Your Studies

University learning is different from school and college learning and your success will rely on you taking control of your own learning. The University environment is also different from school or college and some of the terms used may be unfamiliar.

Here at Dundee we group together certain subject-based departments into Schools rather than the "faculties" - a term used in many other Universities. Each School has an office that is the administrative centre for that subject area. The School Secretary is based within the School Office and as the senior administrator is responsible for the co-ordination of all administrative tasks for example keeping a note of your attendance, module choices, essay grades and co-ordinating examinations. The School Secretary can help on a wide range of student matters and locating the office will stand you in good stead.

A Registry is a term used by Universities to describe the student records office. Our Registry is based at 1 Airlie Place. This department is responsible for organising matriculation and your student ID (Identity) card as well as keeping up-to-date records for each student including module choices, examination grades and graduation certificates. They also offer valuable advice and guidance on student fees and finance.

A module is the name given to a section of the course. Modules are generally made up of many small “learning units” and students chose from a number of modules in each year of study. Modular study generally offers students more flexibility and the ability to tailor their programme of study. Students will discuss their module choices with their Advisor of Studies.

An Advisor of Studies is a member of the academic staff at the University who in addition to teaching and research commitments supports students. They meet with all students at matriculation to discuss your choice of subjects and modules and are there to offer impartial advice and guidance. During the semester you can make an appointment to meet to discuss any aspect of your studies and they will help wherever they can or refer you to the appropriate University department.

Universities break the year up into units. Some refer to these units as terms but here at Dundee we use the term semester. There are two semesters of 13 weeks each academic year for all courses except medicine, dentistry and nursing. Students should refer to their Programme handbook for full details.

All students will receive a programme handbook. This will either be placed on My Dundee (our virtual learning environment), or given to students once they arrive at the University.

Tutorials involve small groups of students working through a topic with a tutor. This type of teaching method allows in-depth coverage of a theoretical aspect raised in a lecture. You are required to do preparatory reading and take part in any discussion. Tutorials develop communication, presentation and analytical skills.

Tutors are members of the teaching team who help you work in small groups in tutorials.

Lectures are presentations given by lecturers, members of the academic staff, to large groups of students. Lecturers are specialists or experts in their academic field. Lecturers have different styles of presentation and can be very interactive. Students generally take notes during a lesson and are expected to follow up on these notes during self-directed study.