Reading lists

Your Reading Lists

Created by your lecturers, your reading list links you to the key materials for each module - essential for understanding topics and preparing for lectures, seminars and assessments. It's your academic starting point - a solid foundation for building knowledge and confidence. This page explains how to access, manage and make the most out of your reading lists.

Where can I find my reading lists?

You can find all your reading lists on the Talis AspireLink opens in a new window platform. Here are the two ways to navigate to them:

Via the Library Homepage - click on the ‘Reading List’ tab and search using your module code, module title or lecturer’s name.
Via Moodle - go to your module’s Moodle page. Most modules include a direct link to the reading list within the course materials.

Can’t find your list? Not all modules have an online reading list. If you can't find one or access yourself, reach out to your lecturer or seminar tutor for guidance.

What do they look like?

When you open a reading list, the layout may vary depending on how your module leader has organised it. You might see: a single long list of resources, or a list that is organised into sections. Such as:

By Week (e.g. Week 1, Week 2)
By Topic
By Importance (e.g. Essential, Recommended, Further Reading)

Some lists also include a Table of Contents in the top-left corner to help you jump between sections quickly - like this example from Film Studies.

What does Essential, Recommended and Further Reading mean?

Reading lists resources are often labelled to help you focus, manage your workload and prioritise your reading.

Essential (or Required): Must-read items selected by your module leader. You’re expected to read these to prepare before lectures and seminars. Essential readings include essential knowledge.
Recommended: Strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. These deepen understanding and offer different perspectives
Further: Optional resources to explore topics beyond the core materials. Great for broadening your perspective, build critical thinking skills and support your research and assignments. Further reading shows initiative - lecturers really value this.

Can I access online and physical resources?

Most of your essential readings are available online, but the library also holds physical copies of many resources.

Online Copies: Click ‘View Online’ to open the digital version instantly.
Physical Copies: Click ‘View Availability’ to check the location in the library and stock, then ‘Copy Available’ to reserve it for collection.

How do I login into Talis? Who should I contact if I need help?

Module Leader: Can't find an item or unsure what to read? They're your first point of contact and can request more copies from the library.
Subject Support: Contact your Research and Academic Support LibrarianLink opens in a new window for help with finding texts, using library resources or research advice.
Library Help: Email Link opens in a new windowor visit The Library Help Desk on central campus (open 08:00 – 20:00).
Report a Broken Link: Click the three dots next to the item, select ‘report broken link’ - to notify the library team.

Student and staff advice

Start early and stay ahead

Locate your reading lists early and get familiar with the structure.
Know what to read - and when.
Block out time each week. Make reading part of your weekly routine by always setting aside time for essential reading.

Log in to personalise it

Setting reading intentions can help you track the progress you make. Mark each item Will Read, Reading Now, Have Read, Won't Read.
Add personal notes to track ideas, questions or connections between topics - notes are private and helpful for lectures, revision and assignment

Be kind to yourself

Focus on what matters: You don't need to do everything. Prioritise your essential reading each week - it's key for class preparation. Your list is broken down by week, and many readings are short sections or chapters.
Take your time: Everyone reads and notes at a different pace, and that's okay.
Be flexible: Some weeks have more readings than others. New theories and ideas can take longer to understand. Give yourself the time you need.

Your reading list = your research launchpad

Use it as a starting point for exploring topics in depth and developing your research and critical thinking skills.
Make the most of library resources. The library offers a wide range of materials, journals, databases and more - great for expanding your knowledge and becoming a better student researcher.

"Struggling with complex readings? That's normal.

Some academic texts can be challenging - you might need to read sections (or the whole thing) more than once to properly understand it. Take any questions you have into class, but always try to have gained a foundational understanding before you arrive to make the most of the session.”

Lance Hayward, Research and Academic Support Information Specialist