Helping you make the most of your studies

We’ll help you get off to the best start possible by providing you with a range of learning resources and access to a dedicated support network.

From your course tutors and your own personal academic tutor, to our librarians and technical support staff, you'll have an expert team behind you every step of the way.

And with access to a vast range of online and other resources, as well as support from other students on your course, you'll be able to study and learn with confidence.

Here's an overview of the tools you'll use for learning.

Easy access to information

We have two online platforms that you’ll use every day to gain quick and easy access to information and resources that support your learning.

My Â鶹AV gives you access to your timetable, university email account and other key information and resources. It can be accessed on your laptop and mobile phone and you’ll be expected to check it regularly for updates.

My Studies gives you access to our online learning platforms, course and assessment materials from your tutors, and other study-related content as well as pointing you to other study support services, like our libraries.

You'll be able to log in to My Â鶹AV after you online enrol. Then, when you access My Studies through My Â鶹AV you’ll be automatically signed in.

Graphic with the text 'My Â鶹AV, your new student portal'

Hardware and software

Using your own laptop

Having your own laptop and internet access gives you the flexibility to study where and when you want. For most courses we recommend the following minimum laptop specification.

  • Windows 10
  • Intel® i5 or equivalent processor
  • RAM: 8 GB / Storage: 256 GB SSD
  • full HD screen.

You may also use a Mac of an equivalent specification, but please note that not all software provided or used by the university is available for Mac.

Some courses require a more advanced specification and there are workstations that meet this specification on each campus for you to use.

If you have a disability, mental health issue or long-term illness, you may be eligible to receive a laptop and other equipment tailored to your needs through the Disabled Students Allowance.

Open-access computers

You’ll also be able to book time on one at locations across our campuses (please log-in using your university username and password).

If you are on a course requiring access to specialist equipment and software then high specification workstations are also provided on campus.

Software

After enrolment download the Microsoft Office 365 software package via My Â鶹AV. Some teaching will take place via the online meeting app, Teams accessible only through your university email account.

Microsoft Office 365 package includes:

  • University email account
  • One Drive file storage
  • Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams etc…

We also provide you with these software packages free of charge whilst you are studying with us:

  • EndNote (academic referencing)
  • NVivo (qualitative data analysis)
  • Mind Genius (mind mapping)
  • LinkedIn Learning (online study skills)
  • SPSS (statistics).

Other specialist software may also be provided or required depending on your course and information about this will be provided by your school.

You’ll also be able to access MATLAB and Simulink at a special student discount. Check out the for software available to students including mobile and desktop versions for personal use.

And you can make an appointment at one of our computer clinics to .

Libraries and online learning resources

As well as being able to use the libraries on each of our campuses, you’ll have 24/7 access to a wide range of online learning resources.

These include:

  • online study skills resources include advice on everything from researching to writing, and critical thinking to referencing, as well as free and unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning
  • subject guides that bring together helpful resources specific to your subject area
  • our extensive library catalogue giving you access to thousands of books, publications and articles
  • our online journal finder.

Find out more about libraries, media and computing.

Accessibility help with Blackboard Ally

Blackboard Ally allows you to access content on My Studies in your preferred format.

For example, students can download a handbook as an ePub file to adjust the font and page colour, download documents as audio files.

If you require accessibility assistance when studying online, then just click the Ally 'A' when using My Studies.

Blackboard Ally 'A' symbol

Find out more about .

Personal support

In addition to your course tutors, you’ll also be supported by:

  • your Personal Academic Tutor who’ll provide advice and guidance, help you to stay on track and get the best out of your studies
  • your Student Support and Guidance Tutor who’ll help you with anything from homesickness to stress, and who can signpost you to other support services
  • in most of our schools you can also get informal from other students on your course to help build your self-confidence.

Extra support

And if you have a disability, illness or specific learning difficulty (like dyslexia or ADHD) that affects your ability to study then you can speak to our Learning Support Coordinators who will put a learning support plan in place for you.