New Terminology

At Warwick, you will come across words, terms, and acronyms that may be unfamiliar at first. Don't worry, it takes time to get used to it all.

To help you settle in, students have created a glossary to explain new terminology and acronyms. Use this as a guide to help you navigate university life.

Josnet, UG Psychology

A

Academic: A member of university staff who teaches students or conducts research. Often called lecturers or tutors.
Academic integrity (AI): Academic integrity means committing to honest, responsible and ethical conduct in academic work e.g. giving credit where you’ve used others' ideas and avoiding plagiarism.
Academic misconduct: Academic misconduct is any behaviour that breaches the expected standards of academic integrity when completing a formal academic exercise, such as assignments and essays. Examples of academic misconduct include plagiarism, cheating, falsification of data, and collusion, to gain or attempt to gain an unfair academic advantage.
Academic Year: The University's yearly scheduleLink opens in a new window for teaching and exams. At Warwick, it is divided into three, 10-week terms between September and July.
Accommodation: This is another way of saying ‘housing’. Student accommodation can include university halls of residence on or off campus and privately rented accommodation.
Alumni: Former students who have graduated from Warwick University.
Assessment: How your academic work is marked. Depending on your course, this can include essays, exams, presentations, posters or practical assessments.

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B

BA

Stands for ‘Bachelor of Arts’ - an undergraduate degree awarded in subjects like English, History, Sociology and other arts or social sciences.

BEng

Stands for ‘Bachelor of Engineering’ - an undergraduate degree qualification awarded in engineering related subjects.

Board of Examiners

An appointed group of University Staff (including an external examiner) who act as a decision-making body to ensure that student assessment marks are fair and consistent.

BSc

Stands for ‘Bachelor of Science’ - an undergraduate qualification awarded to students who have studied subject areas relating to science, technology or maths.

Bursary

A bursary is financial help offered by the University of Warwick or Student Finance help students based on personal circumstances – it doesn't need to be paid back. Warwick offers a range of bursaries and scholarships with different eligibility criteria, application processes and award amounts.
Learn more and explore options for:

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C

Campus: The grounds and buildings of the University, where you’ll find classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, cafes, accommodation and student services. At Warwick, there are three campuses in total: Central Campus, Gibbet Hill and Westwood. You can explore the campus using the interactive map.
Careers Service: The Careers ServiceLink opens in a new window is here to support you during your studies and after you graduate. They offer online resources, events and one to one appointments to help with CV's, interviews and job applications.
CATS: Stands for ‘The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme’. It is a points-based system that quantifies credits for a particular course. For example, a module may be worth 15 CATS and each year students are required to take 120 CATS worth of modules.
Central campus: This is where most academic buildings, departments, social spaces and student accommodation are. It is also home to the Library, Student Services, Wellbeing Services, Disability Services and the Students' Union.
Chaplaincy: A welcoming space on campus for all students, religious and non–religious. The ChaplaincyLink opens in a new window is a quiet place to study, relax, reflect and talk to one of the friendly Faith Advisers. There are also prayer rooms and weekly religious services for those who want to take part.
Citation: A citation is a reference to a book, article or author that you’ve used in your work. Citations give credit to the original source and show where your ideas have come from.
Collusion: When a student submits an assignment that was done in collaboration with another student as their own work.
Commentary: A detailed explanation or analysis of a text or idea, this allows students to showcase their understanding and thoughts.
Community Safety: The university team that is responsible for student safety and security on campus. The team are present on campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Commuter student: A student who lives at home and travels to university for teaching, instead of living in student accommodation e.g. their term time address is the same as their out-of-term address.
Contact hours: The scheduled times when you learn directly from teaching staff. Contact hours include lectures, seminars, and lab sessions and are also sometimes called timetabled hours.
Course Representative: A student who is elected to represent the views and interests of the students on their course. They act as a spokesperson to share these views with the Students’ Union and university staff to help improve the student experience.

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D

Degree Classification: At the end of your degree course, the marks you achieve on your modules are combined together to determine your overall degree resultLink opens in a new window: A First, a 2.1, a 2.2, a Third, a Pass or no degree.
Department: A part of the university focused on a specific subject, where your course is based and your lecturers work. Each department belongs to one of the three faculties: Science, Engineering and Medicine (SEM), Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) or the Faculty of Arts (FoA). If you’re studying a Joint Honours degree, you’ll be told which department is your ‘home’ department.
Disability Services: Provide advice, information and guidance for disabled students at the university. They help arrange adjustments and support for students. If you need assistance or to request adjustments for your studies, contact Disability ServicesLink opens in a new window.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA): Financial support from Student Finance to help cover study-related costs for disabled students, such as specialist equipment or software. Students need to apply through Student Finance and provide evidence. Warwick's Disability Services Team can help with your application. You can find more information on the Student Wellbeing PortalLink opens in a new window and the Government websiteLink opens in a new window.
Dissertation: An extended piece of academic writing that is usually completed in your final year. Writing a dissertation gives students the opportunity to explore a topic you’re interested in and showcase your research skills by investigating it in depth.
Dissertation Supervisor: An academic member of staff who helps you with your dissertation project. They can give advice on areas such as your topic, conducting research, writing style and how to structure it.
Dry Labs: Computer-based sessions for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Dry labs focus on analytical tasks such as mathematical modelling, data analysis or computational simulations using software and digital tools.

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E

E-Book

An electronic version of a book that you can read online. E-books are available through the library website.

Eduroam

This is the university's Wi-Fi network. Students can connect to it through their Warwick ID or email address. Top tip: Eduroam is used by universities all over the world so you can use it in lots of different places.

Enrolment

The online process of joining the university as a student involves providing key information to complete this enrolment. All students must complete their enrolment prior to starting their studies.

New students: Follow the steps to get started with enrolmentLink opens in a new window.
Returning students: For all students continuing into the next year of study or returning from a period of temporary withdrawal, you must re-enrol.

Ensuite subsidy

A discount offered to disabled students who require an ensuite bathroom. Eligibility criteria apply, and applications open after completing Term 1 enrolment. More information can be found on the Student Wellbeing Portal.Link opens in a new window

Essay

A structured piece of academic writing that explores a specific topic or questions. Students are expected to present an argument, critically analyse ideas and theories, and express their own academic viewpoint, supported by evidence they have researched.

Estranged Bursary

A bursary Link opens in a new windowthat is offered to Warwick students who are estranged from both parents. To qualify, you must be assessed by Student Finance as an Independent or Estranged Student.

Exec

The elected group of students who run a Students’ Union society. This team usually includes roles like President, Treasurer and Welfare Officer. They are responsible for organising and promoting events and managing finances.

Extension

The process by which students can request extra time to complete an assignment. Extensions may be permitted for situations where exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control prevent you from submitting work by the deadline - e.g. minor illness, family emergency or caring responsibilities.

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F

Faculty

A large academic division within the University grouping together several related departments and schools
At Warwick, there are three facultiesLink opens in a new window:

Faculty of Arts Building (FAB)

A building on central campus that is a learning hub for Arts and Humanities students. Commonly referred to as 'the Fab'.

Footnote

An extra piece of information added to a book or article at the bottom of the page away from the main body of text.

Formative

A formative assessment is marked but does not count towards your final grade. Formative assessments are designed to help students build knowledge, skills and confidence in preparation for summative assessments.

Forum

An elected group within the Students’ Union responsible for overseeing topics that affect students, such as student welfare and societies.

Freshers

The term 'freshers' is used in two different ways.
‘Freshers’ refers to students themselves. If you are a ‘fresher’, you are a first-year undergraduate student.
‘Freshers’ also refers to 'Freshers Week', a week that takes place before the start of term (also known as Welcome Week). It includes welcome events, activities, and chances to meet other new students beginning their degrees.

Freshers' Representative (FREP)

A first year student who takes on a role within a Students' Union Society exec team. They help to welcome new students, promote societies and encourage them to get involved in events and activities.

Full-Time Officer (FTO)

Also known as ‘Sabbatical Officers’ or ‘Sabbs’. Full-Time Student Officers are paid, elected student representatives who work full time in the Students’ Union for a year. They represent the student body to help shape and improve the student experience. There are 7 Full Time OfficersLink opens in a new window, each responsible for a specific area e.g. Education, Postgraduate, Societies.

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G

Gibbet Hill Campus: A campus located about 10 minutes' walk from central campus. It is home to Warwick Medical School and the School of Life Sciences.
Graduate: A student who has completed their degree.
Graduation: A formal celebration ceremony where students officially receive their degrees. Students wear academic robes, receive their certificate, and celebrate with fellow students, staff, family, and friends.

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H

Home student: A student from the UK.

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I

Interchange: The main bus stop at the centre of campus, next to Warwick Arts Centre. It’s on Kirby Corner Road and serves as the main hub for many bus routes. These include services to Coventry, Earlsdon, Leamington Spa, and Kenilworth.
International student: A student who studies at university in a country other than their own.

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L

Lab report: A document that science students write to describe their research and results from a scientific experiment.
Learning Grids: Spaces where students can study together or on their own. They have computers and printers available. There are Learning Grids on campus in the Rootes Building and University House, and another in Leamington Spa.
Lecture: A presentation delivered by an academic to a large group of students.
Lecturer: A member of academic staff who teaches on modules.
Library: The central campus building that houses the main University library. Students can go there to study and revise, complete academic work and access a wide range of texts and resources to support their research.
LLB: The degree that undergraduate Law students earn when they graduate. It stands for ‘Legum Baccalaureus', which is Latin for ‘Bachelor of Laws’.
LLM: A ‘Masters of Law’ degree that students can take after their undergraduate degree.

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M

MA

A ‘Master of Arts’ is degree that is completed by students in subjects like social sciences, arts and humanities, after an undergraduate degree.

Maintenance loan

A financial loan provided by Student FinanceLink opens in a new window to help students with living costs while at university. The amount you receive depends on household income, where you live during term time, and your course type.

Master's degree

A higher level degree that students can take after their undergraduate degree to study a subject in more detail. It usually takes one-year full time, or longer if studied part-time.

Mature student

A student who starts university at age 21 or older.

MBA

A ‘Master of Business Administration’ is a postgraduate course that teaches advanced business and management skills.

Means-tested

A loan or bursary given to students based on their financial situation, such as their family’s income.

Mitigating circumstances

Mitigating circumstances at university refer to unexpected, short-term situations outside of a student's control that negatively impact their ability to study or perform well in assessments. These circumstances can include serious illness, bereavement, or other personal crises. If a student experiences such events, they can submit a mitigating circumstance claim to their university, which may result in adjustments to their academic work, such as extensions on deadlines or rescheduling of exams.
For more information visit:

Module

A part of a degree course that explores a specific subject area/topic. Students take several modules each year, some are compulsory, and some are optional. Most modules last for a term. Most university courses contain both core and optional modules, and most students are required to complete 120 CATs of modules per academic year. A complete degree is built from a combination of several modules.

Moodle

An online virtual learning environment that module tutors and lecturers use to share information, resources, and activities relevant to your course.

MRes

Stands for ‘Master of Research’. This is a one–year postgraduate course that focus on completing independent research.

MSc

Stands for ‘Master of Science’. A MSc is a degree that is completed by students in some science and social science disciplines after an undergraduate degree.

MyWarwick

An app and webpage for Warwick students that provides important information in one place. It includes your teaching timetable, coursework deadlines, a campus map, and bus times. Warwick Business School (WBS) students use a separate app called MyWBS.

MyWBS

A digital learning environment for Warwick Business School students. It provides access to course materials and resources, timetables and deadlines, announcements and updates.

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N

National Students Survey (NSS): An annual survey completed by final year undergraduate students. It gives students the opportunity to give honest feedback about their university experience.
National Union of Students (NUS): The national body that supports and represents the interests of UK students. Warwick Students' Union is part of the NUS, so all students who are members of the SU are also members of the NUS.

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O

Office hours: The hours when academic staff are available to meet students one-to-one. During these times, students can ask questions, get academic support, share feedback, and discuss ideas or concerns. Most academic staff have office hours once or twice a week. Sometimes staff call them ‘advice’ or 'feedback’ hours instead.

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P

Paraphrasing: Describing an argument or claim made by another academic using different words to achieve greater brevity and clarity, while still referencing the source of the original argument.
Peer Review: The process of having academic work evaluated by your peers to ensure accuracy and academic integrity.
Personal Tutor (PT): An academic member of staff assigned to you by your department. They are your first point of contact for discussing your academic progress, wellbeing, careers, understanding university policies, and development opportunities. Your Personal TutorLink opens in a new window can signpost and refer you to central student support services, such as Wellbeing and Disability Services and Counselling, to ensure you receive any additional support you need.
PhD: A PhD is the highest academic degree that a student can earn. A student who has completed an undergraduate and master’s degree can pursue a PhD. A PhD can take between 3-4 years to complete or longer if a student is studying part-time.
Piazza: The main open space on campus, located between the Students Union' and the Rootes building.
Placement year: An optional year that students can take between years of academic study. A placement year allows students to work in industry, study or work abroad.
Postgraduate (PG): A postgraduate student who has completed an undergraduate degree and is now undertaking further study, such as a Masters (MSc, MA, MRes or LLM) or a Doctorate (e.g PhD).

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Q

Quotation: Repeating the exact wording of a passage from a book or article in your own academic work. Quotations must be contained within quotation marks and accurately cited.

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R

Reading list: A list of books, articles or journals that students on a particular course are expected or encouraged to read.
Reasonable adjustments: Modifications or accommodations made to ensure that students have equal access to education and opportunities. These adjustments are considered on an individual basis and are intended to level the playing field, mitigate the impact of your condition, and support you in your academic success. Examples include providing learning materials in advance, extra time in exams and accessible formats for information. More information about Reasonable Adjustments Link opens in a new windowcan be found on the Student Wellbeing Portal.
Referencing: Acknowledging the sources and authors of ideas and arguments in your academic work.
Referencing styles: There are different formats for referencing in academic work. Each academic department has different preferences for referencing style e.g. Harvard Referencing. It is important to read department webpages or contact academic staff to find out what style is preferred.
Research and Academic Support Librarian: Information specialists in specific subjects. All students have a dedicated librarian for their course who they can ask questions to about referencing plagiarism, literature and database searches. Students can find out who their department's librarian is on the library website. Link opens in a new window
Research paper: A piece of academic writing that presents original analysis or Interpretation of a specific topic.
Residential Community Team: A team that is here to support students with all aspects of residential life 24/7 365 days of the year. The team (Residential Community Assistants and Senior Residential Community Assistants) are current Warwick students. They offer peer support and run our community building events. Look out for the RCAs in your residence and in the Residences’ Hubs - they’ll be wearing pink t-shirts/hoodies! More information can be found here
Rootes: It means two different things on campus.
1. Rootes Accommodation Block – Student housing buildings on campus, commonly referred to as 'Rootes'.
2. Rootes Building (Central Campus) - A separate building on central campus. It has a collaborative a Learning Grid in it, open to all students for group work and study.

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S

Scholarship

A non-repayable financial award given to students if they meet certain criteria. More information is available here

School

A school is part of a faculty. It brings together related Academic departments. For example, the School of Modern Languages includes the French department and the Spanish department.

Seminar

Small group meetings where students share ideas and thoughts on a specific topic.

Seminar tutor

An academic staff member who is responsible for leading a seminar. Seminar tutors will often be experts in the topic and will facilitate discussion between students.

Senate House

A building on central campus. It is home to key student services, such as the Student Information Centre and Wellbeing and Support Services.

Senior tutor

Each department has a senior tutor, who oversees the personal tutor system within the department. Senior tutors deal with complex issues and are usually involved with mitigating circumstances and reasonable adjustments.

Society

University societies are student-run groups centred around shared interests, hobbies, or goals. They provide opportunities for students to socialise, develop skills, and engage in extracurricular activities outside of their academic studies. These groups can be anything from academic to cultural to quidditch. Warwick has more than 250. See the full list on the Students Union webpage here

Staff Student Liaison Committee (SSLC)

Stands for Student Staff Liaison Committee. SSLC’s allows student representatives to discuss problems and opportunities connected with teaching, learning and student support with staff. Each department has an SSLC committee, and many courses do too.

Student Advice Centre

The Students Union’s advice centre for students. They offer confidential, impartial and non–judgemental advice on a range of topics, including personal, academic and financial issues.
More information can be found here

Student Council

The Student Union’s highest decision-making body, where motions put forward by students are debated, helping to determine the direction of the Students’ Union.

Student–devised Assessment

A type of assessment offered by some modules in some departments where students take an active role in designing how they will be assessed.

Student loan

Money from the Student Loans Company to help pay for university costs. It is split into two types:

Tuition fee loans: This goes directly to the university and covers course fees
Maintenance loans: These are paid to students directly to help with living costs.

Both loans will be paid back once a student has graduated and is earning above a certain amount.

Student Loans Company (SLC)

The organisation that manages student finance.

Student Mobility

At Warwick, "Student Mobility" refers to opportunities for students to study, work, volunteer, or research internationally, either for a full academic year or for shorter durations.

Student Opportunity

A department dedicated to support students career development, skills, volunteering opportunities, work experience and international experiences whilst at Warwick. It includes the Careers Department, the Warwick Award and Warwick Volunteers and Student Mobility Teams. More information is available here

Students’ Union (SU)

Every student is automatically a member of the Students’ Union. The SU provides representation, social Activities and rupport for all students to try and ensure you have the best possible university experience. To find out more, visit the SU websiteLink opens in a new window.

Study spaces

Spaces on campus where students can complete academic work on their own or in groups.

Summative

An assessment that is graded and does count towards your final grade for the year.

SU Officers

They are elected representatives of the student body, chosen each year to lead the Students' Union. This includes paid ‘Full-Time Officers’, called ‘Sabbatical Officers’, and ‘Part-Time Officers’ who finish their term while studying.

Survey

Students are regularly invited to complete surveys to share feedback on their academic, social and support experiences and help to improve your experience. Example of survey include:

Student Feedback Survey (SFS) - for all students
National Student Survey (NSS) - for final year undergraduates
PTES - for postgraduate taught students
PRES – for postgraduate research students

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T

Tabula: An online platform for students. They can check their timetable, module details and attendance. Students can also submit assignments and apply for mitigating circumstances.
Talis: An online platform where students can view information about their modules and reading lists created by academic staff.
Term: A ‘term’ is one of three periods of time in the academic year. The university divides the academic year into three separate 10-week terms: the Autumn Term, Spring Term, and Summer Term. More information is available here
Thesis: A term used to describe an extended research paper, that presents original research.
Tuition fee loan: A loan to a student from the Student Loan Company to cover the cost of your study/course. Students may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company to cover the costs. Check the eligibility criteria Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window on the UK Government website.
Tuition fees: The cost of your study course.
Tutorial: At Warwick, the term ‘tutorial’ can mean two different things. It can refer to a meeting between a student and their personal tutor, to discuss personal or academic issues. It can also refer to a small-group teaching session.

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U

Undergraduate (UG)

A student who is studying their first degree at university. Undergraduate courses usually last between 3 and 4 years.

Unitemps

A recruitment agencyLink opens in a new window that provides temporary work for students, graduates, and professionals. They are based on central campus and provide lots of opportunities for students to work during their studies.

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W

Warwick Bursary: A financial award provided by the university for students with a low family income. Students do not have to pay this back. Students must meet all of the eligibility criteria to be eligible. The Student Funding teamLink opens in a new window can provide more information.
Warwick Business School (WBS): The University's school where subjects such as business and management are taught to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Warwick Medical School (WMS): The University's school where medicine is taught to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Warwick Scholars: Warwick Scholars is both a bursary and a programme. It offers academic and professional development opportunities for students who have engaged with one of the university’s post-16 outreach programmes.
Wellbeing Services: The Wellbeing Services TeamLink opens in a new window offer a range of services designed to help students navigate university life. It includes both Disability Services and mental health services.
Westwood Campus: A smaller area of campus 15 minutes from central campus. It also has student accommodation and sports facilities.
Wet labs: Practical sessions for SEM students that involve hands on physical experiments, using chemicals, biological materials and lab equipment.
Widening Participation (WP): The Widening Participation Team works to remove barriers to university so that students from underrepresented backgrounds, such as those with care-experience, or students who are the first in their family to attend university, can pursue their education goals.
Workshop: A practical learning session where students actively develop specific skills or knowledge for their course.

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Y

Year abroad: Some courses and departments offer students the opportunity to take a year out from their degree to study at another institution abroad. The Student Mobility TeamLink opens in a new window are here to help you understand and explore your options.

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Extra support

Need help understanding immigration terms? The Student Immigration Advice Team have created an A-Z Glossary