Learning Success Hub workshops, available six days a week including evenings, are designed to support your academic journey and help you gain confidence in academic writing, approaching assignments, using the Library and much more
You can attend workshops online and on campus to fit around your busy schedule. All workshop times are in UK time.
Upcoming Workshops
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Beginner Academic Skills Workshops
A Guide to Synthesis
This workshop covers the essentials of synthesis, offering practical guidance on combining sources to demonstrate deep understanding. You will benefit from a supportive environment to help you practice and develop your synthesis skills.
After this session you may want to attend: Paraphrasing, Referencing for your subject area (APA, AU Harvard or OSCOLA)
Book a placeAcademic Judgement
This workshop will explore how you can make confident decisions about your academic work, including how to approach an assignment and how to decide which evidence to include.
After this session you may want to attend: Approaching Assignments, Introduction to Academic Writing.
Active Listening
Active listening is a key skills that will help you to improve note-taking, understand your lectures and seminars and get the most from verbal feedback. Join us to discover and practice effective listening techniques.
After this session you may want to attend: Notetaking, Time Management, Proofreading
An Introduction to Critical Thinking
Do you get feedback that your writing is too descriptive? This workshop will help you to develop techniques for critical thinking to improve your writing. The session includes evaluating sources, argument construction and being critical in your writing.
After this session you may want to attend: Critical Thinking and Writing, An Introduction to Academic Writing
An Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint is used to create presentations, which are a common format for assessments at university. This hands-on workshop will cover how to create a presentation from start to finish, as well as how to record and narrate a presentation.
After this session you may want to attend: An Introduction to Microsoft Word
An Introduction to Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is used to create the majority of written assessments at university, such as essays and reports. This hands-on workshop will cover the essentials of using Word, including how to create and format a document.
After this session you may want to attend: An Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
An Introduction to the Library
The Arden Library Portal is a key tool to help you find the best sources for your assignments. This workshop provides an introduction to how to start using the library to search for and access books, journals, databases and much more.
After this session you may want to attend: Advanced Literature Searching, Understanding Research
Approaching Assignments
This workshop provides you with an overview of how to prepare and submit your assignments, including planning ahead to get your assignment completed on time. we also consider some of the challenges that you might face during your studies and how to overcome them.
After this session you may want to attend: Developing Your Academic Voice
Body Doubling study session
Struggling to stay focused on tasks? Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of university life? You're not alone. This session will give you the chance to use body doubling to spend some time focused on a task in a supportive environment.
After this session you may wish to attend: Time Management.
Developing your Academic Voice
This workshop focuses on using academic language to clearly communicate your thoughts in your spoken and written assessments. We will explore techniques for academic writing, enabling you to express yourself with more confidence.
After this session you may want to attend: Academic Judgement, Reversing the Outline
Evaluating Resources
Good quality, reliable resources are the starting point for any research. This workshop will explore practical techniques for assessing and evaluating information from a range of sources, and practice using some of the tools that can help you.
After this session you may want to attend: Understanding Research, Critical Thinking and Writing
Excel Drop-In
Have a quick question about Excel? In this session, an Academic Skills Tutor will be available to answer all your Excel questions! Stop by for five mins, or stay for the whole hour, it’s completely up to you!
After this session you may want to attend: Advanced statistics.
Fundamentals of Writing
In this workshop we will explore the ways that you can begin writing clear and effective sentences using a range of punctuation marks and sentence structures. By the end of this workshop you will have learnt about the rules for writing sentences, but most importantly you will know how to interpret those rules in order to improve the clarity of your writing and the message you want to communicate.
After this session you may want to attend: Developing your academic voice
Generating Ideas (Getting Started)
There are many techniques and approaches you can use to develop ideas, and this workshop will help you to explore some options. It will cover methods including mind-mapping, free-writing and visual tecniques to help unlock your ideas for your assignments.
After this session you may want to attend: Reflective Writing, Understanding the Assignment
Improve your skills with Linkedin Learning
This workshop will introduce two online resources that can help you to identify and develop specific digital skills for study, showing you how to develop an action plan based on your priorities, and identify relevant resources via LinkedIn Learning and the Library to help you achieve those goals.
After this session you may want to attend: IT Essentials for Students
Introduction to Academic Writing
This workshop provides an introduction to the features of academic writing, and the importance of structuring, editing, and proofreading your work. It will focus on how to develop your writing for your assessments.
After this session you may want to attend: An Introduction to Critical Thinking
Introduction to databases: Design
This workshop introduces the fundamental concepts of databases, focusing on the design aspects essential for effective data management. Participants will explore the components of relational databases and learn how to implement basic data modelling techniques, including normalisation principles. You will also construct Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) to visually represent database models. This workshop serves as a foundation for understanding database design principles.
After this session, you may want to attend: Introduction to Databases: Implementation.
Introduction to Library Accessibility Tools
This workshop will introduce you to the range of tools available to help you access Library resources effectively. You will discover how to change settings and use accessibility features of the databases, as well as how to use specialist tools including RNIB Bookshare and Sensus Access.
After this session you may want to attend: An introduction to the Library, Notetaking
Introduction to the new Learning Success Hub
Short overview sessions of the new Learning Success Hub website, detailing where you can find your resources and how to navigate through the different services offered across our teams.
Introduction to web development
This workshop outlines the website planning and design process, introducing participants to the basics of HTML and CSS. You will explore the principles of effective web design and learn to build a website while applying common good practices for functionality and user experience. This session will equip you with the knowledge needed to create intuitive and accessible websites.
After this session you may want to attend Introduction to databases: design.
IT Essentials for Students
This workshop covers the essential digital skills students need when joining Arden, including downloading Office software for free, using your student email, using Zoom, saving work, and navigating iLearn.
After this session attend: An Introduction to Microsoft Word, or An Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint.
New to University: What does it involve?
The New to University session is an introduction to university life, focusing on distance and blended learning, and aims to orientate you to the nature of academic study.
It also provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have, and for us as to share our experiences of studying at university and to dispel common misconceptions and myths around what university and academic study is. This is an icebreaker session and aims to provide some practical guidance and advice.
After this session you may want to attend: Approaching Assignments, Developing Your Academic Voice
Note-taking
Making notes about your reading, research and workshops you attend is a key part of learning. This workshop help you to explore some different note making methods which you can use for different purposes.
After this session you may want to attend: Approaching Assignments, Time Management
Paraphrasing
There are many benefits of being able to paraphrase effectively: most importantly you are able to show your research and avoid plagiarism. This workshop will explore paraphrasing techniques, providing clear guidance on how to use them.
After this session you may want to attend: A Guide to Synthesis, Referencing: APA/Harvard/OSCOLA Style, depending on subject studied.
Presentation Skills
Good presentation skills are essential for many job roles as well as for some university assessments. This workshop will help you to explore techniques and ways of making your presentations effective and professional.
After this session you may want to attend: Generating Ideas, Time Management, Note-taking
Programming with Java Part 1
This workshop covers programming using Java, including how to define an algorithm, understand the key features of Java programming language, and develop the foundational skills to write basic Java programs. Before the workshop you will need to install VS Code with Java pack OR create a free account on replit.com for maximum benefit.
After this session you may want to attend Programming with Java Part 2
Programming: Number Systems and Storage Concepts
This workshop provides transferable knowledge applicable across computer science disciplines. It will help you to describe and classify the concepts of the decimal positional number systems, build your knowledge of Binary and Hexadecimal number systems, and start work with data using these systems.
After this session you could attend Python for data mining part one; Introduction to programming: Java part one
Proofreading
This workshop will help you to finalise and present your work so it is accurate and free from mistakes. It will guide you through the process of proofreading your work, providing hints, tips and suggesting tools that can help you.
After this session you may want to attend: Paraphrasing, A Guide to Synthesis
Referencing: APA style
This workshop is for students of Psychology who use the APA referencing style. It will focus on in-text citations, developing a reference list and how to reference some of the most frequently used sources.
After this session you may want to attend: Paraphrasing, Paragraph Structure
Referencing: AU Harvard style
This workshop is for students that use the AU Harvard referencing style. It will focus on in-text citations, developing a reference list and how to reference some of the most frequently used source types.
After this session you may want to attend: Paraphrasing, Paragraph Structure
Referencing: OSCOLA style
This workshop is for Law students who use the OSCOLA referencing style. It will focus on the principles of referencing for law including the use of footnotes, and you will learn how to reference some of the most frequently used sources.
After this session you may want to attend: Paraphrasing, Paragraph Structure
Time Management
Always leaving your assignments to the last minute? Don't know how to effectively plan your assignments? This time management workshop will provide you with the tools you need to stay on track and meet your deadlines.
After this session you may want to attend: Approaching Assignments
Understanding academic integrity
This workshop will give you practical support to maintain your academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. you will be able to work with some of the tools and resources that can help you develop and maintain good academic practice.
After this session you may want to attend: Harvard/APA/OSCOLA Referencing, Paraphrasing, A Guide to Synthesis
Understanding Research
Research articles and papers can be complex and hard to understand. This workshop aims to make it easier to understand some of the language and features of research, and how to evaluate if the research is appropriate for your studies.
After this session you may want to attend: Evaluating Resources, Reflective Writing
Understanding the Assignment
In this workshop, we will look at ways to break down assignment questions to develop understanding and take time This workshop will focus on ways to break down assignment questions to identify clear tasks. You will be able to practise planning and structuring an answer to an assignment question based on your analysis of the question.
After this session you may want to attend: Approaching Assignments, An Introduction to Critical Thinking
Using AI for Academic Purposes
This workshop will take you through how generative AI tools can be used in ethical ways for academic work, as well as ‘what not to do.’ We will also clarify how accessibility tools can be used and referenced in assignments.
After this session, you may want to attend: Referencing (Harvard/APA /OSOCLA), Paraphrasing
Your Guide to Turnitin
This workshop will give you an insight into how to use Turnitin to improve your written assignments. We will look at how to check an assignment with Turnitin Draft Coach and how to interpret and act upon your Turnitin report.
After this session you may want to attend: A Guide to Synthesis, Paraphrasing
Your Virtual Classroom: Zoom
This workshop introduces you to the Zoom platform, a virtual classroom where some of your teaching may take place. It will provide guidance on 'netiquette' and demonstrate some of Zoom’s features, while giving you the chance to ask questions.
After this session you may want to attend: Presentation Skills, Time Management, Notetaking
Intermediate Academic Skills Workshops
An Introduction to Statistics
Are you daunted by statistics and would like to understand more about working with statistical data? This workshop provides an opportunity for hands-on practice on performing descriptive statistics manually and with Microsoft Excel.
After this session you may want to attend: Using Specialist Software (SPSS), Advanced Statistics
Boolean Searching and the Library
This workshop builds on the skills learned in the Advanced Library Searching workshop. It will introduce Boolean operators and give you the opportunity to practice advanced searching skills.
Before this session you may want to attend: Introduction to the Library, Understanding Research, Advanced Library Searching
Critical Thinking & Writing
This workshop explores the key elements of clear critical writing. It gives practical examples of how we use critical thinking in everyday life and how to apply this to academic study.
Before this session you may want to attend: An Introduction to Critical Thinking
How to Write an Argument
This workshop introduces the fundamentals of academic writing, using practical examples to encourage students to find their own voice. It encourages you to explore the concepts of structure, tone, and comparison, all important for developing an argument.
Before this session you may want to attend: Approaching Assignments
Identifying a Research Topic (Dissertation)
This workshop is for those students approaching their final year research project, helping you generate ideas for research topics, assess whether the topic could realistically be carried out and get you started on the first stages of research.
Before this session you may want to attend: Evaluating Resources, Understanding Research
Introduction to Databases: Implementation
This workshop covers the fundamental concepts of SQL and relational databases, introducing managing data effectively. Participants will learn how to create and manage databases using MySQL, implementing tables that include primary and foreign keys to maintain data integrity. Additionally, you will perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on a MySQL database, gaining practical experience in handling data. This session serves as a step for anyone looking to enhance their database management skills.
Before this workshop you may want to attend: Introduction to databases: Design.
Paragraph Structure
In this workshop, we will discuss how you can begin to express your ideas effectively by constructing coherent and cohesive paragraphs, providing you a space to practise constructing and linking paragraphs that convey your arguments clearly.
After this session you may want to attend: How to Write an Argument
Programming with Java Part 2
This workshop covers the most important programming control structures and participants will learn how to write and implement simple Java programs. Before the workshop you will need to install VS Code with Java pack: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/languages/java OR create a free account on https://replit.com for maximum benefit.
Before this workshop please attend Programming with Java Part 1
Python for data mining Part 1
This workshop introduces the Python skills required for data mining operations, including file operations, modules and applications including NumPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas.
Before the workshop, ensure you have Python installed. Options include:
- Download Python with IDLE from https://www.python.org.
- Use rich IDEs like VS Code or PyCharm.
- Explore Anaconda with Spyder and Jupyter.
- Try online IDEs like www.replit.com or https://colab.research.google.com.
After this session you may want to attend Python for Data Mining Part 2
Reflective Writing
This interactive workshop will guide you through the process of using reflective models in your practice and will provide practical tips for meaningful reflection, to draw on your experiences and reflect on your learner journey so far.
Before this session you may want to attend: Academic Judgement, Developing Your Academic Voice
The Arden Writers Retreat
Providing focused time away from distractions to finish our assignments, each online session lasts an hour, during which time you can focus on completing your current assignment, supported by an Academic Skills Tutor, Librarian or Student Coach.
After this session you may want to attend: Proofreading, Reversing the Outline
What is a Dissertation? (Dissertation Preparation)
This workshop introduces the purpose and potential of an extended research project, addressing key questions: ‘How do I find a topic? What academic skills are necessary for a dissertation? What can I write about? What is a literature review?’
Before this session you may want to attend: Understanding Research, Academic Judgement
Advanced Academic Skills Workshops
Advanced Library Searching
This workshop will introduce you to some of the more advanced features of the library that you can use to find sources for your assignments, including key word selection, search strategies and using filters to refine your search results.
Before this session you may want to attend: An Introduction to the Library, Notetaking, Understanding Research
Advanced Statistics
Have you already attended 'An Introduction to Statistics'? Are you ready for the next level? Then this workshop is for you. There will be opportunity for hands-on practice on performing advanced statistics manually and within Microsoft Excel.
After this session you may want to attend: Using Specialist Software (SPSS)
How to Format Your Dissertation
Writing a dissertation involves many skills, including the ability to present your work clearly. This workshop will help you to explore the basics of dissertation structure, providing hints and tips for using Word effectively when writing your dissertation.
After this session you may want to attend: Proofreading
How to Write an Annotated Bibliography
This workshop will equip you with the understanding, and evaluative and analytical frameworks for writing a meaningful annotated bibliography, as well as developing reflective thinking techniques to situate your work within your broader research/subject.
After this session you may want to attend: Understanding Research
Organising your references using Mendeley
This workshop will walk you through the basics of how to use Mendeley for storing and managing your literature, providing a practical demonstration of how to add your existing literature ready for use in your documents.
After this session you may want to attend: Understanding Plagiarism, Harvard/APA/OSCOLA Referencing
Python for data mining Part 2
This workshop demonstrates the power of Numpy, Matplotlib, and Pandas for data analysis and mining, and enables you to develop skills to perform simple data analysis operations using Python. Before the workshop ensure you have Python installed. Options include
- Download Python with IDLE from https://www.python.org.
- Use rich IDEs like VS Code or PyCharm.
- Explore Anaconda with Spyder and Jupyter.
- Try online IDEs like www.replit.com or https://colab.research.google.com.
Before this workshop please attend Python for data mining Part 1
Reversing the Outline: How to edit your existing work
Before joining this workshop, you will need to choose an existing piece of work to edit, either a draft or a resubmission paper. You will then learn how to break down the work into paragraphs; carefully consider relevancy to the question; identify problems and themes; cut unnecessary parts and rearrange the whole piece together in an improved form.
After this session you may want to attend: Harvard/APA/OSCOLA Referencing, Proofreading
Using Specialist Software (SPSS) Part 1
The using specialist software session will take you through the basics of using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for data analysis and will ensure that you feel confident in using this versatile and responsive programme.
Before this session you may want to attend: An Introduction to Statistics
Using Specialist Software (SPSS) Part 2
This session will take you through using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for performing descriptive and inferential statistics. Kindly download and install SPSS before the session: SPSS Installation Guide
Before this session you may want to attend: Using Specialist Software (SPSS) Part 1
Academic English Workshops
Dissertation Café
Led by a lecturer or dissertation supervisor, this is a regular meeting for Master’s students to talk about their dissertations, theses and business transformation projects, giving you the space and strategies to discuss your topics together and help each other.
Grammar Clinic: Articles and verb tenses
Grammar Clinics are language-based workshops where you'll have a chance to review and practice the key grammar points you need for academic writing. In this workshop, we'll focus on articles and verb tenses.
Grammar Clinic: Cautious language and passives
Grammar Clinics are language-based workshops where you'll have a chance to review and practice the key grammar points you need for academic writing. In this workshop, we'll focus on cautious language and passives.
Grammar Clinic: Conditionals and linkers
Grammar Clinics are language-based workshops where you'll have a chance to review and practice the key grammar points you need for academic writing. In this workshop, we'll focus on conditionals and linkers.
Grammar Clinic: Relative clauses and adjectives
Grammar Clinics are language-based workshops where you'll have a chance to review and practice the key grammar points you need for academic writing. In this workshop, we'll focus on relative clauses and adjectives.
How to write a formal email
In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to write emails in a formal way, including how to structure a formal email, formal vs informal language, and intercultural differences when writing emails.
Improving Your Academic Vocabulary
In this workshop, you will explore techniques for expanding your academic vocabulary; enhance your ability to convey ideas with precision and paraphrase effectively; and learn to use word families proficiently, enriching your writing style for academic contexts.
Language for Critical Writing
Have you received feedback saying that you need to be more critical in your assignments? We will introduce you to some sentence structures that are the most commonly used in academic writing to demonstrate critical thinking.
Language for Discussions and Group Work
Do you struggle with group work or lack confidence when participating in a seminar? This workshop will provide you with language tips for successful group work and enable you to participate successfully in a seminar or group discussion.
Language for problem solving, negotiation, collaboration
This workshop will enhance your communication skills for academic success and beyond, sharing strategies to articulate ideas effectively, negotiate solutions, and collaborate in group projects, as well as gain confidence to foster collaborative relationships.
Language for Reflective Writing
This workshop provides essential language and skills for effective reflective writing, helping you improve your ability to reflect on your learning, describe and interpret learning experiences, and articulate outcomes to create impactful reflections.
Language skills for executive summaries and abstracts
Important parts of academic assignments, this practical workshop provides a step-by-step guide in how to structure abstracts and executive summaries, and what language to use to impress your readers and your future stakeholders!
Language Tools for Research: Paraphrasing
This workshop will introduce you to key language tools that you can use when taking notes or writing assignments, with practice opportunities. This workshop is one in a three-part series - make sure you attend all three!
After this workshop, you may want to attend: Language Tools for Research: Quoting, Language Tools for Research: Reporting Verbs
Language Tools for Research: Quoting
All academic writing is based on referring to the work of others, but simply dropping a quote into your text is not enough. This workshop will show you how to more effectively integrate quotations into your writing, as well as avoid common errors.
After this workshop, you may want to attend: Language Tools for Research: Paraphrasing, Language Tools for Research: Reporting Verbs
Language Tools for Research: Reporting Verbs
How do you introduce your paraphrases and quotes in your text in a seamless and coherent way? We'll introduce you to the key verbs that you can use when integrating research in your assignments, with practice opportunities.
After this workshop, you may want to attend: Language Tools for Research: Paraphrasing, Language Tools for Research: Quoting
Language Tools to Improve your Academic Style
This workshop provides essential language strategies to improve your academic writing style. It will introduce useful language strategies to make your writing more formal, clear, and precise and you'll have a chance to practice too.
Let's Get Critical
This is a practical workshop to improve critical thinking and intercultural communication skills, discussing what we value when it comes to communication and what we feel is most difficult, as well as thinking critically about whether our perspective is correct.
This workshop will be run hybrid. Join us face to face if you are in Berlin or online if you are elsewhere.
Lunchtime English Discussion Practice
This informal discussion session will offer you the chance to improve your debating and negotiating skills and provide an opportunity to receive feedback on your English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Presenting in English
This workshop will guide you in how to present effectively. You'll learn some essential English phrases for organising your presentation and conveying information, as well as language for responding to audience questions and tips to improve your confidence and delivery.
Reading Academic Texts in English
This workshop will enhance your reading skills for academic success and beyond, sharing reading strategies such as skimming and scanning, tips to read more quickly and gain confidence to tackle complex texts such as academic journals.
Synthesising sources and showing your voice
Making your voice clear in academic writing is challenging but essential. This workshop will help you to synthesise ideas and show your position to prove your thesis statement while focusing on the language you will need to achieve this.
Tips to Improve your Essay
This workshop is designed to help you better understand how to improve academic writing by considering academic and non-academic features, linkers, academic language and more. There is also an opportunity to practise proofreading and apply what you have learned.
Vocabulary and Language for Graphs and Charts
Describing information in a graph clearly and accurately can be challenging. We will introduce and practise useful language to indicate changes on a graph to ensure you are able to explain data trends in an effective way.
Writing a Strong Cover Letter in English
The learning aims are to:
- Understand the importance of a cover letter and what language is used in one.
- Recognise the key parts of a strong cover letter.
- Learn how to adapt your cover letter for each application/job.
- Practise using a formal and professional tone.
Writing a SWOT and PESTLE analysis
Join this workshop to master writing skills for SWOT and PESTLE analyses. Enhance your paragraph writing skills using analytical and critical language. Perfect for students seeking to excel in business analysis. Please note that this workshop is 90 minutes long.
Writing Academic Texts in English
Are you unsure what the main differences are between general and academic English? Had feedback on your writing that your style is too informal? We'll introduce you to the main differences between general and academic English and give you the opportunity to practise your academic writing skills during the workshop.