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Be prepared to study, learn and thrive at university.

 

UniPrep

UniPrep is designed to help you smoothly transition into your new life as an undergraduate student. The six week syllabus will help you develop the key skills that will underpin and optimise your studies and future career.

 

Personal Tuition

I offer mentorship and extra tuition to improve your academic writing, study skills and critical thinking. You can also receive graduate and postgraduate level study support in my specialist areas of sociology, social science and qualitative research.

 The UniPrep Course


UniPrep introduces you to a variety of different learning and teaching methods. You’ll be asked to carry out a variety of small tasks in preparation for each week. These tasks will become the basis for developing your critical thinking abilities.

 

Outcomes

During the course you will be introduced to academic writing, referencing, reading and analysis.

I will help you develop the ability to manage your workload and direct your own learning. We’ll look at ways you can balance your studies, social activities and other draws on your time.

You will also experience the university model of academic teaching, learning, assessment and feedback.

And finally, you’ll be free to ask questions about what university is really like. I aim to address any worries or concerns you may have about this next stage in your life.

Format

Each session lasts for approximately one hour and takes place in an informal setting. The aim is to help you relax and remove any anxieties you may have.

With no more than seven students on the course at any one time, you will have every opportunity to engage, ask questions and get the support or reassurance you need.

Typically, UniPrep runs during the summer break (ahead of the forthcoming academic year) and places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you would like more information, or to register, please contact me.

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Please note: As this is a general preparation course, you will not learn about specific topics from your future degree programme. Your lecturers (who will be experts in your chosen field) will deliver this information. UniPrep focuses on the broad skills that will stand you in good stead for learning at an advanced level.

Your questions answered. Your anxieties alleviated. Your university life prepared.

 

Six-weeks of exploring, considering and preparing for university.

 

Week one

Introduction to university and critical thinking

What is university?

What should I expect during my degree?

How will I be assessed?

What is critical thinking?

Where else can I use critical thinking tools?


Week two

Developing a balanced work ethic

How do effective students work at university?

How will I manage my workload?

Why is finding a balance important for a productive and happy life?


Week three

Reading and writing at degree level

How do you work at university?

What is academic reading?

What is academic writing?

What is referencing and how do I do it?

Will I use academic writing after I leave university?


Week four

Presenting ideas effectively

What is a good presentation?

What should I avoid in presentations?

How do I get over my nerves?

How will presenting help me get a job?


Week five

Exam preparation and using feedback

How do I prepare for an exam?

How do I deconstruct an exam question?

How is feedback provided and what is ‘feedforward’?


Week six

UniPrep graduation day

What are Dr. Matthews’ ‘top tips’?

What are the ‘ten commandments’ every student should follow?

How do I maintain a positive and effective mind-set for university and life?

What do I do if something goes wrong at university?

How does a degree prepare me for life after university?

Concludes with an open and inclusive Q&A session.

Personal Tuition and Mentorship


I’ve been teaching in higher education for over 10 years. Alongside teaching I’m also an external examiner at two universities. This means I have a detailed knowledge of the inner workings of degree programmes. It also puts me in an excellent position to help students improve and refine their general academic writing, study and critical thinking skills.

During my time in higher education I’ve had many challenging but enjoyable experiences helping young people develop their academic abilities.

 

Experienced

As an experienced academic I’ve published widely in various topics connected to the social sciences. I’ve also edited books and worked for academic journals, so I’m familiar with the process of submitting and reviewing work for assessment or publication.

Practical

Thanks to my expertise and practical knowledge gained through my own research, writing and teaching I can provide more subject-specific tuition in my specialist areas. These include sociology, social science and qualitative research techniques and analysis.

Supportive

I connect well with my students; possibly because my own educational journey took a non-traditional path. Nor do I fit the conventional university lecturer stereotype. As a result, I appreciate the struggles that young people can have trying to develop academic skills while also managing life at university. This is why I’m happy to offer advice and ongoing mentorship to emerging graduates.

The skills I’ve developed during my career, and rapport I’m able to have with students, make me a good personal tutor and mentor. But more importantly, I enjoy helping individuals positively progress in the direction they want to.

The UniPrep Course

£150

Be prepared and smoothly transition into your new life as an undergraduate student. UniPrep will help you develop the key general skills that will underpin your studies and future career.

Personal Tuition

£50 per hour

Get extra tuition to improve your academic writing, study and critical thinking skills. I can also provide degree-level study support in my specialist areas of sociology, social science and qualitative research.

Mentorship

Free

Discover what it takes to get the most out of doing a degree, or develop academically to find structure, balance and strategic direction.

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Who’s Behind UniPrep?

I’m Dr. Christopher R. Matthews and I’ve been teaching in higher education for over 10 years.

I’ve managed, designed and validated degree programmes as well as consulted on the delivery, organisation and content for degrees at various universities.

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