What does my Adviser of Studies do for me?
Explains the structure of the MA (Social Sciences) degree
- summarises the regulations
- explains how these regulations affect your opportunities
Helps you choose the subjects you will study each session
- explores with you your interests, achievements and ambitions as background to your choice of University courses
- provides you with information about subjects to help you choose your curriculum for this session
- shows how your choices fit into the structure of the degree
- points out how your choices this session can create opportunities in future sessions
- makes sure that your choices avoid timetable clashes, both this session and in the future
Once you have made a choice of subjects for this session which satisfies both you and the regulations relating to your Degree, you submit your choice of curriculum on the central student records system (MyCampus). Your Adviser can check your curriculum for you and
- offers guidance and support throughout your university career
- helps guide you through the system
- offers guidance on financial scholarship support available
- puts you in touch with University support services
- offers guidance on making the most of your time at University
Gives you an idea of what university study is like and what will be expected of you
- the typical pattern and burden of lectures, tutorials and personal study
- the forms of assessment which you will encounter such as examinations and tutorial papers, and arrangements for resits
- the requirements of the Progress Regulations
- the learning facilities offered by the University such as the Library, the Adam Smith Library and the Reading Room
Provides you with advice and sources of assistance if you get into any kind of difficulties affecting your academic performance
- academic e.g. if you subsequently fail examinations, or feel that you have made the wrong choices or do not satisfy the Progress Regulations
- personal e.g. if you find it difficult to adjust to university life or are ill
- domestic e.g. if you feel you lack support or have difficulty coping with pressing responsibilities
- financial e.g. if you find it impossible to make ends meet
Puts you in touch, if necessary, with the relevant specialist support services run by the University e.g. Student Counselling Service
Although the University can sometimes seem an impersonal, large and initially unfriendly place staff are anxious to see you have a rewarding and enjoyable undergraduate career, both academically and personally. The University puts a lot of effort into providing support when things don't go as expected; don't be reluctant to turn to these services.
When should I see my Adviser of Studies?
- Before the beginning of each session, to discuss and assist your choice of curriculum.
- During the first two weeks of the first term if you feel you have made the wrong choice of subject.
- You do not need to live with this type of mistake as long as you act promptly, but your Adviser must be involved to explain what to do and to approve any change you decide to make to your curriculum.
- At an appropriate time during the second semester to have a chat about your progress so far.
- At any time if a serious problem of any kind develops.
- You should be informed by your Adviser of his/her availability and how to contact him/her in an emergency.
- Your Adviser will routinely be informed by Course Co-ordinators about students in difficulties and may therefore get in touch with you. It is better, however, for you to take the initiative.
- Note that problems to do with the detailed content of courses and the day-to-day operation of course should be taken to Course Co-ordinators in the first instance.
Please Note! Your Adviser of Studies is an academic member of staff of one particular department, possibly not one of the three in which you will choose to study. However, your Adviser is still able to convey the kind of information you need to make an informed choice at this stage. Once courses are underway then detailed questions you may have about course content and departmental procedure will be answered by Tutors and Course Co-ordinators. But do not hesitate to ask your Adviser for further information if you feel you need it; if necessary your Adviser can put you in touch with a member of staff of a relevant department.