Our students are from all over the world, and bring a wide range of professional knowledge and expertise to enhance the experience of everyone on the programme. As with all transitions in life, applying to and studying at a university can be both exciting and challenging – whether it is your first time at a university or you are returning to higher education. While you study with us you will be supported by the programme team, and have access to additional support and resources from across the University.Once you enrol on the programme, you are also encouraged to contact your course tutors with any academic questions via the course discussion boards or via email. The student support officer and the Information Services Helpline can also assist with technical support.University can be busy and stressful at times, this can in turn cause our state of wellbeing to fluctuate. We all have strategies for coping with ups and downs in life and it is important to continue using and revising these skills, to help support and maintain your wellbeing which is crucial to allow you to experience a positive and happy university journey.There are many support services and opportunities for students to get in touch about areas they might be struggling with. To learn more about your options as a student with us, please visit our webpage for postgraduate students.Link to Postgraduate Students webpageLink to more information on how we support youTechnical SupportEven though this is an on campus programme, you will be accessing materials, discussion boards and a range of tools via the Internet. The programme team and the University’s Information Services (IS) department provide learning support and we provide guidance and training for the tools we use. Our systems are designed to be easy to use, and we incorporate familiarisation training into the programme induction.Information Services has help sections on the University’s portal (MyEd), secure access login page (EASE), the Virtual Learning Environment (Learn) and digital library access.Support information Information Services Helpline contact details and opening hours You will also have access to self-directed learning opportunities to develop your information and computer skills to help you study more effectively.Information Services Skills DevelopmentWe expect that students will take responsibility for ensuring they are able to access to the programme, for making back-ups of their work and organising alternative access if required. Further support for students Postgraduate eventsSee more information and register for our university mailing list to be kept up to date about our postgraduate eventsStudent lifeIn Edinburgh, there are lots of ways in which you can take part in student life and enjoy being part of our community.See the Student life website for a taste of what is on offer to our students. Welcome weekWe organise many welcome events for when you join our university and our programme of study. Explore the range of resources, communities and information before you join us. Find out more information for new students Library resourcesAt Edinburgh you will have access to vast and diverse library collections, excellent study spaces, and award-winning library staff.Learn more about using our library and the rich learning materials you will have access to Institute of Academic Development (IAD)The IAD helps and supports postgraduate students to succeed in their studies through delivery of online study skills workshops, self-study learning resources and general study advice. They also provide support, advice and tools to help with career development. Our programme works with the IAD to ensure maximum use of resources and the organisation of bespoke training tailored to student needs.Find out more about IAD DataFest - Festival of Data InnovationDataFest showcases Scotland’s leading role in data science and artificial intelligence on the international stage, while offering an unprecedented networking platform where you can interact with local and international talent, industry, academia and data enthusiasts. Get involved and join the DataFest community. Platform OneFeeling part of a community is really important to everyone at the University of Edinburgh.Platform One is a meeting place, a community place and a discussion place. It is where the University of Edinburgh students, staff, alumni and volunteers can gather, inspire, support, encourage and share. Join our community and contribute to a university wide network. Mental health and wellbeingStudent wellbeing is a priority and whilst you study with us you will be able to access many resources to help you with your mental health and wellbeing. There are plenty of resources within our School and the University to provide support for students. Find out more about how we support mental health and wellbeingPostgraduate students: The Wellbeing Thesis The Wellbeing Thesis is an online resource for postgraduate research students, supporting their wellbeing, learning and research. It includes advice, media resources and downloadable action plans. It is designed to support students through every stage of their postgraduate student journey. Student AdvisorOur current students can also contact our Student Advisor if they have questions about study interruptions, special circumstances, extensions advice and application guidance, or need support for mental and physical wellbeing and registering with the Disability and Learning support service. You will be connected to our Student Advisor once you've matriculated. You can also ask them about short/long term laptop loans, registering with a GP, accommodation, Council Tax exemption and any other advice you need to help facilitate your study with us. Student representationEffective student representation is a vital part of our teaching and learning to enhance the student experience. A programme student representative will be elected and will communicate regularly with teaching programme about any student concerns. A staff student liaison committee (SSLC) will be held each semester to discuss student feedback. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss issues and good practice, but also to review feedback and work with students to monitor and improve the programme delivery and teaching content, as required. The student will set the agenda and chair the SSLC meetings. Find out more about how you can get involved Usher Institute postgraduate e-journal clubThe Usher postgraduate hub is launching a student-led online journal club for all students across all online programmes. The e-journal club will be an opportunity to consider and critique academic studies from a range of different academic disciplines (public health, family medicine, clinical trials, global health and data science). You will be able to access this resource when you become a student on our programme. After you graduateNear the time of your graduation, you will be invited to join the Usher Institute Masters Alumni (UMA) network that seeks to explore a new way of engaging alumni that extends and champions the notion of life-long learning through collaboration between alumni, current students and staff. The UMA network hosts joint student, staff, and alumni events aimed at transferable ‘real world’ skills, such as dissertation publication workshops, soft skills on topics such as defeating imposter syndrome, and more.Link to read more about the UMA network This article was published on 2024-05-13
