Academic skills

Resources, strategies and support to help you thrive in your studies.

Personalise
Students talking in front of bookcases in the UNSW law laibrary.

Unlock your full academic potential

Want to get the most out of your studies? Explore a range of UNSW resources, including one-on-one appointments, engaging workshops, and self-paced improvement modules. Get the support you need to succeed.

Academic skills toolkit

Browse our library of resources on academic skills from reflective writing to referencing.

Academic integrity and plagiarism

Safeguarding your academic integrity by understanding and avoiding common forms of plagiarism.

Workshops and courses

Get practical and engaging instruction on a range of academic skills topics.

mySkillSearch

Rate your confidence with writing, speaking, reading and listening skills in mySkillSearch, then use a personalised map of valuable resources to help you enhance any of these skills.
 

Academic Confidence Essentials (ACE) workshop

ACE your studies with 20-minute modules on academic skills, including critical thinking and writing skills. Master all the traits needed to score well in your assessments.

Book an Academic Skills One-to-One

Need help improving your writing, or tackling tricky assignments?

Book here for expert advice on improving your work. An Academic Learning Facilitator will give you constructive feedback on academic skills from essay writing to time management, literature reviews and beyond.

Please note that consults have closed for the term and will resume in Term 1 2026.

  • During your session, you’ll meet with an Academic Learning Facilitator (ALF) to explore strategies tailored to your studies.You might:

    • review a draft together
    • clarify the purpose or structure of an assignment
    • discuss approaches to academic communication. 

    No matter the focus of your one-to-one consultation, you’ll receive constructive support to help you build confidence and strengthen your academic skills.

  • We cannot:

    • correct or check grammar and spelling
    • proof-read or edit theses 
    • estimate the final grade of an assignment. That depends on your marker.
    • offer subject tutoring. Take questions about content to your lecturer or tutor.
    • advise you about content for your assignment. While we can sometimes act as 'sounding boards' for your ideas, we focus on skills and structure.
    • advise on resumes or cover letters. Visit UNSW Employability for expert advice.
    • help with correspondence or applications. Ask a friend for some feedback instead.
    • offer individual sessions on exams. They should be completed by you only.

Please note: You may book up to three consultations per term, with a maximum of one consultation per week. 

Please note that all on campus drop-ins have closed for the term and will resume in Term 1 2026.

📍 Location
Room 217, Ground Floor, UNSW Library

Meet with an Academic Learning Facilitator (ALF) on campus. Please note that consults have closed for the term and will resume in Term 1 2026.

⚠️ Important note
Once you have booked, please monitor your email for instructions on how to join your consultation online.

It doesn't matter where you are studying, we've got you covered. Our appointments are available to all students no matter where you are physically located. Please note that consults have closed for the term and will resume in Term 1 2026.

If you are interested, please send an email to 
academicskills@unsw.edu.au 
with the date and time of your appointment.

One-to-Ones for Faculty of Art and Design students are available on Wednesday at Paddington campus as in person consults. Please see below schedule:

Paddington On Campus Consults - Every Wednesday for Term 1
Coursework Consults 10:30am - 11:00am and 11:00am - 11:30am
Thesis Consults 2:00pm - 3:00pm and 3:00pm - 4:00pm

 

Boost your academic performance with AIM

The Academic Improvement Module (AIM) is a self-paced, 1.5-hour online resource designed to help you reflect on your studies and take practical steps toward achieving your academic and career goals.

Discover new learning opportunities and equip yourself with the skills you need to succeed in your studies.

🔑 Student enrolment key: UNSW_AIM

Resource Library

Access all our academic skills and career development programs, activities and resources in Moodle.

Academic Skills offers a range of self-access guides to help you build essential academic and communication skills, including referencing, reading, notetaking, assignment writing, critical thinking, and reflective writing.

🔑 Student enrolment key: ResourceAccess

Resources for you

Your go-to hub for academic writing, referencing, study tips and more.

Contact the UNSW Academic Skills Team

Have questions? Want to book a one-to-one? Contact our team: academicskills@unsw.edu.au