Writing and Study Resources
Our online study skills resources are available 24/7
Click on the tabs below to find bespoke resources on the key academic skills you need to succeed at university. Where support is not provided by our service, we have included links to the relevant services within DCU.
All of these tools and more are available on the DEVELOP Loop page.
Discover Note Taking and Effective Reading
Discover Note Taking and Effective Reading is a short interactive course that will help you make the most of your lectures and readings. Topics include:
- Note taking tips
- Effective reading strategies
First-year students: Please click here to access this course on MyDCU.
Returning students: Please click here to access this course on DEVELOP.
Lifestyle balance
Watch this video on lifestyle balance created by the Occupational Therapists within the Disability and Learning Support Service (8 min 37 sec, subtitles available).
Discover Groupwork is a short interactive course that provides practical tips on working with others. Topics include:
- Building good group relations
- Focusing your work plan
- Making the most of technology
- Solving problems if they should arise
First-year students: Please click here to access this course on MyDCU.
Returning students: Please click here to access this course on DEVELOP.
Discover Presentations is a short interactive course that provides practical tips on delivering effective, confident presentations at third level and beyond. Topics include:
- Planning your content and structure
- Preparing your materials
- Practising your delivery
- Performing on the day
Discover Assessment Success is a short interactive course on effective learning strategies and optimal exam performance. Topics include:
- Preparation for study
- Active learning strategies
- Exam performance
- Feedback
First-year students: Please click here to access this course on MyDCU.
Returning students: Please click here to access this course on DEVELOP.
Discover Assignment Writing
Discover Assignment Writing is a short interactive course on how to write a clear and focused academic paper. Topics include:
- Key features of academic writing
- Introduction to citing and referencing
- Writing assignments within different disciplines
- Using feedback and accessing supports
First-year students: Please click here to access this course on MyDCU.
Returning students: Please click here to access this course on DEVELOP.
We provide further Academic Writing support at the Writing Centre. You can visit the Writing Centre website to access our in-depth writing resources, including how-to videos, interactive courses, and detailed infographics. We also provide writing workshops and individual support.
Discover Critical Thinking and Writing
Discover Critical Thinking and Writing is a short interactive course that will help you develop your critical thinking and writing skills. Topics include:
- What is critical thinking?
- Becoming a critical thinker: starter questions
- What is critical writing?
- Tips for writing critically: description, analysis and evaluation
Research Skills support is provided by the DCU Library. You can log on to LETS: Library E-Tutorial for Students, for more in-depth resources on how to locate, evaluate and use information effectively. You can also find specific information for your discipline in the relevant Subject Guide for your area, or contact your Subject Librarian for individual support.
Citing and Referencing support is provided by the DCU Library. Please visit the Library website for resources, including style guides and how-to videos, reference management tools, workshops and individual support.
Support with Mathematics is provided by the Maths Learning Centre.
Digital Skills
The Digital Skills tab on the DEVELOP loop page contains information and resources on digital tools for learning.
Further support with technology is provided by ISS (Information Systems Services).