The Library: International Students: Welcome

Welcome

Welcome to Leeds Beckett University. If you are an international student who has studied in another country outside of the UK, you may find that studying here is different than what you are used to. The Library Academic Support Team can help you understand these differences and help you improve the specific academic and English language skills you need to succeed on your chosen course.

When you first enrol at the University you should complete the International Students' Academic Introduction module (log in to MyBeckett to see this) which will introduce you studying at Leeds Beckett.

You will then find it useful to complete the tutorial on academic integrity. Accessible from the Modules list in MyBeckett it explains what academic integrity is, including university guidelines, referencing, and sources of support.

Who are we and what do we do?

The Library Academic Support Team support students develop the specialist academic skills needed for studying by:

providing resources on the Library website, subject guides and Skills for Learning website
running workshops on academic skills and teaching in-curriculum
offering 1-2-1 appointments where you can ask specific questions
writing academic skills modules to help with key tasks and your progress to higher academic levels.

Library website

Subject guides

Skills for Learning workshops

1-2-1 appointments

Academic skills modules

What are academic skills?

Academic skills are the skills you need for studying. You will need to learn about and develop different skills depending on your course. You may need to be familiar with some of these skills:

finding information using Discover
referencing your work and avoiding plagiarism
critical thinking ane writing critically rather than descriptively
report writing and reflective writing
using and understanding statistics.

Remember that you will be studying in English, which may be an additional language for you. This is also an important skill, and you may need to develop specific knowledge and skills in the use of academic English too.

Why are academic skills important for you?

Academic skills and English Language skills are important because they are likely to affect your grades. Teaching and learning may be organised in a different way at Leeds Beckett. For example, you may be assessed by writing an essay rather than taking an exam. Communicating your ideas effectively using academic English is central to success in your assignments.

Where and when should you start?

You should complete the short International Students' Academic Introduction module (log in to MyBeckett to see this).
You could then complete this self-assessment worksheet to identify which skills to develop to support your academic success.
Then look at the Skills for Learning website to develop your knowledge and confidence. The English Language and Academic English pages may be particularly useful.
You could come to one of our regular term-time EAL (English as an Additional Language) or Academic Skills drop-in sessions. You can join a drop-in session, ask your questions and leave at any time.

It’s a good idea to take these actions before you start your first assessment on your course. You are likely to get a better grade in this assessment if you improve your academic skills and your English language skills.

MyBeckett

Skills for Learning resources

Skills for Learning workshops

English language and academic English

Student skills self-assessment

Search our frequently asked questions

Contact us

Using the Library

Our Opening Hours page provide details of when our buidlings are open and you can take a look at some of the spaces via the University's virtual campus tours. Our Visit Us pages also have floor plans of the Library spaces and self-guided tours.
You need your Campus Card to use the Library. You receive this when you enrol.
You will find your reading lists alongside your modules in MyBeckett and our print books, journals and newspapers are on open access. You can borrow using our self service machines or reserve books already on loan.
We also have thousands of electronic resources you can access for free on or off-campus via our Discover search tool.
Academic Librarians support the subjects we teach - take a look at the subject guides they have written to help you find the information you need.
You can get 24/7 Library and IT advice by chat or phone; plus videos on our YouTube channel.
Assistive software available in the Library can help you with your studies. Information, including tutorials and guides, is available under Student IT Support, Assistive software.