Book a tutorial with BASE

We understand that it is not always easy to ask for help. But rest reassured, our service is friendly, supportive and focused on helping you build confidence in your academic skills. Tutorials are a safe space to ask questions, talk through ideas, and develop your work at your own pace. See our FAQs for more information. 

Booking a tutorial is a positive step towards strengthening your academic confidence and performance. We look forward to working with you. 

We welcome all students, researchers and staff. Book your tutorial below:

Book Tutorial

FAQs

• Who are BASE?
• How can we help?
• Who can book a tutorial?
• What happens at a tutorial?
• How can I prepare for my tutorial?
• Can you proofread my work?
• Can you help me with my subject content or assignment answers?
• In which room are face-to-face library tutorials taking place?
• How do I join an online library tutorial?
• How do I cancel my booking?
• No more tutorial slots?
• 24/7 Virtual Enquiry Service
• Drop-in sessions

Who are BASE?

BASE stands for Building Academic Skills and Excellence. We are BCU’s academic skills team. Based in Library & Learning Resources and working within schools, we help you succeed at university by building the skills you need for effective study, research, and assessment.

How can we help?

Our tutors can:

• Look over part of your work and suggest ways to strengthen your academic writing style

• Advise on structuring assignments and using sources and references correctly

• Support you in developing critical analysis and appraisal

• Guide you in effective Library and database searching, and reading techniques

• Advise on mathematical techniques and methods of statistical analysis

• Provide guidance on English language skills for both home and international students

Who can book a tutorial?

Any member of BCU can book a tutorial including students and staff. Tutorials are delivered by our Academic Skills Team.

If you are a member of academic staff or are studying for a PhD, you might also find our Services for Researchers Guide and Services for Staff Guide helpful as they can provide you with further Library services available to you.

What happens at a tutorial?

If your tutorial is in-person or online, we will have a chat with you to find out what you need support with and then we will do our best to help. It might be that we look at some library resources together, or we will read through your work and feedback.  If we can’t answer your question straight away, we will go away and try and find the answer and get back to you via email. If you have booked an email tutorial, we will use that time to look at any work you have sent and then provide feedback via email. An email tutorial is all done through email, so you don’t need to join a meeting. 

How can I prepare for my tutorial?

To make the most of your time, please think in advance about what you would like help with. You could prepare some specific questions (for example, about your structure, argument, or referencing). You may also want to share your assignment brief, your research question, or a section of work for feedback.   

If you can share your work or questions with us in advance, this helps us prepare and give you more focused support. 

Can you proofread my work?

Our aim is to help you develop your own skills and independence therefore, we cannot proofread your work. However, we can provide feedback and help you learn how to improve it yourself.  

Can you help me with my subject content or assignment answers?

We cannot help with subject-specific content or provide answers for your assignment. If you have questions about your module topics, theories, or assignment requirements, please contact your module tutor or module team. 

In which room are face-to-face library tutorials taking place?

The location can vary and we often offer tutorials online. You will receive the instructions to access the tutorial in the booking confirmation email.

How do I join an online library tutorial?

If you book an online tutorial, the tutor will send you a Teams meeting invite, or they will call you at the appointment time. You will find help about MS Team on the IT iCity page.

How do I cancel my booking?

If you are unable to attend, please visit your appointment booking online where you will be able to cancel.

No more tutorial slots?

In case all the tutorial slots are booked up, contact your Academic Skills Manager:

Law & Social Sciences: Amy Bush amy.bush@bcu.ac.uk

Arts: Chloe Smith Chloe.Smith4@bcu.ac.uk

Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering: Samuel Walton samuel.walton@bcu.ac.uk

Business: Harprit Kaur harprit.kaur@bcu.ac.uk

Life and Health Sciences: Tom Richards tom.richards@bcu.ac.uk

Nursing & Midwifery: Grace France grace.france@bcu.ac.uk 

24/7 Virtual Enquiry Service

You’ll find our live chat service on the library help page, where you can speak to a librarian at any time – 24/7, 365 days a year. You’ll also find answers to our frequently asked questions.

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in subject support with a librarian is available at both Curzon and Mary Seacole Libraries, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (subject to availability).