Academic Support
Starting or returning to study can sometimes be challenging. Refreshing your academic skills or knowledge and understanding what will be expected of you can often help.
As a distance learner with the University of York you will be supported throughout your studies to help you progress.
Here are some of the main ways in which you can access the different levels of support for your academic work.
The Library provides a range of services for you as a distance learner. You can access University resources, use facilities at other university libraries and get help and support from your Faculty Librarian.
Remember that if you are visiting the University Library, or accessing libraries at other universities under the SCONUL access scheme, you will need a University Card. To find out more, explore our information for distance learners.
Online resources
A wide range of electronic resources are provided to support your studies. Explore your subject guide for resources and guidance in your discipline.
Scan and Send
Distance learning students are able to use the Scan and Send Service to request scabs of chapters or articles or postal delivery of books. This service is free for distance learners.
Getting help
If there is a service you need but cannot find, please get in touch with the Library.
Things to do
Take a look at these ideas for things you can do to get prepared.
Some departments will have materials designed to help you prepare for your studies. These may be in the form of Study Packs, or appear online on your department website or VLE area.
Ask your department about any pre-study materials provided such as reading lists, module choice information or essential equipment you will need, or any other recommended preparation for starting your studies.
During your first few weeks your department may make arrangements for you to get in touch with your academic supervisor. This is an important relationship that will last throughout your time at York, so make sure you take the time to establish that contact.
If you are required to attend a compulsory workshop at the start of your programme, for example Health Economics students, you will meet your supervisor alongside other members of staff at this event.
We provide online training for academic skills such as referencing, critical thinking, reading and academic integrity.
Find out about the opportunities available for you to improve your skills by consulting the Student Skills Hub.
The Academic Integrity Tutorial will explain what we mean by ‘academic integrity’ and help you understand the academic behaviours the University expects of you as a student when submitting work and conducting research.
Please be aware this tutorial is compulsory and you will need to complete it using the VLE as early as you can in your first term. Moodle users must use Yorkshare VLE to complete the tutorial.
- Access the Academic Integrity Tutorial via your module list in Yorkshare VLE.