Student Learning Development

Writing Advice for International UG and PGT Students

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught international students from all colleges can make an appointment or attend one of our classes to talk about anything related to their academic development, skills, and writing.  

We can advise on understanding and developing in the academic context at the University of Glasgow, for example understanding assignment criteria and core concepts like ‘criticality’. We also offer advice and resources on academic skills such as effective reading, presentations, intercultural group work, and academic writing.  

We can advise you on current unmarked work, including helping you in how you: 

  • plan your assignment 
  • research and use your sources 
  • develop your argument 
  • write and edit your work 
  • maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism 

We can advise you within the context of your subject, but we're unable to advise on specific content. Similarly, we will encourage your ability to edit and assess your work and, therefore, cannot offer proof reading. 

We can also advise you on past assignments, and their feedback, to help you to use that feedback to improve your writing. 

Our service is for undergraduate students and postgraduate taught students. Postgraduate research students should contact researcher-development@gla.systa-s.com instead.

 

"I wanted to thank you for the wonderful session; the insights you shared were extremely helpful, especially as I work on structuring my dissertation."

Early Stages Dissertation Writing Classes - PGT Psychology Student, 2025.

"I want to express my big thanks to the courses and services you provide. As an international student from China, who has only science background, I've learned a lot about essay writing skills from all of you! Thank you again!"

Academic Citizenship and Community Workshops - PGT Management Student, 2024.

"your feedback truly helps me in editing the clarity and criticality of my writing"

1:1 Appointment - PGT Management Student, 2024.

"I am delighted to inform you that I received an A4. This achievement would not have been possible without your detailed guidance on how to answer questions appropriately in English. I am very grateful for your assistance and support."

1:1 Appointment - PGT Economics Student, 2024.

"I loved to feel so welcome. Thank you for that, really!"

SLD Provision for International Students - PGT MVLS Student, 2024.

"I attended your dissertation writing classes and I got inspired the way how you teach and explain things."

SLD Provision of International Students - PGT Education Student, 2024.

Classes and Resources

Live Classes (Summer)

Pre-recorded classes and online materials

These classes offer a mix of online materials and resources you can work through at your own pace. Some are classes held in the previous semester. All contain useful resources, including some recordings of past live classes.

Dr Amber Hinde

Amber recently completed a PhD in English Language & Linguistics, with a focus on rhetoric and genre. She has previously supported international students in roles with the International Summer School, International Student Support, and English for Academic Study.  

Prior to working with SLD, Amber was a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Critical Studies. She now coordinates the ‘Power of Language’ module on T2G, the transition course for incoming undergraduate students at the University of Glasgow.  

Dr Mona O'Brien

Mona works with international students from all subject areas in classes, workshops, and individually, supporting their development of effective learning, reading, research and writing practices. Additionally, she works to create and expand SLD's online resources.

Before joining SLD, Mona was a postdoctoral researcher at the Herzog August Bibliothek, Wolfenbüttel (2021) and a Graduate Teaching Assistant in History, Information Studies, Comparative Literature and German Culture at the University of Glasgow (2018-2021). She has a PhD in History from the University of Glasgow (2019).

Teaching requests

To find out what teaching she can offer on your course, please email Mona.