Academic writing tutorial service
The University Language Centre offers international students a one-to-one tutorial service to support them in their written academic work. Home students may also be referred for an appointment if they are experiencing particular difficulties.
Each academic writing tutorial is based around a sample of the student's own writing - submitted at the time of making the appointment - allowing the tutor's advice to be tailored to the student's specific needs. Feedback will focus on areas such as structure, referencing and appropriate use of English.
The academic writing tutorial service is available during term-time throughout the academic session. Tutorials last for up to one hour and students are restricted to one tutorial per semester.
This service is free of charge to students.
Please note that this is not a proof-reading or correction service and that the University Language Centre does not provide such a service.
How has this service helped students to develop their writing?
We receive positive feedback from students who have used this service during their studies at Manchester.
Below are some comments from students who have used this service and have found the feedback from an experienced language tutor beneficial to their personal academic needs;
“The session was a huge turn around for me. I not only gained better understanding of how to construct paragraphs, sentences and the correct use of grammar but also had better understanding of the use of punctuation as well as good referencing. The session renewed my confidence. “ Law student - March 2011
“I particularly liked the tutor's approach. The in depth discussion of my work exceeded my original expectation when I, encouraged by Rachel Sinnott, requested a one-to-one appointment with the University Language Centre. The practical advice and guidance I was given to use available resources online are assets that I will use actively during my studies at Manchester.” Medical student - November 2010
How does the academic writing tutorial service operate?
- Submit a sample piece of your writing by email (see below). This can be a recent piece of coursework or any other piece of your academic work in any stage of its preparation. It must be no more than 1,500 words in length but if it is, please indicate clearly which portion you wish to have considered. If you exceed the word count, this may delay your appointment booking.
- Please bear in mind that we require at least one week's notice* of each tutorial appointment so allow yourself plenty of time if you are working to a submission deadline. Please also be aware that the notice period may be a little longer, particularly during busy periods when there is high demand from students.
- You will receive an email offering you a choice of appointment times. At this point, you will be asked for information about your academic career. Your choice of appointment time will not be confirmed until we have received this information.
- When an appointment time is agreed, you will receive confirmation by email.
- If you find that you have to cancel your appointment, please let us know immediately so that the appointment slot can be allocated to another student. Any failure to attend an appointment without informing us may result in your being denied a tutorial opportunity in the future.
Where will I have my tutorial?
Subject to availability, you have the option of being seen in Sackville Street Building or the Samuel Alexander Building, whichever is most convenient for you. You will be told where your tutor will meet you when your appointment is confirmed.
Can I book more than one appointment?
Normally, we advise that one appointment per term can be offered (a total of 3 across the academic year). However, if you attend an appointment and either your tutor recommends a follow up appointment, or you feel you need further support, you should contact Rachel Sinnott in the first instance to check availbility (contact details below). Please note that priority will always be given to those students who have not yet used this service.
How do I book an appointment?
Please note that this service will resume again week beginning 16 April 2012 and will run up until 22 June 2012. Requests can be made at any time, but remember that you must submit a sample piece of your academic writing* when you make a request.
*It does not matter if you sample piece of writing is incomplete. You are also strongly advised to make an appointment as early as possible, and not to wait until you have an important deadline - we are unable to guarantee an appointment for any requests made later in the term.
PLEASE QUOTE YOUR FULL NAME AND STUDENT ID NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE.
If you have any queries regarding the service, please contact Rachel Sinnott on 0161 275 3426 or email insessional@manchester.ac.uk .
- FAQs - academic writing tutorial service (, 46 KB)