Academic Consultations
International students who do not have English as a first Language can receive help with written coursework for your academic programme through One-to-One consultations. These are friendly and supportive 30 minutes consultations, and are held throughout the year, including the summer vacation.
A consultation is not a proof-reading service
The purpose of the consultations is not to correct all the spelling and grammar errors in your writing; Brunel University does not offer such services and we cannot accept any responsibility for any proof reading. If you are worried about making errors in your work we suggest you attend some of our In-sessional courses, which are designed to help you improve your spelling and grammar.
Your consultant might, however, help you to identify and correct examples of certain errors which occur frequently in your writing. This instruction can then be used by you to correct further instances of such errors as you proof read your own work.
What happens in a consultation?
You and your consultant discuss a sample of your writing (up to 1,500 words) for 30 minutes. Through the discussion you can be helped to:
- develop and organise ideas
- write more clearly and accurately
- improve layout and referencing
- identify areas of difficulty with language and possible solutions
Discussions at the early stages of writing an assignment/dissertation/thesis tend to be focused on the development and organisation of ideas along with making it easier for a reader to follow your ideas. Later the focus usually shifts to how language errors can be reduced.
How many consultations can I have and when can I have them?
How many consultations you can book depends on levels of demand, especially during very busy periods, such as just before assignment deadlines. Do not start your assignment too late.
You can have a MAXIMUM of:
- six hours worth of consultations in a single time period;
- two consultations in a week.
Consultations run during each time period below:
- 15 April 2013 to 13 September 2013
The benefits
By discussing your writing with a consultant, you will become more aware of its strengths and weaknesses and you might have new ideas. This will help you to be a more confident writer and can reduce some of the stress that you might be experiencing.
How to make the most of a consultation
Make sure to upload a copy of your writing at the same time as you book an appointment. This enables the consultant to prepare for your appointment by reading through your work and identifying areas for development beforehand. Try to make an appointment at leat 48 hours in advance so the consultant can prepare properly..
Other ways of maximising the value of your consultation include bringing plans or outlines of what you intend to write. Instructions and feedback that have been provided by the lecturer responsible for the work being discussed are also very helpful.
Where is room 312?
Most consultations take place in room 312 (a,b or c) in the Lecture Centre, If you have not visited these rooms before you should ensure you know where they are before your consultation . The easiest way to get to these rooms is to enter the Lecture Centre through the main entrance, then take the corridor on the left all the way to the end, where you will find a lift. Take the lift to the third floor, and you will exit next to room 312.
How to book
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A CONSULTATION - Please bring a paper copy of your work you want to discuss.
(log in use your standard Brunel username and password - you do not need to add "academic/" at the beginning.)
If you have trouble booking
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Read our step by step instructions
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Make sure your browser accepts cookies.
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If you still cannot access the system please email bicbs@brunel.ac.uk. We cannot make apointments via this email address.
