STA Student Handbook (Taught Programmes) 2025/26

Study in STA

Teaching

Teaching is carried out principally in lectures and seminars. For seminars and language classes, groups are usually kept small, but lectures may be larger. Typically, you will have one lecture and one seminar each week for each module that you take. Drama and Film modules may have practical workshops that last 3 or four hours. There will normally also be a film screening each week for any film-related modules. Language classes may require 3 or 4 sessions per week.

Lectures

Lectures are used to give an overview of the topic. You may not be expected to contribute, but to listen and take notes while the lecturer speaks to you, although you may have the opportunity to ask questions, or be asked questions, at the end. Lecturers may speak or read from notes, write on the board or use a variety of audio-visual presentation aids to illustrate their points. You may find for some modules that a number of different lecturers are involved, teaching for only one or two weeks on topics on which they are specialists.

Use the information given in the lecture as a basis for further reading and also aim to consolidate and build on what you have heard to get a clear picture. You may find it helpful to discuss the lecture with other students and compare notes. This will help you to be prepared to contribute in seminars on the same topic.

Seminars

A seminar group will normally consist of the teacher and a group of not more than 25 students. It will typically concentrate on a topic from a previous lecture and investigate it in more depth. The seminar may take the form of traditional classroom teaching where the lecturer leads by delivering information and then asks the students to work in groups on set tasks. It may take the form of a large discussion. In any event, as a student you will be expected to take an active part and will grow in confidence as you find that you are able to contribute.

Preparation for classes

The module outline which you receive at the start of each module will give you information about the topic for each week, and you will normally be given suggestions for prior reading. You may find that preparatory reading or viewing for a lecture does not make the topic 'gel' completely, but you will find that it will help you to make sense of the lecture and the lecture will help you make sense of the reading.

It is important to prepare for seminars by reading through lecture notes, and making sure that you have done any background reading which has been set. If you don't, you may find that you are at a loss and embarrassed during the seminar. 

Taking notes

Learning to take clear notes is a valuable skill. You should aim to take down key ideas, rather than attempt to write down everything that is said. Listen for clues as to when a key point is being made or when a lecturer is moving on to the next heading. Use a spidergraph system, or write your notes as headings or sub-headings and leave plenty of space to fill in other details later. It is better to keep listening rather than frantically write. If you absorb what you hear, your headings will act as memory joggers and you can write further notes in your own words later. Go through your notes as soon as possible after the class and try to fill in any details and clarify any abbreviated bits.

Make sure that you label your notes, and any handouts, with the date and name of module and teacher. This will enable you to make use of the information when you are preparing to write essays.

The English Language and Study Skills section of the Language Centre offers a number of free "QM Elevate” courses in study skills where you can learn strategies for taking good notes, and other ways to get the most out of your studies.  You can get detailed information about the modules and how to register for them on the website, or come to the STA School Office, in ArtsOne 140.