Digital literacies are skills and capabilities that are fundamental to being a citizen in the 21st century.

They are a combination of a range of personal or technical skills, fluency in using media and an understanding of social practices in using technology. You will already have been developing these skills before starting at the University through your own education, employment and interaction in social settings. Digital literacies are crucial for, higher education and, ultimately, for your employability.

Being digitally literate doesn’t just mean that you are capable of sending an email, but that you also have the knowledge and understanding that the content of your email is suitable and appropriate for the recipient. Similarly, you may know how to add a Facebook post but you should also understand what is appropriate content to add, and who should have access to your personal or public-facing profile.

If you are a student, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, you will develop these literacies throughout your course of studies. The digitally literate graduate will have the skills to present themselves as the kind of person that employers are looking for, and will know how to present and protect their digital or social identity. Staff will also continue to develop these literacies and engage with advancing technologies and media.

These pages are split into two sections to help you find appropriate content but feel free to explore at will.

Students

Digital Literacies for Students - The focus is on what these literacies are, how they are relevant, how they impact on studies and ways to assess or develop your literacies.

These pages signpost information and support for making best use of Library resources, using IT at the University and getting help with writing and other academic skills.

Staff

Digital Literacies for Staff  - The focus is on teaching aspects, collating or signposting policies, strategies, frameworks and other related reading.