Studying in the UK

1. Studying in the UK To skip pages, use the controls at the top (back / home / contents) Welcome to this Portsmouth Business School interactive resource. This resource is designed to give you a basic introduction to British academic culture. If you have come to study here from abroad, we are really pleased that you have joined us, and we hope you enjoy your time here in the UK. To get started, click “next” Next

2. Studying in the UK – an introduction Last year there were 16,481 students at the University of Portsmouth. How many of those do you think were students from outside the UK? 800 1500 3200 9100

3. Studying in the UK – an introduction Last year, there were 3200 international students at Portsmouth.That’s 20% of all the students at the university. A large proportion of the university staff (lecturers, tutors and support staff) are also originally from overseas. 800 1500 3200 9100 ... 1600 of these students were from elsewhere in the European Union... ...and that doesn’t include many of the students studying on pre-sessional courses, and at English colleges here in the city. Next

4. Studying in the UK – an introduction How many different countries do you think those students come from? 30 65 100 130

5. Studying in the UK – an introduction Last year, there students from 130 different countries at the University of Portsmouth! Of the 3200 international students, almost half are studying at Portsmouth Business School. As an international student, you are valued by the University, and we want you to have the best experience possible during your time in the UK! 30 65 100 130 Next

6. Studying in the UK - contents This resource is divided into three main sections: Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Part 3 – Business English Click “next” to move to the first section, or click an item above to go straight to it Next

7. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Welcome to the University of Portsmouth! If this is your first experience of studying in the UK, you may find that it is different to your previous experiences of education. However, there will also be lots of similarities, so try not to worry – you may just need to adapt your existing skills to fit in with study methods at a UK university. Click “Next” for some hints and tips on how to deal with UK university life... Next

8. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK One of the main features of academic life in the UK is the focus on independent study. Many of the things which you find different or odd about studying here will be linked to this concept. Independent study means using the facilities provided to shape your own learning Next

9. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK In the British school system (as with many other education systems around the world), students are often seen as empty vessels, which the teacher will fill up with knowledge. Click here...

10. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK In the British school system (as with many other education systems around the world), students are often seen as empty vessels, which the teacher will fill up with knowledge. However, here in UK higher education, the expectation is that the student is more like a sponge that soaks up knowledge. It is the responsibility of the student to take the guidance of the teacher and to use it to shape their own studies. Next

11. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK What does this mean? You will probably find that you have between 5-15 hours of classroom/lecture teaching each week (often called contact time). You may find that this is much lower than the level of contact time provided by your previous school or university. You are then expected to use the rest of your time to study on your own, using the guidance/help which you received in your lectures/tutorials. This can include doing things like: Click...

12. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK What does this mean? You will probably find that you have between 5-15 hours of classroom/lecture teaching each week (often called contact time). You may find that this is much lower than the level of contact time provided by your previous school or university. You are then expected to use the rest of your time to study on your own, using the guidance/help which you received in your lectures/tutorials. This can include doing things like: Planning and doing assignments Click...

13. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK What does this mean? You will probably find that you have between 5-15 hours of classroom/lecture teaching each week (often called contact time). You may find that this is much lower than the level of contact time provided by your previous school or university. You are then expected to use the rest of your time to study on your own, using the guidance/help which you received in your lectures/tutorials. This can include doing things like: Planning and doing assignments Reading books on the reading list Click...

14. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK What does this mean? You will probably find that you have between 5-15 hours of classroom/lecture teaching each week (often called contact time). You may find that this is much lower than the level of contact time provided by your previous school or university. You are then expected to use the rest of your time to study on your own, using the guidance/help which you received in your lectures/tutorials. This can include doing things like: Planning and doing assignments Reading books on the reading list Looking back over your lecture notes Click...

15. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK What does this mean? You will probably find that you have between 5-15 hours of classroom/lecture teaching each week (often called contact time). You may find that this is much lower than the level of contact time provided by your previous school or university. You are then expected to use the rest of your time to study on your own, using the guidance/help which you received in your lectures/tutorials. This can include doing things like: Planning and doing assignments Reading books on the reading list Looking back over your lecture notes Talking about your subject with other people from your course Next

16. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Making the most of studying in the UK Finding yourself in a new culture and educational environment may feel like a huge challenge, but don’t forget that it is also a fantastic opportunity. Whether you are here for three years, one year or just a semester, this is an opportunity to: Improve your language skills quickly Develop your interpersonal skills Experience life in a different culture Next

17. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Making the most of studying in the UK If you are feeling homesick, or have a bad experience to begin with, you may feel that your time in the UK is just something that you need to do before you can go home and move on to the next stage of your life... However, don’t forget that there are lots of support groups and members of staff who can help you to settle into life here in the UK. You are unlikely to have this opportunity again, so try to make the most of it. To find out more about social opportunities for international students in the UK, visit the International Office, or the Students’ Union societies. Not sure what a Students’ Union is? Click here for help Next

18. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Working with others – group work • There is a strong focus, in UK higher education, on developing student skills which will help you to be more employable. One aspect of this involves working in groups with other students. • Group work is often used as a method of assessment through group presentations or assignments, and it can seem like a very difficult task for many students who are not used to working this way. • Also, many tutorials and seminars are group-based, and students are expected to work together to discuss issues or solve problems. Next

19. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Group work – things to remember... • In the UK, it is expected that all group members will be treated as equals • Everyone is entitled to put their view across. The priority in groups or teams in the UK is usually focused on completing the task, rather than maintaining harmony. • However, you will find in all groups that people have different personality types, and some people will be very confident and speak often, whilst others may lack confidence and will speak very little. Next

20. Part 1 – Independent study in the UK Group work – difficulties • Group work should be an enjoyable process, and a valuable opportunity to develop your communication and cross-cultural skills. However, it can sometimes be very difficult if you are new to UK culture... • People in the UK often speak quickly and may sometimes interrupt one another. The important thing to remember is that your opinionalways counts, and other group members should never force you to do work without discussing it with you first. • If you have concerns about working in groups, speak to your personal tutor or a Study Skills Tutor (contact details at the end of this module). Next

21. Part 1 – Concluding notes • Tip 3: Dealing with group work • If working in groups or dealing with conflict is something you are worried about, take a look at our interactive module which offers some advice for what to do when group work goes wrong • Tip 2: Independent study – make the most of it! • You are responsible for your own progress whilst studying at university. If you do not understand something, or have a concern, it is expected that you will seek out an answer yourself. • Do not be afraid to ask your tutor/lecturer questions – this is encouraged in the UK. • Tip 1: Studying in the UK • Take a look at the “Prepare for Success” website for more information on UK university life. It’s full of useful tips... • If you have any concerns about independent study or group work, you can contact the PBS Study Support Tutors for advice (studysupport@port.ac.uk) Click here to visit the “Prepare for Success” website Next

22. Part 1 – Concluding notes • Tip 3: Dealing with group work • If working in groups or dealing with conflict is something you are worried about, take a look at our interactive module which offers some advice for what to do when group work goes wrong • Tip 2: Independent study – make the most of it! • You are responsible for your own progress whilst studying at university. If you do not understand something, or have a concern, it is expected that you will seek out an answer yourself. • Do not be afraid to ask your tutor/lecturer questions – this is encouraged in the UK. Next

23. Part 1 – Concluding notes • Tip 3: Dealing with group work • If working in groups or dealing with conflict is something you are worried about, take a look at our interactive module which offers some advice for what to do when group work goes wrong Click here for our module on group work Click here to continue to part 2

24. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK This section will give a brief overview of the features of academic study here in the UK which may be different to the approaches you have experienced in your previous studies. We will focus on things like communication with lecturers, the rules of assessment in the UK and different approaches to the classroom. Click here to continue...

25. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Communicating with tutors/lecturers Depending on which academic culture you have come from, you may find that tutors treat students very differently here in the UK. In the UK, at higher education level, tutors are often said to be very open and communicative in a classroom setting. They ask questions to the group, and will usually expect responses. It is culturally acceptable in the UK to volunteer a response without fear of retribution or a loss of face. Questions are also welcomed, either during a taught session (don’t forget to raise your hand, as this is usually considered polite in the UK), or after a taught session ends. Next

26. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Addressing tutors/lecturers You may find that tutors in the UK are more informal during teaching sessions, and will address students as peers. “Teacher” is not used as a form of address in the UK, and most lecturers are happy for you to address them by their first name or their title/family name (for example, “Professor Brown” or “Dr Smith”). If English is not your first language, you will certainly find that some tutors/lecturers are more difficult to understand than others (accents in the UK vary widely). Tutors may also use cultural references or specific English slang/idioms. If you find that this is a particular issue, please explain this to your tutor, as they may not realise that they are doing it! Language difficulties Next

27. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK The role of tutors/lecturers University lecturers and tutors in the UK may see their roles very differently to your previous tutors. For example, whilst lecturers or tutors may be relatively informal and friendly in lectures/lessons, they are usually only prepared to discuss academic issues. Tutors in the UK usually have agreed contact hours, so if you would like to contact your tutor in person, it is expected that you will do so during lessons or in a booked appointment time during their office hours (which are usually posted outside their office). Emails or telephone calls will not normally be answered in the evenings or at weekends, and it is expected that students will respect the privacy of their teachers. Turning up unannounced at a tutor or lecturer’s office should also be avoided (unless it is an emergency) as they have very busy teaching schedules. Next

28. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Seeking support If you are seeking personal support (including pastoral, emotional or spiritual guidance) it is more usual in the UK to visit another professional service that supports these issues. For example, the University health centre will deal with most health issues, whilst the counselling service deals with emotional support. The chaplaincy also offers emotional and personal guidance, but do not discuss religion unless you want to (they offer support to people of all faiths, or none at all). In the UK these services are confidential, so your tutors will not find out that you have been to visit them. Many people use these services, and there is no perceived stigma (or loss of face) associated with visiting them. Next

29. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom – quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? In the UK, it is acceptable to raise your hand to ask a question in most classroom situations. True False

30. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? In the UK, raising your hand to ask a question in a tutorial or seminar is usually encouraged. During lectures, there may be an opportunity to ask questions (but wait for the lecturer to tell you if this is acceptable before trying it!). There is no stigma or loss of face associated with asking a question at university, even if it is perceived to be “wrong”. Questions are encouraged in the UK. In the UK, it is acceptable to raise your hand to ask a question in most classroom situations. True False Next

31. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? If you have a problem with your studies, or do not understand something, you should never speak to your tutor about it. True False

32. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? This is not true. If you have questions or concerns about your studies, you are welcome to ask your tutor. It is also expected that you will let the teacher know if you have a problem with your work, and will seek out information which you need (for example, information about exams or assignments). If you have a problem with your studies, or do not understand something, you should never speak to your tutor about it. True False Next

33. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? In the UK, it is expected that students will take notes during taught sessions with tutors. True False

34. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? Students are encouraged to make their own notes during lectures, seminars and tutorials. Whilst handouts may be provided, making notes is considered a key part of “independent learning”. In the UK, it is expected that students will take notes during taught sessions with tutors. True False Next

35. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? In the UK, students are not allowed to question the opinions or views of tutors, as this may embarrass the tutor. True False

36. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK In the classroom - quiz As you may have found already, much teaching in the UK is focused on working in groups, and in communicating with other students. Do you think the statement below is true or false? Although the UK is perceived to be a country which values politeness and social etiquette, it is perfectly acceptable to raise a question to a tutor about something they have said, provided you do so in a careful way, without interrupting them. See the next page for details... In the UK, students are not allowed to question the opinions or views of tutors, as this may embarrass the tutor. True False Next

37. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Questioning the teacher Providing your question is phrased politely, it is often acceptable to question a teacher’s opinion on a subject (note that this is different to challenging a teacher!). Which of these do you think are appropriate? Click next to find out... “I disagree with that view because...” “I’m not sure I understand what you mean. Can you explain?” “Do you not feel that this is the case...?” “That’s wrong!” Next

38. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Questioning the teacher “I’m not sure I understand what you mean. Can you explain?” “I disagree with that view because...” This would usually be fine, as you are qualifying your view with a reason, and you are not being too personal or direct. “Do you not feel that this is the case...?” This would not be acceptable, as it is simply your opinion, and is not being supported by any reasoning. It is also quite direct and personal criticism. “That’s wrong!” Next

39. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Referencing and plagiarism The issues of referencing and plagiarism are taken extremely seriously in the UK. You are encourage to use other people’s ideas, concepts and words in your work, but you should always reference them carefully. In the UK, using somebody else’s ideas or words without acknowledging where they have come from is viewed as cheating. Even if this is done accidentally, it can have very serious results (including exclusion from a course), so make sure you are confident with the basics of referencing. The only exception to this rule is common knowledge, which does not need to be referenced. However, information which is referred to as common knowledge in the UK may differ significantly from your previous experiences, so always include a full reference if you are in doubt. For more information on this subject, take a look at our module on referencing and plagiarism. Click here for our module on referencing and plagiarism Next

40. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Common knowledge & academic style Be careful when assuming that things you write are common knowledge (or readily known by everyone). For example, in the UK it would be accepted knowledge that BBC stands for British Broadcasting Corporation. However, this information would not necessarily be common knowledge in South Africa or China. There will be many pieces of information which you consider to be common knowledge, that your marker may not be familiar with. Always use caution, and try to reference facts if you are not sure about which category they fall into. It is also important to remember that academic writing in the UK is expected to be formal and concise, which means that you should avoid conversational English and unnecessarily long descriptions, or repetition of facts. Ideas should be presented in clear, formal English that puts your point across using evidence and facts. Next

41. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Assessment in the UK (1 of 2) Another aspect of UK education which you may find different to your previous experience is assessment. In the UK, you may find that you are assessed in a range of different ways. Assessed essays/reports are the most common method, but exams tend to take place once or twice a year in formal, large-group settings. Electronic testing, presentations (individual and group) and poster presentations are also sometimes used as methods of assessment. Make sure you check in your course/unit handbook to see how your studies will be assessed. It is your responsibility to find out everything you need to know for your assessments. The Undergraduate/Postgraduate Centres in Richmond building will be able to answer many of your queries, and past exam papers can often be found on Moodle. If you have an emergency situation which affects your assessment, you may be able to apply for extenuating circumstances. Next

42. Part 2 – Academic practices in the UK Assessment in the UK (2 of 2) In the UK, word limits should be strictly adhered to (if you are writing a 2000 word essay, try to aim for that figure. Writing 1000 or 3000 words will lose you marks). Assignments should also always be handed in on time (late assignments will usually be failed). Examinations in the UK are generally at least two hours in length, and involve long essay-style answers on lined paper (although this will vary from course to course). It is usually expected that you will write in pen, and that you will stay in the room for the duration of the exam (with the exception of comfort breaks). Notes are never permitted in UK examinations unless your lecturer tells you explicitly that this is the case. Next

43. Part 2 – Concluding notes • Tip 3: Dealing with group work • If working in groups or dealing with conflict is something you are worried about, take a look at our interactive module which offers some advice for what to do when group work goes wrong • Tip 2: Referencing • The University Library has a very comprehensive referencing service called referencing@portsmouth, which can help to answer many of your questions. • The faculty librarians are also available to help you answer questions about books, information and referencing. • Tip 1: Getting help • If you are used to contacting a teacher for advice or help, don’t worry. • The university has a range of services and student groups which should be able to offer you help. Not sure where to look for help? Click here! Next

44. Part 2 – Concluding notes • Tip 3: Assessment • Don’t forget that assessment methods and rules may be different in the UK to your previous experiences. • If you are worried about this, speak to your tutor, or a Study Skills Tutor. • Tip 2: Referencing • The University Library has a very comprehensive referencing service called referencing@portsmouth, which can help to answer many of your questions. • The faculty librarians are also available to help you answer questions about books, information and referencing. Click here to visit the library website Next

45. Part 2 – Concluding notes • Tip 3: Assessment • Don’t forget that assessment methods and rules may be different in the UK to your previous experiences. • If you are worried about this, speak to your tutor, or a Study Skills Tutor. Click here to continue to part 3

46. Part 3 – Business English People often talk about business English being a special subject. However, it is not as complex or different as it sounds, and your language skills will be transferrable to the world of business. Depending on your course of study, you may be taking additional language modules which focus on business English. However, the university also provides a free service for all students called English for Academic Purposes (EAP). EAP courses focus on different academic features of English (such as essay writing and giving oral presentations). In addition, the PBS Study Support Moodle site has sections on business English, with a range of resources designed to help you improve your English skills. You will find these sites on your Moodle home page. We recommend listening to BBC English podcasts, watching British television and news services, and reading British newspapers to improve your skills with business English. We also have a range of modules covering topics such as business articles, tenses and nouns. Click here to visit the EAP website Next

47. Final thoughts Thank you for looking at this PBS Study Support interactive resource. We hope you enjoy your time in the UK. If you have any further queries about studying in the UK, or about anything you have seen in this module, please feel free to contact studysupport@port.ac.uk Click here to exit

48. Studying in the UK – Glossary Slide 16 – Interpersonal means relationships between people. Slide 17 – A Students’ Union is an organisation run by students within a university. It provides social activities (including sports and interest groups), as well as independent guidance and advice for students at Portsmouth. Visit www.upsu.net for details. Slide 18 – Being employable means having the graduate skills required to obtain a job. Slide 26 – An idiom is feature of a language, often demonstrated through a short phrase. The phrase itself has a different meaning to the individual words which contribute to it. For example, an English person may say that it is “raining cats and dogs”, which simply means that it is raining a lot (it has nothing at all to do with cats or dogs!). Slide 28 – The term pastoral is often used to describe somebody in a role who advises or supports the emotional or personal needs of another person. Click here to return to the last slide you looked at