Student Learning

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, the University of Cumbria, the University of Limerick and the University of Toronto, the University of Leeds, University of Leicester and the University of North Carolina.

Essentials of Academic Writing

• Key Principles of Academic Writing Infographic
• Key Principles of Academic Writing Infographic (accessible version)
• Paragraphing (Queens University Belfast)
• Paragraph Structure
• Structuring Sentences (Queens University Belfast)
• Academic Language (University of Manchester)
• The Passive Voice (University of Toronto)
• Signposting (Queens University Belfast)
• Key Transitional Words (The University of Auckland)
• Using Quotations (University of Toronto)
• Paraphrasing e-tutorial
• Paraphrasing and Summarising (University of Toronto)

Essays

• How to Write an Essay
• Assignment Writing Steps
• Analyse the Question
• Key Essay Verbs (University of Kent)
• Essay Template
• Introductions and Conclusions (Queens University Belfast)
• Revising and Editing (University of Toronto)
• Assignment Planner

Literature Reviews

Report Writing

• Scientific Report Template

Writing for the Sciences

• Scientific Writing Infographic
• Scientific Writing Infographic (accessible version)

Writing for Law Students

• A guide to answering problem questions (University of Limerick)
• A guide to answering law essay questions (University of Limerick)

Critical Writing

• Critical Thinking and Writing Resources (University of Leeds)
• Critical Writing example (University of Cumbria)
• Critical Thinking model (Learn Higher)

Reflective Writing

• Reflective Writing guidelines (University of Portsmouth)

Book Reviews

• Book Reviews (University of Toronto)

Annotated Bibliography

• Annotated Bibliography (University of Leeds)

Referencing

• DCU Library Citing and Referencing

Writing Feedback

• 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. introductions, conclusions, essay flow or editing.
• For advice on how to improve writing to move up a grade.

What should I bring?

• 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.

• "The best one to one teaching ever received."

• "Brilliant I went in feeling lost and left feeling so positive. Invaluable advice and (the tutor was) so nice."

• "I found the "virtual" option extremely handy as I am working full time and studying part time and would struggle to get into DCU for a face to face appointment. The advice given was excellent and I left feeling much more positive and enabled to write my assignment"
• "I feel that my approach to writing has improved dramatically. I came out with a new and improved perspective."

What staff have to say:

"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

Pádraig Bolger - specialist in science

Ellen Howley - specialist in arts and humanities

Arabelle Cassedy - specialist in science

Paula Lehane - specialist in education and social sciences

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

Dr Alicia Menendez Tarrazo (Student Learning Officer) - specialist in arts and humanities

• 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.
• Check the online calendar to get the latest updates on availability. Appointment slots open 7 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 60 mins in duration. If students are attending in small groups (max 4 people) they must book for 60 mins.
• 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 well in advance if you cannot attend. Students who repeatedly book and cancel appointments at the last minute will lose booking privileges.
• We advise students to make no more than 1 appointment per week and five per semester (maximum 3 hours total). This is to keep the limited number of appointments open to as many students as possible.

You Can Book Me is an online calendar service which allows you to book an appointment using a self-service option. This service is optional. You can also book an appointment by contacting our service directly at: student.learning@dcu.ie

By using the online calendar service, you are consenting to You Can Book Me processing your personal data on behalf of DCU Student Support & Development (a unit within Dublin City University, which is the local Data Controller). Personal data that you submit to DCU Student Support & Development using You Can Book Me will be used only in conjunction with using this online calendar service. 

The categories of personal data processed by You Can Book Me are: name; email address; student number; mobile phone number; summary of your query. Personal data which is processed by You Can Book Me is processed in the United States, subject to binding terms and conditions which comply with EU legal requirements (GDPR). Personal data will be held until the end of the academic year and will then be disposed of in line with the DCU Data Protection Policy. 

If you have any questions in relation to your personal data, you may contact the DCU Data Protection Officer, Mr Martin Ward, Office of the Chief Operations Officer. Tel: 01-7005118 / 7005217 or email: data.protection@dcu.ie

For further information, please visit:

DCU Data Protection Unit

DCU Privacy Policy

If you wish to lodge a complaint to the Data Protection Commission, please visit dataprotection.ie