Oxford Lifelong Learning offers a wide range of academic support to help you succeed throughout your studies. Whether you are returning to education after a break or balancing study with work and personal commitments, you can access guidance on study skills, academic writing, research, assessments and online learning tools. You can also benefit from library resources, tutor and supervisor support, and specialist guidance for postgraduate research and ethics approval. This page outlines the academic resources, procedures and support available to help you develop confidence, progress successfully and make the most of your learning experience at Oxford.
Study support and resources
Study skills
If you are new to higher education or have not studied for some time, you may feel worried about writing an assignment, taking an exam or juggling study, family and work commitments. Whatever your study needs, we hope that you will take advantage of the support and guidance provided:
- University study skills: advice on academic good practice and approaches to study.
- Oxford Lifelong Learning Study Skills Programme: offers a wide choice of workshops to help you manage study effectively.
- Postgraduate training and event programme (from the Graduate School): sessions primarily for DPhil students but useful for other postgraduate learners.
- Plagiarism awareness site: useful resources for Oxford students.
- Online plagiarism course: recommended before your first assessed work.
- Assistive Technology Guides: tools and strategies for academic productivity.
Libraries
- Students on award-bearing courses can access all University Bodleian Libraries, including the Oxford Lifelong Learning Library. You will also find a range of services to support your study.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Most courses use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for online access to course materials, discussion forums, and course information.
Graduate Supervision Reporting (GSR)
The GSR system supports regular review of your academic progress. You can access it via Student Self-Service to complete self-assessments and review supervisor feedback.
Attendance and participation
Full engagement with your course enhances both your own learning and that of others. Minimum expectations are outlined in your Course Handbook.
If you experience difficulties with attendance
If you are struggling, speak to your tutor or Course Director as early as possible. They can advise based on your individual circumstances.
Procedures for particular situations
Mitigating circumstances
If serious issues affect your performance, you may submit a notice via Student Self Service. See also Sitting your examinations.
Suspension of status
Suspension allows you to pause your studies temporarily due to personal, work, or health reasons.
Further details:
Extension of time (postgraduate)
In exceptional cases, extensions may be granted. See Submission date and extension of time.
Seeking ethical approval
All research involving human participants must undergo ethical review. See the policy on ethical conduct.
Research ethics resources
For enquiries, email: researchethics@conted.ox.ac.uk
