Help with Writing and Assignments

 
 

The QM Library Writing and Reference Guide  offers you a wealth of resources to help you write and present your work effectively. 

Additionally, the English and Drama Reference Guide provides access to an online tutorial on the correct format for references and an enhanced version of the School style sheet with examples of the required format. You can also see additional guidance on style and presentation and web links to other relevant QM resources such as the Royal Literary Fund Fellowsand services provided by the STA Writing Centre.(Provided by QMElevate)

 First-year modules 

 

A programme of skills training and support is embedded across your first year modules, in order to support you in the  transition to university-level study.  You will be introduced to  information and practices central to negotiating the first year (and beyond) successfully, including, for example: who's who; navigating QMUL's online learning environment; accessing support; time management; digital resources and research; reading critically; writing, editing, referencing and good academic practice, and making the most of feedback.  For students taking Drama or Film, this includes additional activities relating to technical theatre skills and working safely. 

 Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS) Scheme 

 

First-year students also have the opportunity to participate in Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), a scheme in which second- and third-year students share their knowledge and experience with first-years.  For more on this scheme, see the PASS webpages. 

 Feedback and discussing your work 

Feedback happens all the time in STA modules, not just in relation to your assignments.  When your tutor responds to you in class, or asks you a question about a contribution you’ve made, or develops an idea you’ve shared, that’s all feedback. 

Your seminar and workshop leaders, and module convenors, will also be available in their Drop-in Hours, and at points during class time where appropriate, to discuss your assignments. If you are concerned about a particular aspect of an assignment, you are welcome to take a draft of your work to a meeting with your module tutor so that you can ask particular questions about, for example, a point you want to make in an essay or presentation, or an aspect of your written style. Your module tutor should read no more than an introduction or conclusion or paragraph of similar length; they will not read whole drafts of assignments or provide written commentary on draft work, except in cases where this is structured into the module for all students for example, in a dissertation module. Check the relevant module outlines and areas for more information about this). Practice-based modules include tutor feedback on work-in-progress in class and you are also welcome to discuss your project with your tutor in Drop-in Hours or by appointment. Where for any reason it is not possible for a student to meet a module tutors to discuss an assignment, module tutors may choose to provide advice by email. 

Writing Support Tutors
Writing Support Tutors in STA can help you with any aspect of your academic writing including voice, style, referencing, coherence, argument and structure. They offer one-on-one meetings and occasional workshops. You can book an appointment with the English Writing Support Tutor by following the link to the scheduler on the Writing and Reference Guide pages.
 
Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellows 

The Royal Literary Fund Fellows are all professional writers.  They offer Queen Mary students individual tutorials on written assignments every day during term time. Tutorials last for up to 45 minutes and take place in the Fellows' office in the Mile End Library (First Floor West). Students of any subject, undergraduate or postgraduate, are welcome to make use of the opportunity to discuss their work with a Fellow. There is no charge. 

To find out more and to book a tutorial, access the service via Royal Literary Fellows  

Academic Skills resources 

The Library Teaching and Learning Support team provide advice and guidance to help students to develop the academic and research skills they need to excel at university. Resources include one-to-one tutorials, workshops, and online guides and courses. Based in the Mile End Library, this includes:

  • bookable one-to-one tutorials to discuss your approaches to study, a written assignment, a spoken presentation or a knotty area of grammar
  • bookable one-to-one tutorials  with one of our Royal Literary Fund Fellows to talk about your writing
  • brief consultations on writing and study skills, such as researching an assignment, referencing or using your time effectively on a drop-in basis in the ground floor Help Zone
  • retreats and protected reading and writing spaces to help you focus, manage your time, develop better practices for reading and writing
  • access to QM study skills books collection located on the ground floor