A beginner's guide to classes and learning at university 

One of the biggest differences between school and university is how you learn and study. You probably didn't have lectures and seminars in school. They might sound a bit daunting. But there's no need to worry. Most students have concerns when they start university.

In this article, we explain some of the ways you'll learn at university.

School versus university study

One of the first things you'll notice is that university learning is more self-directed than school. This means that you have more control over when and where you study.

You'll have the opportunity to explore the parts of a subject that interest you, and more time for independent research. Depending on your subject, this might mean you spend some of your time in the library, lab, or studio.

Regardless of what you study, you will have more freedom around how you spend your time compared to school. You'll need to be self-motivated to meet the deadlines.

Lectures

Most courses include lectures by academics. They may be staff from the university or guest lecturers who are experts in a field relevant to your studies.

Lectures are normally given in larger type learning spaces. Generally these are presentations rather than a situation where you ask questions or engage in discussion. You'll probably find that it helps to take notes during lectures.

Seminars and tutorials

The terms seminar and tutorial are often used interchangeably. These often involve learning in small groups. They happen in a classroom-style setting with a session leader, such as a course tutor.

Students are often asked to present on a topic followed by questions and discussion. You will normally need to read material before attending and come well-prepared.

Seminars and tutorials are a great way to explore topics in more depth. You'll also get to know your fellow students and the academics teaching the course.

Workshops

Some courses may also include practical workshops covering different research methods. These workshops provide hands-on experience. You'll be able to apply the concepts you've learnt in a practical setting.

You'll also find workshops which teach you relevant technical skills. These skills could include programming languages, data analysis tools, or software applications.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an important aspect of some courses. It usually requires dedicated time away from lectures and tutorials. You use this time to do research in a real-world setting.

For science courses, it might involve going to a location to collect samples for research.

If you are studying a course like geography or environmental science, you might have an opportunity to study the physical environment outside.

On social science courses, fieldwork could involve interviewing people for research. This usually tends to happen at postgraduate rather than undergraduate level. 

Whatever your course, fieldwork helps develop your observational and measuring skills. It's also a great opportunity to work as a team with your fellow students.

Assessment

Essays

You're probably very familiar with writing essays from your school years. Essay writing is also key part of many courses at university. Your tutor or course leader will assign you the task of writing an essay on a specific topic. It's an opportunity for you to bring together what you've learned in lectures and combine this with your own research.

This often involves reading books and articles in the library and online. Your essay should then present your findings through a well-structured and persuasive argument.

Exams

You might have timed exams. During these exams, you answer questions about a subject. On some courses, this could look like writing a short essay in response to the questions. On other courses, like maths, you may need to find the solution to a mathematical problem and explain your methods.

Presentations and exhibitions

Being able to talk about your studies and present work is as important as writing about it. Presentations give you the opportunity to do this by focusing on a topic and presenting it on your own or as part of a team.

If you are studying an art course, you might exhibit your work as part of the degree show. This exhibition provides a platform for you to display your artistic creations and share them with a wider audience.

Dissertation and research project

Most courses will have a dissertation or a research project. A dissertation is a piece of extended writing and research. Usually, it will focus on a topic from your studies that you want to explore in depth.

The dissertation lets you show your knowledge, research skills, and critical thinking abilities. It's a project that needs careful planning, organisation, and analysis of your topic.

Your tutor will guide you and provide feedback and support.