Writing Advice for International UG and PGT Students
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught international students from all colleges can make an appointment or attend one of our classes to talk about anything related to their academic development, skills, and writing.
We can advise on understanding and developing in the academic context at the University of Glasgow, for example understanding assignment criteria and core concepts like ‘criticality’. We also offer advice and resources on academic skills such as effective reading, presentations, intercultural group work, and academic writing.
We can advise you on current unmarked work, including helping you in how you:
- plan your assignment
- research and use your sources
- develop your argument
- write and edit your work
- maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism
We can advise you within the context of your subject, but we're unable to advise on specific content. Similarly, we will encourage your ability to edit and assess your work and, therefore, cannot offer proof reading.
We can also advise you on past assignments, and their feedback, to help you to use that feedback to improve your writing.
Our service is for undergraduate students and postgraduate taught students. Postgraduate research students should contact researcher-development@glasgow.ac.uk instead.
Class Timetables
Summer Classes (June-August)
Dissertation Writing for International Students (In-person)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=15181
| Date | Time | Class | Class Description | Location |
| Tuesday 24th June | 11:00-12:00 | Reading for your Dissertation | This class explores strategies for selecting and completing reading for your dissertation. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 25th June | 11:00-12:00 | Being Critical of Literature | This class discusses how to write about academic literature in a critical and analytical way in your literature review. | Davidson Building, 208: Mian Lecture Theatre |
| Tuesday 1st July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing about Methodology | This class discusses how efffectively to plan and write the methods/methodology section in your dissertation. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 2nd July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing about Data and Findings | This class discusses writing about data and findings in your dissertation and osme elements of presenting data in graphs and figures. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Tuesday 8th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing a Discussion Chapter | This class explores the aims and writing of the discussion section/analytical sections in your dissertation. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 9th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing an Introduction Chapter | This class discusses dissertation introductions, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Tuesday 15th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing a Conclusion Chapter | This class explores dissertation conclusions, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
| Wednesday 16th July | 11:00-12:00 | Writing a Dissertation Abstract | This class discusses dissertation abstracts, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. | Davidson Building, 208: Main Lecture Theatre |
Dissertation Peer Workshops for International Students (Hybrid)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=15181
| Date | Time | Class Description | Location |
| Wednesday 25th June | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will be able to discuss criticality, what it means to approach reading critically, and practice doing so with the help of a facilitator. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 26th June | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will be able to discuss criticality, what it means to approach reading critically, and practice doing so with the help of a facilitator. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Wednesday 2nd July | 15:00-16:00 | This session offers you a space to reflect with your peers on what makes good/bad methodology, techniques on how to choose the right one for your project, and how to write about it in your dissertation. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 3rd July | 15:00-16:00 | This session offers you a space to reflect with your peers on what makes good/bad methodology, techniques on how to choose the right one for your project, and how to write about it in your dissertation. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Wednesday 9th July | 15:00-16:00 | Dissertations have a range of different chapter types. Discuss and engage in facilitated activities with your peers to learn more about the demands of each of these kinds and how to approach writing them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 10th July | 15:00-16:00 | Dissertations have a range of different chapter types. Discuss and engage in facilitated activities with your peers to learn more about the demands of each of these kinds and how to approach writing them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Wednesday 16th July | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will think collaboratively about the work that introductions and conclusoin are supposed to do in the dissertation, and consider strategies to write them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
| Thursday 17th July | 15:00-16:00 | In this session you will think collaboratively about the work that introductions and conclusoin are supposed to do in the dissertation, and consider strategies to write them. | McMillan Reading Room, 305 and online (click here to join on Zoom) |
Dissertation Writing Skills (Online)
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=15181
| Date | Time | Class | Class Description | Location |
| Tuesday 10th June | 14:00-15:00 | Progressing in Academic Writing at UofG: Writing your Dissertation | This session supports students in developing the academic writing skills and confidence needed to plan, structure, and begin their dissertation at the University of Glasgow. | Online (click here to join the Zoom) |
| Tuesday 17th June | 11:00-12:00 | Demonstrating Authority in Dissertation Writing | This session explores why and how to demonstrate authority and credibility in your work to produce a convincing dissertation | Online (click here to join the Zoom) |
| Thursday 19th June | 10:00-11:00 | Back It Up: Incorporating Evidence in your Dissertation | This session will provide you with practical tools to effectively integrate evidence in your dissertation, strengthening your argumentation and analytical skills. | Online (click here to join the Zoom) |
| Tuesday 22nd July | 11:00-12:00 | Turning your Master's Dissertation into a Publication | In this session, explore how to turn your Master's dissertation into a publishable output, such as an academic article, with practical advice on choosing what and where to publish, navigating the publication process, co-authorship, and peer review. | Online (click here to join the Zoom) |
Dissertation Writing Incubators (Hybrid)
Writing incubators provide a space for students to come together and work with members of the SLD's Peer Learning Team. We will divide our time between work (you choose what work you do, e.g. writing a section in your dissertation), and a break that provides space for you to ask questions about dissertations to SLD's Peer Learning Team.
Provision for International Students under the age of 18 years
We run a bespoke series of lectures and workshops for new international students under the age of 18 years to support their transition to study at the University of Glasgow and enhance their academic development.
Topics covered include:
- Transitioning into academic study at university (e.g. what does it mean to be a university student and expectations of university students)
- Time management
- Academic integrity (how to understand and avoid plagiarism)
- Academic writing
- Academic reading
Furthermore, international students under the age of 18 can arrange individual meetings with Dr Hinde and Dr O’Brien to discuss their academic transitions and receive advice to enhance their academic skills.
If you are eligible for this programme, you will receive an email with further details. If you are eligible for this programme and have not received details by the end of September, please email Dr Mona O’Brien (mona.obrien@glasgow.ac.uk).
Pre-recorded classes and online materials
These classes offer a mix of online materials and resources you can work through at your own pace. Some are classes held in the previous semester. All contain useful resources, including some recordings of past live classes. Check back regularly for updates.
International Students' Starter Pack
> https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=39353
The International Students' Starter Pack is a shared resource for students and staff. Each section contains a themed video of students speaking about their experiences of undertaking a postgraduate taught degree at the University of Glasgow and relevant resources for staff and students on that topic. The core topics covered by the resource are:
- Expectations & Experiences
- Time Management
- Assessments @UofG
- Writing a Dissertation
- Advice for New Students
Academic Citizenship (for International Students)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=27830
| Date | Time | Title | Description | Zoom Link |
| 5th November | 17:00-18:00 | Becoming an Academic Reader | Strategies for effective academic reading to enhance learning, including how to select reading, manage reading time and read evaluatively. |
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/85814683624 (Meeting ID: 858 1468 3624) |
| 6th November | 17:00-18:00 | Understanding and Preparing for Assignments | How to effectively understand and fulfill assigment requirements. |
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/82257246585 (Meeting ID: 822 5724 6585) |
| 7th November | 17:00-18:00 | Ownership of Knowledge and Avoiding Plagiarism | Explains the definitions of plagiarism at the University of Glasgow and how to avoid plagiarism in academic work. |
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/s/85164155220 (Meeting ID: 851 6415 5220) |
| 11th November | 17:00-18:00 | Academic Discourse | Explains academic discourse and discusses how to identify the ways your academic community communicates. |
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/s/83020785675 (Meeting ID: 830 2078 5675) |
| 12th November | 17:00-18:00 | Introduction to Being Critical | What does it mean to be critical and analytical in academic work and how to achieve this. |
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/85289427525 (Meeting ID: 852 8942 7525) |
Past live classes
Download slides and access further readings, quizzes, recordings etc. (where available) - see the Moodle link above each timetable.
Academic Community Workshops (for International Students)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) - https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=27830
| Date | Time | Title | Description | Room |
| 8th October | 11:00-12:00 | Planning to get the most from your studies | Developing skills to effectively plan your time to complete assignments and study effectively wihile maintaining work-life balance. | Boyd Orr, Room 222 (Lecture Theatre 2) |
| 9th October | 11:00-12:00 | Becoming a Critical Reader | Developing skills to analytically read and evaluate academic texts. | James McCune Smith, Room 641 |
| 10th October | 11:00-12:00 | Incorporating Evidence in Academic Writing | How to incorporate evidence in academic assignments as a foundation for effective analyses and arguments. | Boyd Orr, Room 222 (Lecture Theatre 2) |
| 15th October | 11:00-12:00 | Reading for Language | How we can use our academic reading to develop and strengthen our academic writing, style and tone. | Boyd Orr, Room 222 (Lecture Theatre 2) |
| 16th October | 11:00-12:00 | Creating Context in Essay Writing | How to effectively contextualise and frame your academic work to strengthen its coherence and argumentation. | James McCune Smith, Room 641 |
| 17th October | 11:00-12:00 | Demonstrating Authority in Writing | Explores why and how to demonstrate your authority and credibility in your work to produce convincing assignments. | Boyd Orr, Room 222 (Lecture Theatre 2) |
| 22nd October | 11:00-12:00 | Constructing an Effective Argument | Developing skills to construct an effective argument in your academic writing. | Boyd Orr, Room 222 (Lecture Theatre 2) |
| 23rd October | 11:00-12:00 | You and Your Academic Development | Developing skills for furthering your development as a scholar in your field and academic problem-solving | James McCune Smith, Room 641 |
Spring Academic Writing Series (for International Students)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings) -https://moodle.gla.ac.uk/course/section.php?id=627642
| Date | Time | Class | Class Description | Location |
| Tuesday 25th February | 17:00-18:00 | Using Academic Language | This class discusses academic language and outlines some of its key features and uses, such as demonstrating your understanding, presenting information accurately, and adopting an appropriate tone. | G59 (LT) Kelvin Hall |
| Wednesday 26th February | 17:00-18:00 | Critical and Efficient Academic Reading | This class discusses approaches to academic reading to enhance assignments while managing time and volume of reading. | 201 (Flat Hall) McIntyre Building |
| Tuesday 4th March | 17:00-18:00 | Writing an Academic Argument | This class outlines how best to produce a written argument, considering the individual elements which contribute to strong argumentation. | Cancelled. Materials Available on Moodle |
| Wednesday 5th March | 17:00-18:00 | Writing about Academic Sources | This class looks at how you can incorporate academic sources in your work whilst maintaining your own academic voice. | Cancelled. Materials Available on Moodle. |
| Tuesday 11th March | 17:00-18:00 | Using Theory in Academic Work | Focusing on theory in Social Sciences and Arts & Humanities, this class outlines a method for using theory to enhance academic analysis and writing. | G59 (LT) Kelvin Hall |
| Wednesday 12th March | 17:00-18:00 | Effective Editing for Academic Work | This class advises on how to effectively edit your academic work, considering tecnhiques for enhancing content, structure, and style. | 201 (Flat Hall) McIntyre Building |
Writing Groups for Taught Postgraduate (Masters) Students
We invite postgradutate taught (Masters) students from all academic disciplines to participate in our new Peer Academic Writing Group.
Using a friendly, community-focused approach, these sessions invite students at all stages of the writing process to bring along an excerpt from their work-in-progress to share and receive feedback.
All genres and forms of writing are welcome, from essays, to reflective writing, to long form writing (dissertations, etc.).
This is a great way to develop your academic writing and feedback will focus on core areas of interest in all academic writing, such as focus, organisation, referencing, tone/word choice, and more.
The discussions are moderated by Dr Mona O'Brien (Effective Learning Adviser) and Bob Imbur (Peer Learning Facilitator).
Spaces are limited, so please book using the links below. Students are welcome to attend as many groups as they would like to.
| Date | Time | Booking Link | Location |
| Wednesday 29th January | 10:00-11:00 | ||
| Wednesday 5th February | |||
| Wednesday 12th February | |||
| Wednesday 19th February | |||
| Wednesday 26th February | |||
| Wednesday 5th March | |||
| Wednesday 12th March | |||
| Wednesday 19th March | |||
| Wednesday 26th March |
Dr Amber Hinde
Amber recently completed a PhD in English Language & Linguistics, with a focus on rhetoric and genre. She has previously supported international students in roles with the International Summer School, International Student Support, and English for Academic Study.
Prior to working with SLD, Amber was a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Critical Studies. She now coordinates the ‘Power of Language’ module on T2G, the transition course for incoming undergraduate students at the University of Glasgow.
Room 317
McMillan Reading Room
University Avenue
University of Glasgow
G12 8QQ
0141 330 6700
Dr Mona O'Brien
Mona works with international students from all subject areas in classes, workshops, and individually, supporting their development of effective learning, reading, research and writing practices. Additionally, she works to create and expand SLD's online resources.
Before joining SLD, Mona was a postdoctoral researcher at the Herzog August Bibliothek, Wolfenbüttel (2021) and a Graduate Teaching Assistant in History, Information Studies, Comparative Literature and German Culture at the University of Glasgow (2018-2021). She has a PhD in History from the University of Glasgow (2019).
Teaching requests
To find out what teaching she can offer on your course, please email Mona.
Room 317
McMillan Reading Room
University Avenue
University of Glasgow
G12 8QQ
0141 330 3357