Navigating university life can be challenging, but there are a range of academic support services for you here at King's. Whether you're a new student adjusting to university studies or a current student seeking specific assistance, there are a variety of resources and support to enhance your academic experience.
King’s Academy
King's Academy has developed the Academic Skills for Learning online resource, featuring various activities and services designed to bolster your academic skills. You also can access one-on-one sessions with academic skills tutors to receive personalised guidance. If you’re a new student you can also take a look at the Starting your Studies at King’s resource, which is tailored to prepare you for academic success at university.
Personal Tutors
Your personal tutor is a key figure in your academic journey, offering support for both your academic progress and overall well-being. They can help you make the most of your time at university by providing general guidance on academic practice and assisting with understanding feedback. New students can utilise the. Student services has lots of information on how your personal tutor will help you, including what they do, and how you can talk with them.
Module Leaders and Lecturers
For assignment-specific support, your module leaders and lecturers are available during dedicated office hours. Contact details for academic staff can be found in your course handbook or on the faculties and departments webpage. Additionally, the Faculty Student Hubs article provides a comprehensive list of key academic contacts.
Mitigating Circumstances
If unforeseen circumstances impact your studies, you may be eligible to apply for mitigating circumstances. This process ensures that your academic performance is fairly assessed, taking into account any extenuating situations. More details are available in the article What are Mitigating Circumstances? on Student Services Online, or take a look at the KCLSU advice pages for how the Advice team can support you with mitigating circumstances.
KCLSU Advice
KCLSU’s Advice team offers *free and confidential support through KCLSU Advice. This independent service provides non-judgmental and straightforward guidance on academic and personal issues. KCLSU Advice can assist with appeals, misconduct procedures, and mitigating circumstances.
Free and Confidential Support
First and foremost, KCLSU Advice operates under the principles of accessibility and confidentiality. No matter your circumstance, seeking support from KCLSU Advice is always free. Moreover, anything you say will remain confidential, with no disclosure to external parties without your consent, except in emergencies outlined within the confidentiality agreement.
Independent and Impartial
KCLSU Advice has independence from King’s College London, ensuring that the advice offered is unbiased and solely focused on your welfare. Whether you're grappling with academic issues or personal challenges, KCLSU Advice provides neutral guidance, empowering you to make informed decisions that best serve your interests.
Non-judgemental and Straightforward Guidance
The Advice team are here for you as a non-judgemental support system, ready to listen to your concerns without prejudice. Regardless of your circumstances, you'll receive respectful and dignified support, reflecting KCLSU's commitment to equality and diversity. Any advice you receive is presented in a clear and straightforward manner, ensuring accessibility for all students.
If you believe your assessment was significantly impacted by mitigating circumstances or administrative errors, KCLSU Advice can guide you through the appeals process.
If you are facing allegations of academic misconduct or fitness to practice concerns, KCLSU Advice offers support and representation, helping you navigate complex procedures that can feel daunting and overwhelming to face alone.
In instances of unforeseen events affecting your academic performance, KCLSU Advice can support you in submitting requests for mitigating circumstances, ensuring that your circumstances are considered by the university.
Advice, support and guidance tailored especially for Postgraduate Research students.
Our advice team is here to support you through every twist and turn, offering free, confidential, and impartial assistance tailored to your needs. Read more about other services offered by the Advice team here.
Students with Specific Learning Differences, Medical Conditions and Disabilities
King’s has a Disability Support team of specialist advisers, who offer information, advice, and guidance to both prospective and current students, who have a long-term medical or mental health condition, Specific learning differences (SpLD’s) or other impairments that impact learning. They offer a variety of different support services including on academic support for learning and assessment. You can read more about disability support at King’s here.
Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA)
The university offers Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) to ensure that students with diagnosed Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) or medical conditions have an equal opportunity during assessments. PAAs can include additional time during exams, the use of computers for written exams, and coversheets to inform examiners of specific learning disabilities. All of the guidance for Personalised Assessment Arrangements (PAA) is now in the Assessment section of Student Services Online.
Learning Support
For students with SpLDs or other conditions, King's offers individual learning support sessions through Disability Support & Inclusion. These sessions are available to students applying for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), international students, EU students, and those not eligible for DSA. Support includes one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions, and study skills workshops.
To access these services, a referral from a member of Disability Support & Inclusion is required. Find out more information about disability support here.
I need further support
You can book a one-to-one online appointment with one of our Disability Advisors who will be able to support you further. Take a look at our article What student support services are available at King's? for more information on contacting the team.
We hope this guide on academic support has been helpful in showcasing the comprehensive academic support on offer at King’s to help you thrive in your studies. Remember, you are not alone—reach out and make the most of the support offered to enhance your academic experience at King's.