Course content

The Building Up to Bristol for Mature Students course will consist of both taught (synchronous) and self-directed (asynchronous) activities.

By the end of the course, you will be better equipped to:

• read critically, reflect on your learning, and get the most out of your lectures
• listen and respond constructively when working in a team or seminar context
• develop writing styles and processes for a variety of academic contexts
• understand the expectations of your academic community, and how to engage with feedback.

 The course is not assessed or accredited.

Location, timetable and workload

This online-only course will run from 11 to 13 September 2023. It is designed to fit around commitments such as childcare and school runs.

Compulsory taught sessions will run for no more than 2 hours each day, and will all be scheduled between 10 am and 1pm. You will need to complete a further 1.5 to 2 hours of self-directed activities each day. You can choose to complete these self-directed activities at whatever time suits you best.

Additionally, we will host a coffee morning for course participants on 15 September. This optional, in-person event will take place in Bristol between 10.30 am and 12 noon. It is not a requirement of the course.

Teaching staff

You will be taught online by staff from the Centre for Academic Language and Development. The centre specialises in helping students to develop their communication in academic contexts.

Costs

This course is free to attend.

Because it is an online course, you will need internet access in order to participate. If this is likely to be a barrier to entry for you, please contact maria.tottle@bristol.ac.uk to discuss.

Entry requirements

This course is only for mature students (people aged 21 and over). It is suitable for home students who will be beginning their first foundation year or undergraduate degree at the University of Bristol in September 2023. Once you have had your place on one of these courses confirmed, you will automatically be eligible for Building Up to Bristol for Mature Students.

If you are a mature student who is also a Bristol Scholar, you may wish to attend the week-long Building Up to Bristol for Bristol Scholars course instead. If you are a mature international student wanting to prepare for university, you may wish to consider our pre-sessional courses.

Book your place

Please book your place using our online form. We ask you to book so that we know how many students will be attending.

Find out about other mature student support and events.