Independent Student Learning at the University of Bristol

What can you expect from your programme of study?

The main difference between school or college and university is that on your degree programme you are expected to take responsibility for your own learning. This may require you to re-think your own expectations about the academic experience at university. In any subject, however, you will find that in the first year there is plenty of support available, to guide you in making the transition and to ensure you know how to study independently. If you are a student on a taught postgraduate programme you may already have experienced this transition and be expecting to work quite independently.

In all programmes, there are timetabled classes, where your tutors and lecturers are there to inspire and motivate you, and support your learning. You will also be expected to make the most of a variety of opportunities for independent study, which will vary across subjects.

The balance of timetabled classes and independent study is likely to change as you progress through your degree programme. In earlier years of undergraduate programmes, there will be more structure; latterly you will be expected to work more and more independently, although of course your tutors will be available to provide support and advice throughout. On postgraduate programmes, the taught part of the programme may be quite structured but your research project will require independent study.

All programmes are designed to give you the intellectual and technical skills you need, both to succeed in your subject and to be well prepared for whatever you choose to do next – different types of job, vocational employment, or further study, including a higher degree.

Are there differences between subjects?

Depending on your subject, you will have more or fewer timetabled classes. In arts, law and social sciences, it is likely that you will have more independent study time than timetabled classes, especially after the first year, because of the need to ‘read around’ your subject (consulting multiple media) and seek out different perspectives on a topic.

Scientists and engineers, on the other hand, are likely to have quite a full timetable of lectures, tutorials and practical work (e.g. laboratories or field work), because succeeding in these subjects is only possible with good practical skills. Practical subjects generally require more formal contact time.

The timetable for the professional programmes in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science is highly structured because of the need, among other things, to ensure that students are exposed to clinical work at different stages of the programme and have to gain many practical skills involving patients or animals.

What is the average undergraduate workload?

Even though there are some structural differences between taught programmes (and excluding the professional degrees), student workloads are based on an average of 40 hours per week student input over a 30-week academic year. This is the approximate amount of time per week we think an average student needs to work to be successful in his or her programme. The average workload is linked to the University’s credit points system, where ten credits are equivalent to 100 hours of student input (which includes timetabled classes, independent study, and all types of assessment).

Each faculty has developed a workload statement. Typically, these statements provide a general overview of your responsibilities as a student, i.e. what the faculty expects from you as an independent and self-motivated learner. They also cover what you can expect by way of structure and support for your learning. The University takes seriously its responsibility to provide adequate academic and pastoral support for students, so if you have a problem of any kind, please tell your personal tutor (or whoever has the equivalent role in your department) as soon as possible.

How can you get the most from your academic programme?

The more effort you put into succeeding, the greater are your chances of doing well. One of the questions students often ask is: “How can I get a first?”. While there are many responses to this, one of the best ways you can improve your academic performance is to take the initiative. Use the different sources and media available to look for extra information on different topics and to stimulate your thinking; make an effort to explore topics independently and go and search out more information to broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding. To summarise, develop your intellectual curiosity. This helps you to enjoy your time here too.

What does it mean to learn in a research-intensive university?

Studying in a university like Bristol means you will be introduced to the most exciting research developments in your subject and will experience the process of research through undertaking some kind of project, normally in your final year if you are an undergraduate. Learning at Bristol is supported by a range of academic staff, including inspirational, internationally recognised professors who are experts in their subject and often inspirational, experienced academic staff who are research active and bring recent research to their teaching, and postgraduate researchers who are just embarking on their academic careers and who will have a good understanding of your experience, having recently graduated themselves.

All those supporting your learning, including library and IT staff and technicians, have a different and equally valuable role to play. You will find you learn much from those you are learning with. Take the opportunity to learn from everyone you encounter while studying here at Bristol.