Details of Academic Support

The learning support we provide is specific to the art and design nature of your learning and can help you develop your independent study skills.

We offer, for example:

• Support with written work, annotating sketchbooks and presentations
• Regular support sessions for students with dyslexia and other SpLDs/disabilities/conditions
• Mentoring support for students with emotional/social and mental health differences

The team can give specialist advice and support if you have, dyslexia or another SpLD/disability/condition.

We offer, for example, support with:

• Interpreting briefs
• Written work and presentations
• Group work
• Reading and making notes
• Citing and referencing

We can also help keep your studies on track by helping to:

• Improve your organisation and time management skills
• Develop your critical thinking
• Reduce stress at potentially busier times of the academic year (e.g. around assessment deadlines)

We do this by providing:

• Support sessions with a study skills tutor
• Online academic support materials available on eStudio

The Academic Support team can give specialist advice and support if you have, or think you might have, dyslexia or another SpLD/disability/condition.
We offer, for example, support with:

• Interpreting briefs
• Written work and presentations
• Group work
• Reading and making notes
• Citing and referencing

We can also help keep your studies on track by helping to:

• Improve your organisation and time management skills
• Develop your critical thinking
• Reduce stress at academic pinch points

We do this by providing:

• Information, advice and guidance on applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), funded 1:1 study skills and/or specialist mentoring support
• Interim 1:1 study skills and/or specialist mentoring support for students who are have received a diagnosis but are waiting for DSA-funded support to be put in place.
• 1:1 study skills and/or specialist mentoring support for students who are not eligible to apply for DSA-funded support for a number of specific reasons (e.g. international students)
• Online academic support materials, available on eStudio
• Bookable group workshops on academic writing
• Shorter general study skills sessions, which are available for all undergraduate students on a limited number per academic year basis.

If you declared your dyslexia/SpLD/disability/condition on your application form our team will be in touch to let you know more about the support we offer. In advance of commencing your studies with us, you will be invited to attend a meeting with a member of our team to discuss your support at University and be given advice and guidance about the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), including eligibility and how to apply.

If you have already been allocated DSA support - we can help you set up your 1:1 meetings.

If you haven’t applied for DSA yet, but are eligible, we can provide interim support with our specialist staff. Please don’t worry – we get in touch with all students who tell us that they need support to work out what kind of support will suit you best and arrange reasonable adjustments to be put in place, if they are needed.

For further details, please contact our Academic Support Coordinator, Lydia Beddall, at lydia.beddall@leeds-art.ac.uk.

We provide:

• Confidential and informal discussions about dyslexia and other SpLD/disabilities/conditions
• Initial screening to identify indicators of dyslexia for all incoming Level 4 students
• If appropriate, signposting and help arranging a full diagnostic assessment
• Support applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)

Funding:

Leeds Arts University supports eligible students with funding for the diagnostic assessment. We ask students for a contribution of £100 towards the diagnostic assessment cost.

DSA provides extra help for students who have a disability, mental health condition or specific learning difference (SpLD) like dyslexia.

You can find out more, and watch a video, about how and when to apply at the following webpage: www.ucas.com/finance/additional-funding/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

Don’t worry! Our team are here to help you with this process, including:

• Guidance on whether you are eligible
• Support making your application
• Advice on providing the required evidence
• Assistance arranging your Needs Assessment
• Supporting you through the DSA process
• Answering questions you may have

Leeds Arts University has a specialist EAL tutor who can provide English language classes and support with your study skills development. This includes support with the planning and structure of written work, use of academic language and time management skills.

For further information please contact Robert Hutchinson at robert.hutchinson@leeds-art.ac.uk.