Academic and Learning Support

It is about helping you to take the most out of your studies. PAT services include constructive feedback and advice related to your course work, discussing your aspirations, and directing you to other sources of support within the University. 

Please, do contact us if at any point you feel your studies are not progressing well if you are concerned about your academic achievements, exams, coursework or results. It is important to proactively contact your PAT as early as possible so that we can provide appropriate guidance and support.

We can also help you feel connected to your department, and we can be the first point of contact for questions about your course or any challenges which may affect your studies.

• Advice on keeping up with your studies
• Course and assignment related support
• Scheduled organised tutorials (planned one-to-one or group meetings)
• Ad-hoc tutorials (drop-in sessions) - just come over to our office, on the second floor, to discuss with us :)
• Help to identify personal strengths and interests in relation to future progression and aspiration (e.g. further study).

The University of Sunderland in London is an exam hub for Microsoft Office specialist exams. This means that current students at the university can earn one of the most recognised computing qualifications for demonstrating their skills and abilities in using Microsoft Office applications. Earning this certification could help you to broaden your employment opportunities and increase your ability to use Microsoft Office tools productively and effectively.

Provided by the Digital Learning team, current students have access to comprehensive resources and expert guidance to support them in achieving this certification in either Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel.

The best part is earning these certifications is completely free whilst you’re studying with us.

If you are a current student and ready to start your journey to Microsoft Office Specialist certification, please visit the dedicated SharePoint page to get started.

We do have the capability to offer additional certification exams, including Adobe certified professional. Please reach out to the Digital Learning team to find out more.

Whilst studying with us, if you’d like to access a wide range of extra-curricular learning opportunities the Digital Learning team has you covered.

Canvas Catalog is an online platform hosting online courses that current students can self-enrol on and complete to enhance their knowledge and skills. There are courses on various topics such as organisational skills and productivity, using Microsoft applications, and much more.

Login to view the Canvas Catalog here.

Ran by the Digital Learning team, ACHIEVE Students is a short digital skills programme designed to help students develop the digital skills and knowledge they need to be successful both at university and in future employment.

We usually arrange these programme sessions with Programme Managers and lecturers, and they are delivered as part of timetabled teaching.

If ACHIEVE Students isn’t offered as part of your programme and you would like to explore the possibility of it being included, please speak to your Programme Manager or Student Voice representative.

Our team of trained current students are dedicated to providing peer support and making your digital experience smoother. We are here to assist you with various platforms such as Canvas, MS Teams, Compass, E:vision, SharePoint, and more. Whether you need help with platform navigation, developing your digital skills, or accessing specific features, we’ve got you covered.

As a current student, on our Digital Coaches SharePoint, you’ll find quick links and guides that offer step-by-step instructions for tasks like topping up printing credits, accessing your materials and online classes via Canvas/Teams, activating your LinkedIn Learning account, using Immersive Reader on PowerPoint, Word, Canvas and Outlook, as well as many more valuable tips and tricks from our Digital Coaches. We are here to empower you and ensure that you can make the most of your digital learning journey.

The role of a Digital Coach goes well beyond their role as representatives. They advocate for the technological needs of their classmates, whether that’s increasing training or making the University’s digital environment easier to navigate.

Working with lectures across our campus, they can support with everything from uploading material to using lecture capture to make sure our students don’t miss a moment.

Our Digital Coaches can be located on the Ground floor of the Harbour Exchange 4 building.

You can drop in for one-to-one support on everything from how to access your emails to how to submit an assignment online.