Student Learning

• For guidance on how to structure an assignment at third level.
• For advice on how to research and read effectively for an assignment.
• To discuss difficulties with specific aspects of writing e.g. paragraphing, grammar, sentence structure, flow, introductions or conclusions.
• For advice on how to improve writing to move up a grade.

• Please bring along to the appointment your assignment brief and a draft of your work.
• For repeat assignments, bring along any feedback that you may have received from your tutor.
• The Centre is not a proofreading or editing service but rather works with students to strengthen their abilities as writers and encourages them to become editors of their own work.

Writing Centre team 2018/19 (from left to right): Pádraig, Karina, Ellen, Arabelle, Cillian & Paula.

Padraig Bolger - specialist in science

Karina Curley (Student Learning Officer) - specialist in education and social sciences

Ellen Howley - specialist in humanities and arts

Arabelle Cassedy - specialist in science

Cillian Murphy (Student Learning Officer) - specialist in education and social sciences

Paula Lehane - specialist in education and social sciences

"The guidance on how to start an assignment properly was a great help... it's definitely something I would recommend to all years."

"Very helpful and good tips"

"Brainstorming the essay was a great help. I used to look at an assignment as one clump of words but it's a lot clearer when brainstormed and broken down."

"I feel that my approach to writing has improved dramatically. I came out with a new and improved perspective."

"Honest feedback and great to be able to ask questions to someone so well qualified on essay writing it was really beneficial."

"This academic year I had a number of fails. I provided very direct feedback to students on the failed submission and, for many,  I recommended they attend the Writing Centre for further support. I also ask students to detail in the resubmission, the steps taken to improve their work since the first submission.  A number mentioned attending the writing center. This has made a real difference to their resubmitted work in particular, with writing, citation and referencing improved greatly. I am very impressed with the resubmitted work of those who declared attending this service." - Lecturer from the Faculty of Science & Health

• Appointments can only be scheduled online on both the Glasnevin Campus and St Patrick's Campus as well as Online (via Google Meet) using the links below.
• To make an appointment, go to calendar and click on booking.
• Check the online calendar to get the latest updates on availability. Appointment slots open 10 days in advance.
• You can book either a 30 minute or 60 minute appointment - if you have a detailed query or issue please book a 60 minute appointment. Online sessions must be 1 hour in duration.
• To cancel a booking, click on the cancellation link which you will find at the bottom of your confirmation email.
• Please reschedule or cancel an appointment if you cannot attend.
• We advise students to make no more than 1 appointment per week and five per semester. This is to keep the limited number of appointments open to as many students as possible.

This webpage contains resources for learning developed by DCU Student Learning, and also provides links to resources developed by The University of New England, The University of Auckland, The University of Manchester, Queens University Belfast, Learn Higher, University of Kent and the University of Cumbria.

Essays

• Assignment Writing Workshop slides
• Assignment Writing Workshop video
• How to Write an Essay
• Assignment Writing Steps
• Analyse the Question
• Key Essay Verbs (University of Kent)
• Essay Template
• Introductions and Conclusions
• Paragraphing (Queens University belfast)
• Paragraph Structure
• Structuring Sentences (Queens University Belfast)
• Academic Language (University of Manchester)
• Signposting (Queens University Belfast)
• Key Transitional Words (The University of Auckland)

Literature Reviews

• How To Write a Literature Review Workshop video
• Literature Reviews for the Sciences workshops slides

Report Writing

• Report Writing video (Queens University Belfast)

Writing for the Sciences

• Scientific Writing Workshop Slides
• Scientific Report Template (University of New England)
• Numbers in Academic Writing (University of New England)

Critical Writing

• Critical Writing Workshop Slides
• Critical Writing example (University of Cumbria)
• Critical Thinking model (Learn Higher)

Reflective Writing

• Reflective Writing video (Queens University Belfast)
• Reflective Writing guidelines (University of Portsmouth)

Referencing

• DCU Library Citing and Referencing