Welcome to PPL at Warwick

The individual elements of your degree are known as modules (or courses). Each module has a different focus.

Core Modules

Your core (compulsory) modules will be:

• PH133 Introduction to Philosophy
• PH147 Introduction to PPL
• PO107 Introduction to Politics

Optional Core Modules

• LA128 Understanding Law in Context
• LA1H7 Critical Introduction to English Law

We will help you to choose the most appropriate module for you in the first weeks of term.

Check out some suggested reading and other resources to help you prepare for studying PPL.

You will primarily learn via lectures and seminars.

What to expect from lectures

• Lectures are large-group presentations given by a subject specialist (your lecturer) on a specific topic.
• Lectures usually take place in a tiered lecture theatre to a large number of students - sometimes the entire course cohort.
• The purpose is to provide you with core knowledge for your subject, an overview of key topics and suggest ideas for further research and self-study.

What you'll do

• Listen actively - lectures are usually not interactive and do not involve discussion.
• Take notes on key concepts, theories, ideas and links between modules.
• Note down questions and ask your lecturer afterwards, via email or during their office hours.

What to expect from seminars

• A seminar is a small, interactive group session led by a tutor or lecturer. They usually include around 10 to 30 students, depending on the module and department.
• Seminars typically follow lectures and provide space for discussion, debate, and deeper exploration of key topics.
• They are all about learning through conversation in a supportive environment.

What you'll do

• You'll be expected to come prepared - read assigned materials beforehand.
• Share your ideas and contribute to group discussions through expressing your thoughts, and engage with your classmates.

• Ask questions to clarify anything you're unsure about.

• Take notes - capture key points, arguments or reading suggestions and review afterwards.

Find out more about learning at University.

You will primarily be assessed via essays and exams. Individual Moodle pages will go into more detail at a module level.

Find out more about assessments.

The Library is available 24 hours for all students to use as needed. You can find a huge variety of resources, both online and in-person. All your required course reading will be available from the library.

Learn more about the services offered by the Library.

Find information on PPL specific support.

Email: both the University and the department will communicate with you on your new Warwick email address (available once you've completed your enrolment). Make sure you check this account regularly!

MyWarwick: you will have your own personalised 'My Warwick' account. This is where you'll be able to access your university emails, timetable, campus information and much more.

Tabula: an online system you will use to see your coursework deadlines, electronically submit assignments and download marking feedback. Full details and support will be provided once you arrive.

Moodle: Warwick's virtual learning environment, where your tutors can share digital resources and activities to enhance your studies.

Your lecture timetable will be confirmed at the start of term. You will be able to select some of your own seminar groups to suit your schedule, and we will explain how and when this happens during Welcome Week.

Here you can find our programme UG Student Handbook. We'll talk through what this covers during Welcome Week, where you'll also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Who is my Personal Tutor?

• Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor at Warwick. This will be a member of academic staff in one of the three PPL departments.
• Your Personal Tutor will be confirmed via Tabula nearer to the start of term.

What is their role?

• Your Personal Tutor is your first point of contact within the programme to discuss any issues that arise, whether pastoral or academic.
• You can draw on their experience and expertise as and when you need – they are your ongoing individual face-to-face relationship within the department and are here to support you throughout your time at Warwick.
• They are also the most obvious person to provide references for you after you graduate, so it is worthwhile investing time into developing a strong working relationship.

When will we meet?

• Your Personal Tutor will be in touch to arrange a meeting at the start of Term 1 and Term 2.
• You may request additional meetings as and when you need them.

How will we meet?

• Different Tutors arrange meetings differently. Some may arrange group meetings, and some will organise one-to-one meetings.

Your Personal Tutor is also there to help you with any problems which may arise throughout your time at Warwick, so you are free to arrange additional meetings with them as required.

Find out more about Personal Tutoring.

Find out more about Support at University.

The PPL Senior Tutor is Tom Parr.

The Senior Tutor has oversight of the personal tutoring system on the programme. If you have any questions or concerns related to personal tutoring, you can reach out to the

Senior Tutor. They can also help support you with more complex issues, and with advice concerning mitigating circumstances or Reasonable Adjustments.

Director of PPL

Dr Sameer Bajaj

The Director has overall responsibility for strategic management of the PPL Programme.

The Undergraduate Programmes Office deals with the administration of your undergraduate degree. If you have any questions not covered during Welcome Week, please drop by the office in S1.45/7 (Social Sciences).

For all general enquiries, please contact .

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can also be challenging. Whether you’re experiencing a pastoral or welfare issue, Warwick’s central student wellbeing services can provide a range of different support options. Find out more on their central webpages.

Resources and information on the transition support webpages can also help, not only in your first few weeks, but throughout your Warwick journey. Find out more here.

Similarly, check out this new resource from Student Minds on helping the transition to university.

The WP Student Network brings together students from a Widening Participation background to form an inclusive and peer-led community.

The Network welcomes students with the following backgrounds:

• Neither of your parents attended university and gained a degree
• You are a student with disabilities
• You are in receipt of a Warwick Bursary or other means tested financial support
• You were eligible or ever in receipt of Free School Meals while at secondary school
• You come from a background where your household income is below £42,875
• Have a household postcode in an area with a high level of disadvantage
• You come from an area with low progression rates to higher education
• You are a mature student who entered higher education over the age of 21
• You have experience in local authority care
• You are are estranged from, and not supported by, both of their parents
• You have caring responsibilities

The Dean of Students Office has overall responsibility for all Personal Tutoring networks across the University. You can find out more about the role of the Dean of Students Office on their webpages.

The Warwick Careers team are here to support you throughout your time at university, and after you graduate. They offer in-person and remote services, flexible to your needs and other commitments.

Find out more here.

The central Skills team helps ensure all Warwick students are ready for life after graduation - and equipped with the skills they need for a successful future.

They run programmes and interventions that give students opportunities and support for recognising, developing, reflecting on, and articulating their full range of skills.

To see the range of opportunities available, visit their central webpages here.

To check out Skillscast (their podcast about developing your skills while at University) ,click here.

SSLC stands for Student-Staff Liaison Committee. There are SSLCs in each department in the University that feed into both the Students' Union and the University administration.

SSLCs are committees made up of elected student representatives and members of staff. They are student-led and provide an area for students and staff to discuss ideas and solve problems connected with teaching, learning and student support.

If you're interested in the work of the SSLC, or have an issue you would like to be discussed, you should speak with one of your Course Representatives. If you have questions about the running of the SSLC, you should speak with the SSLC Chair.

Find out more about the PPL SSLC.

Find out more on the Warwick SU SSLC webpageLink opens in a new window

The PPL society is run by PPL students for PPL students. Events and activities include socials, talks, study sessions and more.

Find out more on their Instagram.

Concerned about staying safe at university?

Visit the Warwick Stay Safe Hub, where you can find out more about tips on avoiding online, telephone & accommodation scams, as well as how to look after your personal safety, both online and around campus.

The Students' Union are an independent organisation here to provide representation, support, and social activities to help you make the most of your time at Warwick.