- Access information on the full range of resources, services and study support provided by the library
- Use Resource Lists and FindIt@Bham
- Know where to ask for advice and support with their studies
Available as: Workshop, Panopto video or Canvas resource
B2: Finding, using and evaluating information.
This session can be adapted to suit different levels and different projects e.g. for dissertations. The session can also have a focus on primary resources or advanced literature searching techniques if applicable.
Students will be able to:
- Access and use key resources for their discipline, including journals, databases and other relevant sources of information
- Plan and implement an effective literature search
- Use techniques for searching effectively online
- Evaluate the available literature in terms of quality and relevance
Available as: Workshop or Canvas resource
B3: Good academic practice: Referencing
Please note the ASC offers workshop support on a small number of generic styles, chiefly Harvard and Vancouver and does not advise where specific journal styles are preferred by the Programme.
Students will be able to:
- Apply the concept and principles of referencing
- Paraphrase and quote effectively in their work
- Get started with referencing software
Available as: Workshop or Canvas resource
To find out more about support for research students, please visit the Library Services Research Support pages.
The Cadbury Research Library can also work with Schools to help students engage with their resources. To find out more, please visit the Special Collections page.