Academic Success Centre
Engaging with a higher education programme at UCO is a life-changing experience. To make the most of this new phase in your education, expert Academic Development Lecturers in our Academic Success Centre are on-hand to offer a wealth of advice on the study skills required.
The Academic Success Centre regularly delivers workshops on all aspects of academic skills, including critical writing, exam techniques and writing a dissertation. The Centre also offers one-to-one tutorials in specific techniques such as presentation skills and public speaking.
Throughout the academic year there are always a wealth of activities on offer to ensure every student at UCO can access supportive, friendly and developmental guidance in relation to their studies.
The Academic Success Centre offers a range of services. The Academic Development Lecturers will help you to:
- strengthen your research
- improve your problem-solving skills
- manage your time effectively
- acquire good study skills
- adopt an academic writing style
- structure your work appropriately
- construct arguments
- gain confidence in referencing
- find and evaluate information
- improve your grades
- prepare for exams
Disability Support Services
At UCO we will make reasonable adjustments to support you to overcome difficulties your disability presents you with. Examples of the support available are:
- Exam concessions
- Extra time on library book loans
- Library assistance
- Additional tutorials with your course tutors
- Dyslexia screening
- Counselling
- Advice and guidance
- Health and Wellbeing Assessments
- 1:1 sessions
- Learning support plans
- Visual stress assessments
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
UK students with an additional learning need, disability, mental or long-term health condition can apply for the Disabled Students Allowance. It is a government grant to help pay for extra costs generated as a result of disability. This is also how you can get a non-medical helper, such as a Study Skills Facilitator or a Specialist Mentor, to assist you whilst studying in Higher Education.
We are able to support learners applying for DSA. The application process for Disabled Students’ Allowance can be a lengthy one, so it is advised that learners apply as soon as possible so that support can be in place for the start of term. Up to date information and guidance DSA can be found here.
Contact us:
For disability-related queries, please email Leanne Gould on Leanne.Gould@oldham.ac.uk or call 0161 344 8877
Health, Wellbeing and Welfare Support Services
Here at UCO, we offer a wide range of support for students experiencing difficulties with mental health, wellbeing and welfare. If you are experiencing any difficulties with mental health, you can access support in a variety of ways:
- Contacting the Wellbeing Assistant via the Wellbeing Hub or by email at Joe.Lupton@oldham.ac.uk (Wednesday – Friday). This service is for students wanting to access the wider support services and those who are in crisis. Joe can offer Mental Health and Suicide First Aid, alongside advice on general mental health and wellbeing.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Drop-ins are run by the wider Safeguarding and Welfare Team across Oldham College and can be accessed by all students (Monday – Tuesday, 11:00am – 1:00pm, in the Wellbeing Hub).
- Safeguarding Support is available on campus from the Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services. This is for anyone who feels that their health, wellbeing, and right to live in safety, free from harm, abuse, and neglect is at risk. If you are in a situation where you feel unsafe, both on campus or personally, please contact Laura.Macmillan@oldham.ac.uk.
Further resources relating to mental health, wellbeing and welfare are available to students on itslearning.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 999.
The Wellbeing Hub
The Wellbeing Hub is a safe and calm space where you can come for a variety of reasons. If you are feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break from the business of university you can come along and relax on the sofa. Why not try out one of our weighted blankets for an even more relaxing experience!
You can come to get some advice and/or enquire about what support is available. You can even attend our groups that run across the academic year (or we can support you to start your own). The Hub is a great place to meet new people and make friends.
This also the space to come to if you are in crisis or need immediate support from the Safeguarding Team.
The Wellbeing Hub is open every day and welcomes you into the safe, relaxing space!
Graduate Hub
Our Graduate Hub is a dedicated space for employability skills development and is designed to further enhance your chances of entering the career of your choice. You can access careers support whilst at UCO and for up to three years after graduation to help you to make that next step in your career or education.
The Hub offers:
- workshops and drop in sessions
- CV development and interview coaching
- networking events and employer talks
- volunteering opportunities
We take our students’ employability very seriously. Our programmes are designed so our students develop knowledge and expertise on campus and the work place. Employability is embedded into the curriculum, so from the moment you walk through the door you are able to boost your career opportunities. With events like Employability Week, which features a host of face-to-face activities with employers and employment specialists, you are encouraged to build skills and broaden your horizons even further.
March 2017 - Launching of the new fully decorated Academic Success Hub
May 2017 - Academic English Course.
June 2017 - Dissertation Day with 2nd years transitioning into the 3rd year.
September 2017 - An induction session with new students.
