PGT Academic Skills

• Introduction to Academic WritingLink opens in a new window

This online course has been designed by the Library to help you with your academic writing - aiming to give you some hints and tips, and signpost you to other resources to help you in your studies.

• Academic Writing Checklist Link opens in a new window

A checklist to help you organise and edit your essays and written work.

• Bulding your academic argumentLink opens in a new window

This list explores the importance of developing a clear, evidence-based position, critically engaging with alternative perspectives and counterarguments, and presenting your ideas in a logical structure to create a persuasive academic case.

• Secret Tips to Essay WritingLink opens in a new window

Final year student, Angel, shares some of her personal essay-writing tips and experiences.

• Writing an introductionLink opens in a new window

How to write effective academic introductions by establishing the importance and focus of your topic, positioning your work within existing research, engaging the reader, and providing a clear framework for the argument or investigation that follows.

• Writing a conclusionLink opens in a new window

How to write effective academic conclusions by summarising key arguments, drawing justified conclusions from the evidence, considering implications and future directions where appropriate, and bringing a piece of writing to a clear and coherent close without introducing new material.

• Basic principles of paragraphingLink opens in a new window

Explains how effective paragraphing improves the clarity and organisation of academic writing by structuring ideas into coherent, connected units that develop and support an overall argument.

• Writing styleLink opens in a new window

How to develop an effective academic writing style by presenting ideas clearly and logically, balancing sentence complexity and length, and improving clarity and sophistication through concise, varied, and non-repetitive language.

• ProofreadingLink opens in a new window

How to proofread academic work effectively by combining careful manual checking with appropriate use of spelling and grammar tools to improve accuracy, clarity, style, and referencing before submission.

• Books for academic writingLink opens in a new window

• Introduction to ReferencingLink opens in a new window

This online course explores what referencing is, why it is important, and when you need to use it.

• Why referencing mattersLink opens in a new window

Explains what constitutes academic misconduct, outlines the different forms it can take, and provides guidance on how to avoid breaches of academic integrity when completing assessments and academic work.

• Avoiding PlagiarismLink opens in a new window

This course will help you understand how plagiarism is defined, identified and its potential consequences. It will also provide you with clear tips on how to avoid plagiarism and build good academic practice.

• Artificial Intelligence and Academic IntegrityLink opens in a new window

This online course, designed by the Library, serves as a primer for students who are new to AI, explaining in simple terms what it is, how it works, common uses and applications, as well as considerations around ethics and potential dangers. It will also provide guidance on properly citing and referencing AI tools and resources in your academic work.

• Module reading listsLink opens in a new window

How to make effective use of university reading lists by understanding their purpose, prioritising your reading, and developing strategies to engage critically with academic sources.

• Finding Information: Researching Your AssignmentsLink opens in a new window

This online course will give you the skills you need to find information for your assignments using the Library and its databases. It will also help you to effectively plan your searches and evaluate the information you find.

• Understanding Information: In Academic and BeyondLink opens in a new window

This course will give provide you with the skills to analyse and understand information within and outside of academia with a focus on academic sources, identifying types of reading material and scholarly and non-scholarly sources.

• Subject Guides: Key Books, Databases and JournalsLink opens in a new window

The Library's subject support guides signpost you to key books, databases, and journals to support your studies. They also include key contact information for your Research and Academic Support Librarians.

• Artificial IntelligenceLink opens in a new window

This Library page introduces the opportunities and guidance available for using artificial intelligence in your studies, helping you understand both the benefits and limitations of AI tools while using them responsibly and in line with academic integrity expectations.

• Reading strategically and managing large reading loadsLink opens in a new window

Guidance on improving academic reading speed and efficiency by helping you develop strategies to read purposefully, identify key information, and balance depth of understanding with the demands of university study.

• Critical thinkingLink opens in a new window

Introduces critical thinking as a key academic skill, providing strategies to help you analyse information, evaluate evidence and assumptions, and develop reasoned, independent judgements in your studies.

• Note-taking strategiesLink opens in a new window

Practical advice on how to make, and to make the most of, notes on your readings.

• Reading and note-takingLink opens in a new window

Introduces note-taking as an essential academic skill, offering practical strategies for recording, organising, and reviewing information from lectures, readings, and research to support deeper learning and effective study.

• Get Started Using the LibraryLink opens in a new window

This course introduces practical information and tips on using the Library.

• The Library: Search and ExploreLink opens in a new window

The Library's guide to searching, walking you through every stage of the search process - from understanding what you need to find, to recording your results.

• Research and Academic Support Librarians: One-to-one supportLink opens in a new window

Contact information for subject specialist librarians supporting learning, teaching and research.

• Presenting and Visualising InformationLink opens in a new window

A Library tutorial to help you to understand how to take into account of audience, graphics use, copyright, creativity and accessibility in order to present information effectively.

• Guidelines on academic presentationsLink opens in a new window

Guidance on developing effective academic presentation skills, helping you plan, structure, and deliver clear, engaging presentations that communicate your ideas confidently to an academic audience.

• Academic English Skills - PresentationsLink opens in a new window

Practical advice on developing effective academic presentation skills, including planning, structuring, designing, and delivering presentations clearly and confidently for a university audience.

• Oral presentationsLink opens in a new window

Tips on preparing and delivering a successful presentation, including strategies for communicating your research clearly, engaging your audience, and presenting your findings with confidence.

• Academic PresentationsLink opens in a new window

Practical guidance on developing the core elements of an effective academic presentation, including structuring the main body of your presentation, communicating key ideas clearly, and maintaining audience engagement throughout.

• Language for presentationsLink opens in a new window

Focuses on the language and communication skills needed for successful academic presentations, including introducing topics, signposting ideas, engaging an audience, and delivering presentations with clarity and confidence.

• Spoken Communication SkillsLink opens in a new window

A range of academic and transferable skills development resources designed to help you strengthen your study practices, communication abilities, critical thinking, and overall success in higher education.

• Best practice: Creating inclusive PowerPoint presentationsLink opens in a new window

Guidance on creating accessible PowerPoint presentations, helping you design slides that are clear, inclusive, and usable for all audiences, including people with disabilities and those using assistive technologies.

• Group workLink opens in a new window

A guide, written by a former Arts PGT student, for how to effectively work in a group, including practical advice on organising meetings, communicating effectively, and handling disagreements and/or resolving confrontations.

• Language for group discussionLink opens in a new window

Practical language and communication strategies for participating effectively in academic group discussions, helping you contribute ideas, respond to others, build arguments, and engage confidently in collaborative learning activities.

• Supporting Neurodivergent Students Through Group WorkLink opens in a new window

Practical guidance for supporting neurodivergent students, covering planning, preparing, and delivering presentations and participating in group work, with strategies to support confidence, communication, collaboration, and inclusive learning.

• Student insight: Taking part in group work | Master'sLink opens in a new window

A blog post offering practical insights into successful group work, highlighting strategies for effective collaboration, communication, time management, and conflict resolution when working with peers on university projects.

• How To Manage Your Time At University To Avoid BurnoutLink opens in a new window

Practical guidance on managing your time effectively and maintaining a healthy study/life balance, helping you develop strategies to stay organised, manage workload pressures, and reduce the risk of burnout during your studies.

• How Not To Leave Things To The Last MinuteLink opens in a new window

Showcasing how the University Library can support your studies around the clock, highlighting the benefits of 24-hour access and offering advice on using extended study spaces effectively and sustainably.

• Plan and prioritiseLink opens in a new window

Prioritisation is your secret weapon! Boost your academic performance by working smarter, not harder.

• Managing deadlinesLink opens in a new window

Managing your assessments well is key to staying on track and in control of your studies.

• Avoiding procrastinationLink opens in a new window

Finding productivity methods that work for you can really support you throughout your studies.

• Time ManagementLink opens in a new window

Suggestions on how to prioritise tasks, plan your workload effectively, and develop strategies for balancing academic commitments with other responsibilities.

• Study spaces on campusLink opens in a new window

There are many study spaces available for you to use on campus, from queit study spaces to communal areas to work alongside peers. Get the latest news on space updates, and discover different locations across campus.

• Writing a curriculum vitae (CV)Link opens in a new window

Guidance on creating an effective CV, helping you present your skills, experiences, and achievements clearly to prospective employers.

• Cover lettersLink opens in a new window

Explains the purpose of covering letters and offers advice on tailoring applications to demonstrate your suitability and interest in a role.

• Writing good covering lettersLink opens in a new window

Practical tips and examples to help you write clear, persuasive covering letters that effectively complement your CV.

• Applications formsLink opens in a new window

Guidance on completing job application forms successfully, including how to evidence your skills and experiences against selection criteria.

• InterviewsLink opens in a new window

Advice on preparing for interviews, including understanding different interview formats and developing strategies to communicate your strengths effectively.

• Selection TestsLink opens in a new window

Introduces the range of psychometric, aptitude, and assessment tests used by employers and offers guidance on how to prepare for them.

• Reflecting on your skills and strengthsLink opens in a new window

Helps you identify, develop, and articulate the skills valued by employers, enabling you to showcase your strengths in applications and interviews.

• Understanding your motivationsLink opens in a new window

Encourages you to explore what motivates you in your studies and career, helping you make informed decisions about future opportunities.

• Determining your goalsLink opens in a new window

Supports you in setting realistic and meaningful career goals, providing tools to help you plan and manage your professional development.

• Understanding your valuesLink opens in a new window

Helps you reflect on your personal and professional values so that you can identify career paths and employers that align with what matters most to you.

• One-to-one careers supportLink opens in a new window

Warwick Careers can support your applications through personalised advice, feedback, and one-to-one appointments.

• Applying for postgraduate research degreesLink opens in a new window

Guidance on applying for postgraduate research study, including information on identifying research opportunities, developing proposals, and completing the application process.

• Student support at WarwickLink opens in a new window

An overview of the wide range of academic, wellbeing, financial, and personal support services available to help students succeed and thrive at Warwick.

• Wellbeing & Student SupportLink opens in a new window

The University's specialist support services, offering guidance and assistance for wellbeing, mental health, disability support, and other student needs.

• Emergency support contactsLink opens in a new window

Essential emergency and urgent support contact information, helping you access appropriate assistance quickly when it is most needed.

• Report + SupportLink opens in a new window

This page explains how to report concerns and access support relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and other welfare issues within the University community.

• Students' Union: Help & SupportLink opens in a new window

Outlines the independent advice, support, and representation services offered by Warwick Students’ Union to help students navigate a range of academic and personal issues.

• Students' Union: Personal and Social SupportLink opens in a new window

Information and resources to support students’ health, wellbeing, personal development, and social life while studying at university.

• IT services and supportLink opens in a new window

The digital services, IT support, and technology resources available to help students access and make effective use of University systems and tools.

• General Support ContactsLink opens in a new window

This page brings together key University contact information, helping you find the right department, service, or team for enquiries and support.