Academic Advice in Arts & Humanities
Students in Arts & Humanities can make an appointment or come to a class with the Effective Learning Adviser for the College (or one of his Graduate Teaching Assistants) to talk about anything related to their academic work. Common topics include:
- academic writing (essays, dissertations, research proposals)
- argumentation
- engagement with literature, referencing and using/critiquing sources
- time and project management
- effective, evidence-based study and revision methods
Our classes currently take two complementary forms: a Core Class and a Spotlight Session. The Core Class introduces all the key aspects of the week’s topic, while the Spotlight Session provides space for a more in-depth focus on a specific aspect of the week’s topic.
2023-24 Semester 1 UG Class Timetable - Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences
2023-24 Semester 1 PGT Class Timetable - Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences
Book a meeting to speak with an adviser online
We can advise you on current unmarked work, including helping you in how you:
- interpret the question
- think about your argument
- plan your essay
- research and use your sources
- write and edit your work
We can advise you within the context of your subject, but are unable to advise on specific content. Similarly, we 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.
Dr Stuart Purcell
Effective Learning Adviser (College of Arts & Humanities)

Appointments
Undergraduate and PGT students can make an appointment with one of the advising team (GUID required). The booking diary shows appointments available in the next 21 days only.
All appointments will take place online.

Classes
We offer a range of open classes throughout the academic year. These begin shortly after the first full week of semester 1. Full details and timetables will be posted here in the next few days.
- 2022-23 Summer PGT Class Timetable - Arts and Social Sciences
- Class Moodle pages (with class slides, videos, and extra information)
To access class content, you can enrol yourself onto the relevant course – there is no password for self-enrolment. The lecture component of each class will be recorded and made available via Moodle shortly after each session.
Dr Stuart Purcell
Stuart is the Effective Learning Adviser for the College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Glasgow, working within Student Learning Development (SLD).
He has a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Strathclyde and an MLitt in Modernities from the University of Glasgow, where he also completed his PhD in English Literature and Media Studies. He also has a joint BA in Marketing and Business Law from the University of Strathclyde, which he completed before returning to study English Literature.
Before joining SLD, Stuart worked in various roles across the University of Glasgow, including lecturing and teaching in English Literature, and he has also worked in widening participation at the University of Strathclyde.
He has a broad range of research interests, including criticality in all its forms, contemporary and/or digital literature, and media studies.
Teaching Requests
Stuart currently lectures on most degrees across the College of Arts & Humanities. To find out what teaching he can offer on your course, send an email or call.
Staff A-Z entry and publications
Room 316
McMillan Reading Room
University Avenue
University of Glasgow
G12 8QQ
0141 330 3197