Kingston University London

Classes

Lectures are supported by:

• smaller tutorial groups and seminars;
• practical sessions (computer work, fieldwork and laboratory work); and
• work-based projects so you learn workspace skills, plus how to work alone and in a team.

These varied teaching methods help to reinforce your understanding.  The interactive element and group work makes learning fun, interesting and easier.  You're not only hearing different views, but also taking part and discussing how to apply what’s being taught. 

The smaller tutorial and seminar groups ensure that you can get your tutor’s individual attention, whilst the fieldwork brings the subject to life. There is a lot of interactivity in the teaching and we encourage you to put your thoughts and ideas forward.  

Whatever the teaching format, Kingston’s GIS staff are committed to supporting students, which consistently comes up as one of the main features of the course in student surveys. 

Additional academic support

Tutors
Tutors have set office hours so it’s easy to get one-to-one help and support if required.  When you join the course, we assign you a personal tutor to help you throughout your time at the University. 

In addition, you can turn to individual module leaders or the overall course leaders. There are plenty of opportunities to get support throughout your studies and GIS lecturers also operate a policy of responding to email enquiries within a 24-hour period (and often sooner!).

Student Support Officer
The Student Support Officers provide an extra point of contact if you want to discuss or review your progress. 

You can go to the Support Officers with any issue that you feel is preventing you from achieving your full potential.  They will help you to find the cause and devise an action plan.  You can also speak to a Student Support Officer if you simply have a question and don’t know who else to ask. 

Peer Assisted Learning
We support a scheme called PAL (Peer Assisted Learning).  This is where trained Level 3 students run support sessions that can be attended by first years.  It enables you to discuss any problems you’re facing with someone close to your own age who may have recently overcome the same thing.

Web-based support

StudySpace
StudySpace is a web-based learning management system that provides access to a host of information and material to assist with your studies.

StudySpace is used as the main mechanism to deliver support materials on the GIS course, including:

• subject guides;
• lecture notes;
• presentations;
• podcasts of lectures and video clips;
• online assessment and feedback; and
• links to valuable resources and other datasets.

Other useful features are online discussion forums (bulletin boards), a virtual classroom and a drop box (for online submission of coursework), all of which are used routinely in GIS modules. One of the main benefits of Blackboard is that it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on any computer with an internet connection, which means you always have access to your course materials.

StudentSpace
StudentSpace is the University’s comprehensive, user-friendly intranet site, providing you with everything you need to know about student life. 

You'll find the following sections: "Money"; "Your studies"; "Get support"; "Get around"; "Kingston life"; "Your Uni"; "Accommodation"; and "International" with information ranging from what nightclubs you can find in Kingston, to library services on offer, to what sports facilities you'll have access to.

StudentSpace will help you get your bearings in your first few weeks at Kingston and keep you plugged into the University community throughout your time here.