Workshops and Courses for Academic Skills Development

The UNSW Learning Centre offers workshop programmes throughout Semesters 1 and 2 on a wide variety of academic skills. Some workshops focus on, or explain, different tasks such as essays, oral presentations, reports and research papers. Other workshops help students develop particular skills essential to academic study such as critical thinking, referencing and understanding what plagiarism is.

What students say

"The workshops were informative and also presented in a very simple way...

"The workshops were informative and also presented in a very simple way. The tasks made it easier learn how to apply the skills."

"Kind teachers and rich resources, the skills provided are practical and very useful, very helpful to our assignments."

"It's good to join the workshops as I know that I am not alone and not the only one who has difficulties in doing research. Besides, the experiences the conveners have shared makes study much easier and helped me avoid many mistakes. It is always fruitful to attend these classes."

"There was a good balance between theory and hands-on activities. All lecturers came very well prepared."

"They were of very high quality, pertinent,very well delivered. Not least, they were entertaining and a pleasure to listen to."

"It was a mixture of tips and practical hands on work which I'm sure will be helpful for my masters thesis. I'd like to look into more of these courses."

"Well-constructed with relevant information, great delivery, engaging presenters."

(Comments from Learning Centre Evaluation Surveys)

Upcoming workshops

Learning Centre workshops are designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students. A small selection are also specifically designed for students whose first language is not English. Academic skills workshops are typically one to two hours in duration. Some workshops are run as a series and may be held once a week for two to seven weeks. That is, they are developmental. Others are run as 'once only' workshops. Workshop sizes are usually limited to a maximum of 30 students to maintain a fairly informal structure.

Writing a Literature Review

27 Apr 2018

This introductory workshop will examine the purpose of a literature review, possible approaches that may be taken when writing it and the different kinds of structures that can be used.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

What is Critical Thinking? (2 week workshop)

1 May 2018

This workshop explores what is meant by ‘critical thinking’ at university. It will examine definitions of critical thinking and introduce students to various thinking strategies.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Oral Presentations (2 week workshop)

2 May 2018

This two-week workshop consists of two sessions. In the first week, the focus will be on oral skills. and the second week will focus on organising presentations and developing presentation skills.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Academic Writing for Postgrad ESL Students (2 week workshop)

2 May 2018

This two-week workshop is for students whose second language is English and who write competently in terms of grammar and sentence structure, but would like to develop their academic writing. The class focuses on the purpose, structure and style of various kinds of academic writing.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Writing a Literature Review

3 May 2018

This introductory workshop will examine the purpose of a literature review, possible approaches that may be taken when writing it and the different kinds of structures that can be used.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Grammar Workshop: Articles

3 May 2018

Articles can be quite troublesome for some writers. It is important to understand how they are used so your writing and presentations say exactly what you mean.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Essay Writing for Postgraduates

4 May 2018

This workshop explores the process of essay writing at Postgraduate level. It will review strategies such as analysing the question to establish focus, offer helpful planning techniques and show how to develop correct essay structure by organising ideas into a logical sequence.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Academic Writing for Postgrad ESL Students (2 week workshop)

9 May 2018

This two-week workshop is for students whose second language is English and who write competently in terms of grammar and sentence structure, but would like to develop their academic writing. The class focuses on the purpose, structure and style of various kinds of academic writing.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

How to Write an Essay

10 May 2018

This workshop explores the process of essay writing. It will review strategies such as analysing the question to establish a focus, offer helpful planning techniques and show how to develop correct essay structure by organising ideas into a logical sequence.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Editing Strategies

11 May 2018

This workshop examines both broad and narrow - focused strategies for editing an assignment. Editing for meaning will be discussed as well as the ability to identify the most common grammatical mistakes and errors in punctuation. Students will be able to practise these skills so they can them apply them to their own work.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

Making Your Voice Heard in Your Thesis Writing

18 May 2018

This workshop will focus on the writing techniques that will help to develop a stronger voice in your academic writing, and put your arguments more effectively.

Register via The Learning Centre's workshop booking system

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