TutorialsThe tutorial is a small group where you can talk about the course, and discuss how things are going. On arrival in the School in the first year every student is allocated a member of staff as their Personal Tutor. He or she will follow your progress, give you advice and help on your coursework and is normally your first point of contact if personal or other problems arise.
Students with their tutor
They will also be able to put you in contact with the other student support services if necessary. In the first year your Personal Tutor also acts as your Academic Tutor and guides you in the transition from a school learning environment to a University one. In the first year there are weekly time-tabled meetings in a group of five students. From the second year onwards you will meet other academic members of staff through problems classes and other non-lecture based activities, but you always keep the same personal tutor throughout your course, and will have regular meetings with them.
The first year tutorials are important for several reasons: it is here that you can get individual help in sorting out difficulties encountered in lectures; in addition tutors will mark and discuss your written work on the example sheets associated with the lecture courses; and finally you will get to know some of your fellow students quite well. These social interactions are a valued and important part of the teaching environment in a large department.
You can see your tutor at any time, but in years 2, 3, and 4 your Personal Tutor will arrange to meet you formally at least once a term.
In these meetings you are able to discuss your progress, talk about any problems and get advice on course and career options.